"Race for the Prize" by the Flaming Lips (1999)

The theme of this song is that personal ambition often makes us lose sight of what is important in life. "Theirs is to win. If it kills them. If it kills them. They're just humans. With wives and children". The two scientists in the song are so focused on finding "the cure that is their prize" that they are willing to risk the well being and happiness of their family for it. The soft vocals in the song help emphasize a sense of hopelessness. In a way, they've already sealed their fate since they have lost focus on the important things in life.