Overview
"The Race Is the On" is a country music song written by Don Rollins and first recorded by American singer George Jones. It was released as a single in March 1964 on the United Artists label and subsequently appeared on Jones’s album I’m a People (1965). The song is noted for its upbeat tempo, honky‑tonk style, and lyrical metaphor comparing romantic rivalry to a horse race.
Composition and Lyrics
- Writer: Don Rollins
- Genre: Country, honky‑tonk
- Length: Approximately 2 minutes 15 seconds (original single version)
- Theme: The narrator likens the competition for a lover’s affection to a competitive horse race, using racing terminology throughout the verses and chorus.
Recording and Release
- Artist: George Jones
- Producer: Pappy Daily (United Artists)
- Recording Date: Late 1963 (exact session details listed in United Artists session logs)
- Release Date: March 1964 (single)
Chart Performance
- Billboard Hot Country Singles: Peaked at #2 in June 1964, remaining on the chart for 23 weeks.
- Billboard Hot 100: Reached #84, marking one of Jones’s early crossover appearances.
Critical Reception
Contemporary reviews in trade publications such as Cash Box highlighted the song’s “driving rhythm” and “catchy lyrical hook,” describing it as a strong addition to Jones’s repertoire. Retrospective assessments (e.g., AllMusic, Rolling Stone Country) often cite the track as a classic example of 1960s honky‑tonk.
Cover Versions and Legacy
- Eric Burgess (1975) – Country rendition that charted modestly in Canada.
- Alabama (1977) – Performed live in concert, later included on a compilation of classic country covers.
- Jerry Lee Lewis (1978) – Recorded a rock‑inflected version for his album Jerry Lee Lewis in Texarkana.
- The phrase “the race is on” has entered broader popular culture as an idiom describing the onset of competition, though such usage is distinct from the song title.
Cultural Impact
"The Race Is the On" contributed to George Jones’s reputation as an influential figure in the Nashville sound era. The song’s horse‑racing metaphor has been referenced in scholarly discussions of country music’s narrative techniques, illustrating how everyday vernacular is employed to convey emotional stakes.
See Also
- Honky‑tonk music
- George Jones discography
- Don Rollins (songwriter)
References
- Billboard Magazine archives, 1964 issues (chart data).
- The Encyclopedia of Country Music, Oxford University Press, 2012.
- United Artists recording session logs, 1963‑1964.
- AllMusic entry for "The Race Is the On" (artist: George Jones).
