Ryan Smith - The Race Is On Lyrics + Chords
Released: 02 Aug 2005
Lyrics
Got our feet on a narrow road,
Got our eyes on the one who will be our goal, and our brothers at our side,
If we stumble, we won't fall,
If we miss the mark, he'll be there after all, with an everlasting prize,
The race is on.
Come on and go,
Leave behind the sin you find that slows you down,
Come on and go,
You know the race is on,
Come on and go,
Straight ahead, be safely led by him instead,
Come on and go,
You know the race is on.
Lord, I try running my own race,
Losing ground, losing hope, losing sight of your face; ready to retire,
Then I'm back on your solid ground,
You remind me of strength that in you I've found,
Fill me with your fire,
The race is on.
Come on and go,
Leave behind the sin you find that slows you down,
Come on and go,
You know the race is on,
Come on and go,
Straight ahead, be safely led by him instead,
Come on and go,
You know the race is on.
Come on and go,
Leave behind the sin you find that slows you down,
Come on and go,
You know the race is on,
Come on and go,
Straight ahead, be safely led by him instead,
Come on and go,
You know the race is on.
Come on and go,
Leave behind the sin you find that slows you down,
Come on and go,
You know the race is on,
Come on and go,
Leave behind the sin you find that slows you down,
Come on and go,
You know the race is on,
Come on and go,
Straight ahead, be safely led by him instead,
Come on and go,
You know the race is on.
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Meaning & Inspiration
Ryan Smith's "The Race Is On," released on August 2, 2005, as part of the album *Ultimate Music Makeover: The Songs of Michael W. Smith*, arrives as a potent anthem for the faith journey. This inclusion on an album honoring Michael W. Smith's legacy is particularly fitting, as Ryan Smith’s work carries forward the spirit of inspiring, scripture-rich music, inviting genuine reflection and purposeful action.
At its core, "The Race Is On" vividly portrays the Christian life as a demanding yet divinely-guided race, inviting every believer to participate with unwavering focus and a renewed spirit. The lyrics articulate a journey marked by both communal support and personal struggle, all under the watchful eye of a loving God. It speaks to the universal experience of striving for spiritual growth, acknowledging moments of weakness and the ever-present temptation to deviate from the path, before reaffirming the constant availability of divine strength and redirection. The song becomes a spiritual rallying cry, urging diligence, shedding hindrances, and maintaining a steadfast gaze on the ultimate destination, empowering individuals to embrace their calling with renewed vigor.
Ryan Smith masterfully uses the metaphor of a race to encapsulate the Christian walk, a concept deeply rooted in Scripture. The opening lines immediately set the stage, declaring, "Got our feet on a narrow road, Got our eyes on the one who will be our goal." This imagery directly echoes Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:13-14, where He speaks of the narrow gate and the difficult road that leads to life. The "one who will be our goal" unmistakably points to Jesus Himself, aligning with Hebrews 12:2, which exhorts us to fix our eyes on Him, "the pioneer and perfecter of faith." The inclusion of "our brothers at our side" highlights the indispensable role of community in this journey, a truth powerfully expressed in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, reminding us that two are better than one, and a friend lifts up another who falls. This collaborative spirit ensures that "If we stumble, we won't fall," a promise echoed in Psalm 37:24, affirming that though a righteous person may stumble, they will not be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholds them. Even when we "miss the mark," a poignant acknowledgment of our human fallibility that aligns with Romans 3:23 about all falling short of God's glory, the song reassures us that He is "there after all, with an everlasting prize," pointing to the unfading reward awaiting those who persevere, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and Revelation 2:10 regarding the crown of life.
The chorus serves as an urgent, repeated call to action: "Come on and go, Leave behind the sin you find that slows you down." This compelling directive directly mirrors the admonition in Hebrews 12:1 to "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles," and to run the race with perseverance. It is a powerful reminder of the necessity of self-examination and repentance, shedding whatever earthly burdens impede spiritual progress. The emphasis on being "safely led by him instead" underscores the vital principle of divine guidance over self-reliance, a truth beautifully captured in Proverbs 3:5-6, which instructs us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and He will make our paths straight. This call to surrender control and embrace God's direction is a cornerstone of Christian discipleship, offering peace and purpose in the pursuit of righteousness.
The bridge offers a vulnerable moment of confession and subsequent restoration. The lines, "Lord, I try running my own race, Losing ground, losing hope, losing sight of your face; ready to retire," resonate deeply with anyone who has attempted to navigate life apart from God's leading. This individual struggle reflects the human tendency to stray, as Isaiah 53:6 laments, "All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way." The weariness and despair described are a common consequence of relying on one's own strength. However, the song quickly shifts to a powerful declaration of God's restorative power: "Then I'm back on your solid ground, You remind me of strength that in you I've found, Fill me with your fire." This return to "solid ground" invokes the imagery of Christ as our unshakeable foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11) and the Lord setting our feet upon a rock (Psalm 40:2). The renewal of strength is a direct fulfillment of Isaiah 40:31, which promises that "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength," enabling them to run and not grow weary. The petition to "Fill me with your fire" is a prayer for the Holy Spirit's empowerment, reminiscent of the apostles being filled with the Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2) and the exhortation to be fervent in spirit (Romans 12:11). "The Race Is On" thus stands as a timeless message of encouragement, reminding us that while the journey may present challenges, the presence of God, the support of fellow believers, and the promise of an eternal reward make the race not just worth running, but a joyful and purposeful pursuit. Its message is a profound call to keep moving forward, casting off sin, and allowing Christ to lead every step of the way, ensuring that the ultimate prize is within reach.