"You Love the Thunder" is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter Jackson Browne from his 1977 live album, Running on Empty, recorded at a concert at Garden State Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey, on September 6, 1977.

[1][2] The lyrics seem to describe the relationship of a musician and a spouse or girlfriend who comes along on tour, keeping with the theme of the Running on Empty album, but they can be read more universally, as well: In his 1978 review of the album, Paul Nelson wrote: "Browne forges a temporary relationship with a kindred spirit, only to realize 'You can dream/But you can never go back the way you came.

"[4] Cash Box said that it has a "moderate pace, good lyrics and a strong hook," as well as "effective" slide guitar and backing vocals.

[5] Ultimate Classic Rock critic Michael Gallucci rated it as Browne's 9th greatest song, saying that it "sympathizes with the wives, girlfriends and groupies who are along for the ride" while the singer is on tour.

[6] Glide critic Lee Zimmerman rated it as one of 10 Jackson Browne songs that should have been a hit, calling it "a respectable rocker sung to a woman who seems prone to provocation and inciting a stormy relationship" although "there’s barely any hint of despair in the delivery given its catchy refrain and spirited set-up.