Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: singer-songwriter
Song Meaning of “Races” by Glen Hansard
Races by Glen Hansard is a beautiful song that speaks to the idea of being in a race or competition with another and the difficulties and emotions that come along with it.
The song starts out by recognizing the immensity of the competition ask likened to a race, suggesting that Glen Hansard can really feel the competition’s intensity. He is intrigued by the competitors in this race, the other people in his life with whom he is in competition with. He adds that he is in the race too, even though he’s not sure he can take the heat.
The chorus is the central theme of the song and talks about the complexity of the emotions that come with this kind of struggle. He sings of feeling both gratitude and rivalry towards his fellow runners, and speaks of the beauty and power that these emotions bring.
The song goes on to continue talking about the struggles and highs of the competition. He describes a moment of clarity when one of the competitors passes him, when it seems clear to him that the other person is more capable and strong than him. But at the same time, he is inspired by them and still motivated to keep on going.
He describes the competition as a beautiful thing, one that should be cherished and respected, but that it is also a difficult one where survival is key.
The song closes by asserting that, even though the battle is tough, it is one he will stay in until the end.