"The Race Is On" is a song originally written by Don Rollins and popularized by George Jones in 1964. Dave Edmunds, a Welsh singer-songwriter, recorded his own version of the song in 1978. The lyrics depict the struggles of heartbreak and the pain that follows the end of a relationship. The singer expresses the deep sadness he feels, with tears welling up and loneliness stabbing his heart. Even though he tries to hide his sorrow, he may eventually break down and cry. The metaphor of a race is used to describe the competition for love and the emotional turmoil that comes with it. The lyrics suggest that love is a race, and the singer is now heartbroken and out of the running for his true love. Instead, another person has come into her life and won her over, leaving the singer in second place, feeling defeated and losing the race of love. The chorus emphasizes the emotional battle within the singer. He mentions that his tears are holding back, trying not to fall, symbolizing his attempt to maintain composure and conceal his pain. However, his heart is out of the running, and true love is scratched for the sake of someone else. Overall, "The Race Is On" by Dave Edmunds reflects the pain and heartache experienced after the end of a relationship, as well as the realization that sometimes, love cannot be won, and the winner ultimately loses all.
