I Ran A Race - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
I RAN A RACE. Copyright, 1896, by Spaulding & Gray. Words And Music by George M. Cohan 
Why weep this way, Ned? to a boy a man said, For he saw the tears on the lad's face; Said the boy to the man, "Sir, a match I just ran With Tommy, and I lout the race." The old man replied, "Enough you have cried-We must all lose a race in our life; Let me tell you. my lad, of a race I once had For a heart, for a hand, for a wife. 
Chorus. "I ran a race, lad, just the same as you; Came in second place, lad, broken-hearted, too; Ran against my brother, he is now your Pa; As you have done, I lost-he won-the race was for your Ma. 
"As I did, my lad, and as I told your dad, Go tell Tommy you're glad that be won; For defeat is no sin, and we all cannot win; If so, why a race none would run; When older you grow, then better you'll know The meaning of sorrow and strifeThat's if e'er you should face love's defeat in a race For a heart, for a hand, for a wife." - Chorus.