Reluctantly crouched at the starting line,
engines pumping and thumping in time.
the green light flashes, the flags go up.
churning and burning, they yearn for the cup.
they deftly maneuver and muscle for rank,
fuel burning fast on an empty tank.
reckless and wild, they pour through the turns.
their prowess is potent and secretly stern.
as they speed through the finish, the flags go down.
the fans get up and they get out of town.
the arena is empty except for one man,
still driving and striving as fast as he can.
the sun has gone down and the moon has come up,
and long ago somebody left with the cup.
but he's driving and striving and hugging the turns.
and thinking of someone for whom he still burns.
he's going the distance.
he's going for speed.
she's all alone
all alone in her time of need.
because he's racing and pacing and plotting the course,
he's fighting and biting and riding on his horse,
he's going the distance.
no trophy, no flowers, no flashbulbs, no wine,
he's haunted by something he cannot define.
bowel-shaking earthquakes of doubt and remorse,
assail him, impale him with monster-truck force.
in his mind, he's still driving, still making the grade.
she's hoping in time that her memories will fade.
cause he's racing and pacing and plotting the course,
he's fighting and biting and riding on his horse.
the sun has gone down and the moon has come up,
and long ago somebody left with the cup.
but he's striving and driving and hugging the turns.
and thinking of someone for whom he still burns.
cause he's going the distance.
he's going for speed.
she's all alone
all alone in her time of need.
because he's racing and pacing and plotting the course,
he's fighting and biting and riding on his horse.
he's racing and pacing and plotting the course,
he's fighting and biting and riding on his horse.
he's going the distance.
he's going for speed.
he's going the distance.
The Distance Video
The Distance Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Relient K is a Christian rock band known for their meaningful lyrics and catchy melodies. One of their notable songs, "The Distance," was released on October 4, 2011, as part of their album "Is for Karaoke." The song tells the story of a competitive racer pushing himself to the limit, capturing the intense drive and determination of the protagonist as he races towards his goal.
The lyrics of "The Distance" paint a vivid picture of a racer on the track, with lines like "engines pumping and thumping in time" and "reckless and wild, they pour through the turns" illustrating the adrenaline-fueled atmosphere of a high-speed race. The protagonist is described as "still driving and striving as fast as he can," emphasizing his relentless pursuit of success despite the challenges he faces.
The themes of perseverance and determination in "The Distance" resonate with biblical principles of endurance and running the race set before us. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages believers to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." This passage reminds us to stay focused on our goals and to keep pressing forward, even when the road ahead seems long and difficult.
The protagonist in the song is driven by a deep sense of purpose and commitment, reflected in lines like "he's going the distance, he's going for speed." This relentless pursuit of his goal, despite the absence of external rewards like trophies or applause, echoes the idea of running the race for a higher purpose beyond earthly recognition.
The internal struggles and doubts faced by the protagonist, as described in lines such as "bowel-shaking earthquakes of doubt and remorse," highlight the emotional and mental challenges that often accompany the journey towards a goal. This theme of wrestling with inner turmoil while staying focused on the prize is a common experience for many Christians as they navigate the ups and downs of their faith journey.
Despite the setbacks and obstacles he encounters, the protagonist in "The Distance" remains steadfast in his pursuit, symbolized by the repeated refrain of "he's going the distance." This unwavering commitment to his goal serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.
As believers, we are called to run our race with endurance, trusting in God's strength to carry us through every trial and tribulation. Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us to "forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead, press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus." Just as the protagonist in "The Distance" pushes himself to the limit in pursuit of his goal, we are called to press on in our faith journey with determination and perseverance.
In a world filled with distractions and obstacles, "The Distance" serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of staying focused on our goals and persevering through the challenges we face. The song's message of endurance and determination resonates with the biblical call to run the race set before us with faith and perseverance, trusting in God's strength to carry us through to the finish line.
Relient K's "The Distance" is a compelling anthem of perseverance and determination, urging listeners to push themselves to go the distance in pursuit of their goals. As we navigate the twists and turns of life's journey, may we be inspired by the protagonist's unwavering commitment to his race and encouraged to run our own race with endurance, fixing our eyes on the ultimate prize that awaits us.
