"The Race Is On" is a country song written by Don Rollins and originally recorded by George Jones in 1964. It tells the story of heartbreak and loss in a relationship. The lyrics portray a deep sense of sadness and loneliness felt by the protagonist. The opening lines suggest a broken heart and the struggle to overcome the pain. The mention of tears welling up and feeling a big break in the heart signifies the emotional turmoil caused by the end of the relationship. The protagonist acknowledges the impact of the breakup, feeling the stab of loneliness that may never fade away. Despite being told to move on, they express their vulnerability and the possibility of breaking down and crying over the loss. The song also incorporates a racing metaphor to convey the emotional intensity of the situation. The reference to the race and the backstretch symbolize the competitive nature of love. It implies that the race for love is on, but the protagonist's pride and heartache are taking over. They feel like they are losing the race while their tears are trying to hold back. The chorus emphasizes the idea that the winner in this race of love actually loses everything. The protagonist's heart is out of the running, signifying that they are no longer able to compete for love. The phrase "true love's scratched for another's sake" implies that their former partner has chosen someone else, causing even more heartache. The overall meaning of the song is the pain and disappointment experienced when a relationship ends. It explores the raw emotions of heartbreak, loneliness, and the struggles of moving on. George Jones beautifully captures these feelings, showcasing his talent for evoking raw emotions through his heartfelt lyrics and soulful delivery.
