George Jones – The Race Is On: A Country Ballad with Unexpected Speed
In the vast landscape of country music, few voices resonate with the raw emotion and lived experience of George Jones. Nicknamed “The Possum” for his distinctive stage presence, Jones carved a unique path with his heart-wrenching ballads and unconventional phrasing.
Among his extensive collection of hits, one song stands out for its unexpected blend of country twang and driving rhythm: The Race Is On.
Background
Released in 1964, The Race Is On marked a turning point in Jones’ career. While known for his poignant slow burners, this song showcased a different side – a foot-tapping, energetic ode to a love on the brink.
The single skyrocketed to number three on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, reaching number 96 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart – a rarity for Jones at the time.
The song’s narrative follows a desperate plea from a man whose love life is on the verge of collapse. He implores his partner to stay, using the metaphor of a race to depict the urgency of their situation.
The lyrics, penned by Don Rollins, capture the frantic energy of a relationship on the edge, with lines like “Baby, the race is on, don’t you know it’s true?” and “There ain’t no time to lose, gotta get a move on you.”
The Race Is On stands out for its unique musical arrangement. Gone are the slow, deliberate tempos of Jones’ signature ballads. Instead, the song features a driving rhythm section, punctuated by a prominent harmonica line that sets the stage for Jones’ impassioned vocals.
The interplay between the instruments and Jones’ pleading voice creates an atmosphere of desperate urgency, drawing listeners into the emotional rollercoaster of the narrative.
While some critics initially questioned the song’s departure from Jones’ usual style, The Race Is On has become a beloved classic. Its infectious energy and relatable theme have resonated with audiences for generations.
The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Emmylou Harris and Kenny Chesney, but Jones’ original rendition remains the definitive version. His raw vocals and heartfelt delivery perfectly capture the emotional turmoil of a love hanging by a thread.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
I feel tears wellin’ upCold and deep insideLike my heart’s sprung a big breakAnd a stab of loneliness sharp and painfulThat I may never shakeNow, you might say that I was takin’ it hardSince you wrote me off with a callBut don’t you wager that I’ll hide the sorrowWhen I may break right down and bawlNow the race is onAnd here comes pride up the backstretchHeartaches are goin’ to the insideMy tears are holdin’ backThey’re tryin’ not to fallMy heart’s out of the runnin’True love’s scratched for another’s sakeThe race is on and it looks like heartacheAnd the winner loses allOne day I ventured in loveNever once suspectin’What the final result would beHow I lived in fear of wakin’ up each mornin’And findin’ that you’re gone from meThere’s ache and pain in my heartFor today was the one I hated to faceSomebody new came up to win herAnd I came out in second place