The Race Is On: A Country Classic with a Double Identity
Country music fans of a certain age will instantly recognize the title “The Race Is On,” a song that straddled the line between pure honky-tonk and mainstream success. But this catchy tune with its intriguing metaphor holds a unique place in music history, not only for its success on the country charts but also for its surprising crossover appeal.
Written by Don Rollins (not the one behind the later hit “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere”), “The Race Is On” first found its voice through the legendary George Jones. Recorded in 1963, it wouldn’t be released until the following year, becoming the title track of Jones’ 1965 album. While Jones’ version became a country chart-topper, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, the song had a surprising double life.
Enter Jack Jones, a completely unrelated singer who took “The Race Is On” into the realm of pop and easy listening. His version climbed the Billboard’s Easy Listening chart all the way to the top spot, even cracking the Billboard Hot 100. This unusual occurrence, with two vastly different artists finding success with the same song, made “The Race Is On” a true musical oddity. Interestingly, when combined sales figures were considered, the song managed to reach number 12 on the Cashbox charts, a testament to its overall popularity.
But what exactly is this “race” that the song refers to? Unlike some country tearjerkers that dwell on heartbreak and loss, “The Race Is On” uses a clever metaphor. The singer compares his tumultuous romantic relationship to a thrilling horse race. The lyrics, delivered with George Jones’ signature brand of emotional intensity, paint a picture of a desperate fight for love, with heartbreak looming as the potential finish line.
Jones’ performance on the song was particularly noteworthy. Music critic Bob Allen described his vocals as “masterfully frenetic,” capturing the rollercoaster of emotions in the relationship. By bending and stretching notes, Jones imbued the song with a sense of urgency and perfectly mirrored the chaotic nature of the race metaphor.
While George Jones initially wasn’t sold on the song, “The Race Is On” became a staple of his live shows and a personal favorite. He even re-recorded it several times throughout his career, showcasing its enduring appeal for both the artist and his fans. So, the next time you hear “The Race Is On,” take a moment to appreciate this unique country song that transcended genre boundaries and solidified George Jones’ place as a country music legend.