Run for the Roses
Dan Fogelberg
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Born in the valley And raised in the trees Of western Kentucky On wobbly knees With mama beside you To help you along You'll soon be growing up strong All the long, lazy mornings In pastures of green The sun on your withers The wind in your mane Could never prepare you For what lies ahead The run for the roses so red And it's run for the roses As fast as you can You fate is delivered Your moment's at hand It's the chance of a lifetime In a lifetime of chance And it's high time you joined In the dance It's high time you joined In the dance From sire to sire It's born in the blood The fire of a mare And the strength of a stud It's breeding and it's training And it's something unknown That drives you And carries you home And it's run for the roses As fast as you can Your fate is delivered Your moment's at hand It's the chance of a lifetime In a lifetime of chance And it's high time you joined In the dance
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Written by: DAN FOGELBERG
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Origin"Run for the Roses" was written and performed by Dan Fogelberg, an American musician, songwriter, and composer who had a successful career in folk rock and soft rock genres. The song is one of the most famous works in his discography.
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Release DateThe song was officially released in October 1981. It geared huge attention in no time by becoming one of the most popular songs of that period.
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Song Inspiration"Run for the Roses" was inspired by the Kentucky Derby, one of America's biggest horse racing events. Fogelberg, who was a big fan of the sport, used the race as a metaphor for life's challenges and victories, perfectly capturing the emotions involved in the process.
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Chart PerformanceThe song peaked at No. 18 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart in 1982, marking Fogelberg as one of the top musicians of the time.
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Album Appearance"Run for the Roses" is a single from Dan Fogelberg's ninth studio album "The Innocent Age". This album is considered one of Fogelberg's most successful albums, containing other hits like "Leader of the Band" and "Same Old Lang Syne".
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Usage in MediaApart from gaining widespread popularity, "Run for the Roses" also became synonymous with the Kentucky Derby. ABC Sports used this song for their television coverage of the event for several years.
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Song LegacyEven decades after its release, "Run for the Roses" is still celebrated as a symbolic song associated with the Kentucky Derby. It continues to be played at various equestrian events, and is cherished by horse racing enthusiasts.
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In Memory OfDan Fogelberg passed away in 2007 after a battle with prostate cancer. His song "Run for the Roses" is often played in his honour, serving as a poignant reminder of his musical legacy.
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Notable Cover VersionJazz/R&B artist Michael McDonald recorded a version of "Run for the Roses" for the posthumous Dan Fogelberg tribute album "A Tribute To Dan Fogelberg", released in 2017.
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Music VideoA music video for "Run for the Roses", featuring historical footages of various Kentucky Derby races, was released alongside the single. It effectively brings the message of the song to life, emphasizing the thrill of the race and the glory of victory.
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