Buckle Up for the Heartbreak: A Look at George Jones’ “The Race Is On”
If you’re a fan of classic country music, the name George Jones likely conjures up images of a powerful voice, a touch of heartache, and a whole lot of honky-tonk twang. One of his signature songs, “The Race Is On”, perfectly encapsulates this style, offering a galloping melody and lyrics that paint a vivid picture of romantic turmoil. But this song’s journey to success is just as interesting as the story it tells.
Released in 1964, “The Race Is On” wasn’t actually written by George Jones himself. The credit goes to Don Rollins (not to be confused with the Don Rollins who wrote “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere”). According to some accounts, Rollins was inspired by a day at the horse races in Phoenix, Arizona. Intriguingly, the song found a surprising double life. While Jones’ version became a country chart-topper, a separate rendition by an unrelated singer, Jack Jones, made waves on the pop and easy listening charts. This unique situation even landed “The Race Is On” a spot on the Cashbox charts, which combined all versions of a song, making it Jones’ only top-40 hit on that particular chart.
But back to George Jones’ version. The song is a masterclass in storytelling through metaphor. Instead of dwelling directly on the emotional turmoil of a failing relationship, “The Race Is On” uses the fast-paced world of thoroughbred horse racing as its backdrop. The lyrics paint a picture of a love gone sour, with the singer comparing himself to a jockey desperately trying to keep up with a runaway lover. Lines like “My heart’s in a fix, can’t get a hold on this love of mine” and “She’s movin’ out strong, leaving me in the dust” capture the frantic energy of a race gone wrong, perfectly mirroring the emotional rollercoaster of a love on the verge of collapse.
However, it’s not just the lyrics that make “The Race Is On” such a classic. George Jones’ vocal delivery is legendary. He imbues the song with a raw, emotional intensity. His voice bends and stretches notes, sometimes pushing ahead of the beat, creating a captivating sense of urgency that perfectly complements the song’s fast-paced lyrics. As music writer Bob Allen describes it, Jones’ vocals are “full of whining emotional ambivalence and mock sadness,” perfectly capturing the complex mix of emotions that come with a love on the rocks.
“The Race Is On” wasn’t just a hit; it became a staple of George Jones’ live shows. He even re-recorded the song several times throughout his career, a testament to his own personal connection with the track. So, the next time you hear those opening lines, “The starter flagged ’em off this mornin’,” settle in for a ride. “The Race Is On” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a timeless country classic that lays bare the raw emotions of love and loss.