Released: 2015
“Ride” by Twenty One Pilots stands as a thought-provoking exploration of existential dread and self-doubt, underpinning the struggle between desire and moral responsibility. This mind-spinning narrative is the duo’s way of articulating the tumultuous inner journey of grappling with life’s heavy questions. Get ready to go deep, folks, as this isn’t your average pop song.
Let’s crack into it. The opening lines set the mood for the introspective journey the lyrics embark on. Our protagonist, presumably Tyler Joseph himself, yearns for the simplistic beauty of absorbing the sunshine – a metaphorical representation of peace and tranquility. But alas, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows, is it? He follows up with an admission of his obsessive contemplation of the end, which is not necessarily death, but could symbolize a culmination of the struggles and insecurities he finds himself constantly battling.
The chorus drops in with a spectacular self-awareness, as Joseph croons about ‘falling’ – a potential nod to falling into mental traps or toxic thought cycles – but he’s not rushing through the experience. No, siree. He’s taking his ‘time on his ride’. Ice cold. He’s essentially stating that life’s a journey, and he’s not going to rush through it, regardless of the trials and tribulations it throws at him.
Moving on to the next verses, our main man Joseph goes for the jugular of societal bravado and hypocrisy. “I’d die for you”, he remarks, calling out the token phrase often thrown around casually. He suggests that people are all talk and no action when it comes to taking a figurative bullet for another. Furthermore, he brings forth the poignant question, ‘Who would you live for?’, flipping the narrative from sacrificing oneself to the value of living for someone else – a more affirming and significant commitment. The existential crisis peaks with the emotional echo of ‘I’ve been thinking too much’ – a raw admission of overthinking, signaling a plea for help. Gut-wrenching stuff, folks.
“Ride” is a masterclass of introspective pop, a dark horse galloping through the sunlit field of pop culture. It’s about dealing with the twisted, unpredictable ride of life, all while acknowledging there’s no rush. Slow down, take your time, and face the questions life throws your way. And hey, it’s perfectly alright to ask for help when you’re thinking too much. Twenty One Pilots has, once again, captured the essence of human struggle with an irresistible pop track. Imagine trying to dance while contemplating your existence – now, that’s genius.
