George Jones – The Race Is On

Introduction to “The Race Is On” by George Jones

Released in 1964, “The Race Is On” wasn’t an immediate chart-topper for Jones. It simmered for a while, finding its place on his album “I Get Lonely in a Hurry”. But what it lacked in initial fanfare, it more than made up for in staying power. This song became a staple of Jones’ live repertoire, a torch song for the lovelorn, and a prime example of his storytelling prowess.

Background

The magic of “The Race Is On” lies in its brilliant use of metaphor. The song doesn’t dwell on the specifics of a broken relationship. Instead, it cleverly compares the protagonist’s emotional turmoil to a horse race.

This extended metaphor is masterfully woven into the lyrics by songwriter Don Rollins. According to some accounts, Rollins penned the song after a day at the races, the sights and sounds sparking the imagery that would perfectly capture the protagonist’s emotional rollercoaster.

But “The Race Is On” wouldn’t be the legend it is without Jones’s inimitable delivery. His voice, rough around the edges and seasoned with experience, perfectly embodies the protagonist’s despair. He aches with every note, his signature vibrato adding a layer of vulnerability that resonates with anyone who’s ever been through a bad breakup.

The song’s instrumentation further amplifies the emotional impact. The steady rhythm section evokes the relentless pace of the race, while the mournful twang of the pedal steel guitar mirrors the protagonist’s pain. It’s a simple arrangement, but one that packs a powerful punch.

“The Race Is On” transcended genre lines. While a country song at its core, it found success on pop and easy listening charts as well. This crossover appeal speaks to the universality of the song’s theme. Heartbreak is a human experience, and Jones, with his raw honesty, lays it bare in this timeless classic.

Video

Lyrics

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

One day I ventured in love
Never once suspectin’
What the final result would be
How I lived in fear of wakin’ up each mornin’
And findin’ that you’re gone from me
There’s ache and pain in my heart
For today was the one I hated to face
Somebody new came up to win her
And I came out in second place

Now the race is on

And here comes pride up the backstretch
Heartaches are goin’ to the inside
My tears are holdin’ back
They’re tryin’ not to fall
My heart’s out of the runnin’
True love’s scratched for another’s sake
The race is on and it looks like heartaches
And the winner loses all