About The Song
Released in 1964, “The Race Is On” stands out in George Jones‘s vast catalogue as a high-energy honky-tonk classic built around a brilliant central metaphor. Written by Don Rollins, the song ingeniously compares the painful spectacle of watching a former love move on to the frantic action of a horse race. This unique concept, coupled with Jones’s spirited performance and a driving musical arrangement, made the song a major #3 country hit and secured its place as one of his most recognized and beloved up-tempo numbers.
While George Jones built much of his legendary status on heart-wrenching ballads, “The Race Is On” proved his remarkable versatility. Songwriter Don Rollins provided him with lyrics that were both inventive and emotionally resonant, offering a completely original way to describe the turmoil of lost love. The song quickly became a fan favorite and served as the title track for Jones’s 1965 album, demonstrating its immediate impact and popularity.
Musically, “The Race Is On” captures the vibrant energy of its central theme. It’s typically delivered as an up-tempo country shuffle or driving honky-tonk number. The arrangement mirrors the excitement and slightly chaotic feel of a horse race, likely featuring lively fiddle runs, twangy electric guitar riffs, a galloping rhythm provided by the bass and drums, and perhaps some spirited piano work. The pace is quick, the energy is high, and the overall sound perfectly complements the lyrical imagery of competition and fast-moving events.
The genius of “The Race Is On” lies in its extended metaphor. Don Rollins masterfully employs the language of the racetrack to articulate the complex emotions of heartbreak and watching a separation unfold publicly. The narrator observes the scene as if calling a race: “The race is on and here comes pride up the backstretch / Heartache’s goin’ to the inside / My tears are holdin’ back…” Each element of the breakup is assigned a racing term – pride, heartache, tears, hope, and ultimately, the former partner moving on with someone new (“And the winner ain’t too far behind”). This clever conceit captures the feeling of events moving quickly, the sense of being caught in a public spectacle, the internal emotional conflict, and the painful realization of being left behind (“My heart’s out of the runnin'”).
George Jones‘s vocal performance is key to making this unusual concept work so effectively. He tackles the up-tempo arrangement with energy and gusto, yet skillfully infuses his delivery with the underlying sense of desperation and pain described in the lyrics. He captures the frantic energy of the “race” while simultaneously conveying the narrator’s heartbreak. Even at a faster pace, his signature vocal style – the slight catches, the nuanced phrasing – adds layers of emotional depth to the clever wordplay.
“The Race Is On” became an enduring part of George Jones‘s legacy. Its unique premise made it instantly memorable, and its energetic performance made it a concert staple for decades. The song’s appeal transcended country music, evidenced by notable cover versions, including a successful pop rendition by Jack Jones, highlighting the universal strength of Don Rollins‘s concept and melody.
The song played a crucial role in showcasing George Jones‘s range. It proved definitively that he was more than just a master of the slow, sorrowful ballad; he could equally command an up-tempo track with wit, energy, and personality, without sacrificing emotional impact. “The Race Is On” remains a thrilling listen, a testament to inventive songwriting and the dynamic performance capabilities of one of country music’s greatest artists. It’s a classic example of honky-tonk storytelling at its most creative and entertaining.