GGF
Rancid Lyrics

This is not Churchill Downs
We are not at Churchill Downs, a famous racecourse in Kentucky

This is not Hollywood Park
We are not at Hollywood Park, a defunct racetrack in California

When the field's wide open
When there are no clear favorites

I'll pick the horse who's got the biggest heart
I will choose the horse with the most determination and drive

Let em run
Allow them to run the race

Let em ride
Allow them to ride to the finish line

Let em roll down the track
Allow them to move freely down the racetrack

Let em win, place and show
Allow them to finish first, second, or third

Let em one dollar exact
Allow them to win exactly one dollar

Six furlongs
A racecourse that measures three-quarters of a mile long

Four phillys
A race with four female horses

Three mares
A race with three female horses

Three years and up
A race for horses that are three years old or older

Who measures up
Who meets the standards for winning

Well I wish you luck
Good luck to you

Well they rush the windows and
Bettors quickly place their wagers

Play odds on fave
Place their bets on the favorite horse

But the starter in second deuces down
However, a second or lesser-known horse may surprise everyone and win the race

A bit of give and take
Winning a race requires both taking risks and being cautious

Race is a puzzler when they open
The outcome of the race is uncertain until it starts

From the outside it's a hit and run and
An outsider horse can suddenly take the lead and win the race

They look back and
Other horses try to catch up

You can't count on that and
Horses' performances are unpredictable

That's a fact and
It is an indisputable truth

The old men from El Cerrito
Elderly residents of a neighborhood who enjoy betting on horses

Who talk about their picks and
They discuss their chosen horses to bet on

They talk about all the wins of
Nostalgic discussions of previous successful horses and riders

The great jock Leftgit Pincay
A famous jockey known for his skilled horsemanship

Every time I come back to the East Bay
Every instance of my return to the East Bay

I run into Big L.
I encounter an old acquaintance named Big L

Oh, my old friend Big L,
A form of salutation to a friend from the past

No, he's not doing so well.
He is not in good health or well-being

See, me and Big L grew up
Both of us spent our childhoods in the neighborhood

Across the freeway from the track.
Our homes were situated opposite the racetrack separated by a freeway

Yes, we spent many, many, many, many
We spent numerous moments together

Days over at the track.
We spent much time at the racetrack

I see Big L rolling up the street
Big L approaching me on his bike

On his little sister's, pink, ten-speed.
Riding a pink bike meant for his younger sister

He said "Tim, Tim, don't you remember me?"
He greeted me by calling out my name and requesting recognition

"Way back, from 1973?"
Referring to a time long ago, when we first met

And every time I see him
Each and every time I run into him

He has to remind me,
He feels the need to jog my memory

Like I would ever, forget Big L.
As if it were possible for me to forget him

But then,
However

Then he's gone,
He quickly disappears from sight

Like a flash
Very quickly

Ok,
A way of signaling the end of a broadcast

This is Rancid signin' off for now,
The band, Rancid, concluding their message or broadcast

Until next time,
A farewell message indicating future continuation

We'll see you guys later...
A final parting message