About the song
“The Race Is On” by Sawyer Brown is a timeless piece that vividly captures the spirit and enthusiasm of country music in the 1980s. Released as a single in 1989, this track is part of the band’s successful album “The Boys Are Back.” The song itself is a cover of George Jones’ classic hit, originally written by Don Rollins. Sawyer Brown’s rendition breathes new life into the beloved tune, infusing it with their signature high-energy performance and modern country rock flair.
Sawyer Brown, known for their electrifying stage presence and a string of hits throughout the 80s and 90s, chose “The Race Is On” to showcase their ability to honor traditional country roots while also appealing to contemporary audiences. The song narrates a man’s heartache through the metaphor of a horse race, with vivid and engaging lyrics that depict the emotional turmoil and competitive spirit that love can often entail.
Upon its release, Sawyer Brown’s version of “The Race Is On” received considerable airplay and was warmly embraced by both fans and critics. It charted on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks, reflecting its popularity and the band’s knack for connecting with a wide audience. The upbeat tempo, combined with Mark Miller’s distinctive vocal delivery, made it a standout track on “The Boys Are Back” album, which itself was a major success and further solidified the band’s place in country music.
The music video for “The Race Is On” also added to the song’s appeal, featuring energetic performances and a playful narrative that matched the song’s spirited vibe. Over the years, this track has remained a favorite among Sawyer Brown fans, often included in their live performances and greatest hits compilations.
“The Race Is On” exemplifies Sawyer Brown’s versatility and their commitment to keeping the essence of country music alive while also pushing its boundaries. It’s a song that continues to resonate with listeners, offering a nostalgic yet fresh take on a classic country theme.
Video
Lyrics
I feel tears wellin’ up cold, deep inside
Like my heart’s sprung a big break
And a stab of loneliness, sharp and painful
That I may never shake
You might say that I was taking it hard
Since you wrote me off with a call
But don’t you wager that I’ll hide in sorrow
When I may lay right down and bawl
Now the race is on
And here comes pride in the backstretch
Heartache’s goin’ to the inside
My tears are holdin’ back
They’re tryin’ not to fall
My heart’s out of the runnin’
True love’s scratched for another’s sake
The race is on and it looks like heartache
And the winner loses all
One day I ventured in love
Never once suspectin’ what the final result would be
And how I lived in fear of waking up each morning
Finding that you’re gone from me
There’s ache and pain in my heart
For today was the one that I hated to face
Somebody new came up to win her
And I came out in second place
Now the race is on
And here comes pride in the backstretch
Heartache’s goin’ to the inside
My tears are holdin’ back
They’re tryin’ not to fall
My heart’s out of the runnin’
True love’s scratched for another’s sake
The race is on and it looks like heartache
And the winner loses all
Now the race is on
And here comes pride in the backstretch
Heartache’s goin’ to the side
My tears are holdin’ back
They’re tryin’ not to fall
My heart’s out of the runnin’
True love’s scratched for another’s sake
The race is on and it looks like heartache
And the winner loses all