"Race for the Prize" is a celebrated song by American psychedelic rock band The Flaming Lips, released in 1999 as the lead single from their critically acclaimed album The Soft Bulletin. The track is widely recognized for its lush, orchestral production, poignant lyrics, and its role as a defining moment in the band's evolution.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | The Flaming Lips |
| Album | The Soft Bulletin |
| Release Date | May 17, 1999 (UK), June 22, 1999 (US) |
| Genre | Alternative rock, neo-psychedelia |
| Length | 4:09 |
| Writers | Wayne Coyne, Steven Drozd, Michael Ivins |
| Producer | The Flaming Lips, Dave Fridmann, Scott Booker |
| Chart Performance | #39 UK Singles Chart |
Musical Style and Features
- Sound: The song features sweeping synths, driving percussion, and Wayne Coyne’s emotive vocals, creating a sense of urgency and grandeur.
- Production: Noted for its bombastic, symphonic arrangement and innovative use of electronic and acoustic textures.
- Live Performances: Frequently used as a set opener at Flaming Lips concerts, often accompanied by elaborate stage visuals and frontman Wayne Coyne’s signature use of a giant plastic bubble12.
Lyrical Themes and Meaning
- Narrative: The lyrics tell the story of two scientists engaged in a competitive quest to find a cure for a disease, “for the good of all mankind.” The narrative explores their determination, the risks they face, and the human cost of their pursuit.
- Sacrifice and Humanity: The song highlights the scientists’ willingness to risk everything, including their lives and time with their families, for a greater cause. It reflects on the pressures of expectation and the emotional toll of ambition4.
- Empathy: Despite the epic scope, the lyrics emphasize the scientists’ humanity, noting that “they’re just humans with wives and children.”
Notable Lyrics
“Two scientists are racing for the good of all mankind
Both of them side by side, so determined
Locked in heated battle for the cure that is the prize
But it’s so dangerous, but they’re determined...
They’re just humans with wives and children.”
Reception and Legacy
- Critical Acclaim: "Race for the Prize" is regarded as one of The Flaming Lips’ greatest songs, praised for its emotional depth and inventive sound. It was ranked #30 on Pitchfork’s Top 200 Tracks of the 1990s1.
- Cultural Impact: The song’s uplifting yet bittersweet tone has made it a staple of alternative rock playlists and a fan favorite at live shows.
- Album Significance: As the opening track of The Soft Bulletin, it sets the tone for an album often cited as a modern classic and a turning point in the band’s career4.
Track Listings (Selected Releases)
| Release | Tracklist |
|---|---|
| UK CD1 | 1. Race for the Prize 2. Riding to Work in the Year 2025 3. Thirty-Five Thousand Feet of Despair |
| Japan CD | 1. Race for the Prize 2. Race for the Prize (Remix) 3. Riding to Work in the Year 2025 (Stereo remix) 4. Thirty-Five Thousand Feet of Despair (Stereo remix) 5. The Big Ol' Bug Is the New Baby Now (Stereo remix) |
In Summary
"Race for the Prize" stands as a triumphant and emotionally resonant anthem about sacrifice, ambition, and the human spirit. Its blend of orchestral grandeur and heartfelt storytelling has secured its place as a modern alternative classic and a highlight of The Flaming Lips’ storied discography142.
