RACE
A.D.O Lyrics

The song "Race" by A.D.O describes a bleak and intense competition amongst people, referred to as "rats," who are rushing to get ahead of one another, driven by greed and a need to succeed. The opening verse of the song describes these people as being the "riffraff of the realm of rags" who are racing toward the "feed racks," which could be interpreted as a symbol of their desperate need for sustenance, both literally and figuratively. The following line emphasizes the lack of control these people have, as they do not feel the "strain of reins" and instead are driven solely by their competitive urge. The imagery of the "race of the rats" is used to depict the dehumanizing nature of this struggle, reducing people to mere animals sprinting frantically to succeed.

The second verse in the song is equally grim, describing the ruthless and rough competition between participants, who are willing to do whatever it takes to win. The lyrics talk about "random luck and disgrace," highlighting the fact that winning this "race of the rats" is not necessarily about skill or merit but often depends more on chance. The chorus implies the delusion that runs rampant in people, who think that by winning this race they will attain success and happiness. The lyrics use words like "hope" to describe the participants' motivations, emphasizing the almost universal desire to win.

This song is a critique of modern society, which often celebrates and rewards competition and winner-takes-all mentality, encouraging people to see each other as rivals rather than collaborators. Ultimately, the song asks us to consider the costs of this prevailing culture and reminds us that such an approach can be dehumanizing and soulless.