Released: 2015
‘Ride’, by Twenty One Pilots, is a lyrical exploration of the human psyche’s intricate dance with life’s weighty questions, often dabbled with a touch of existentialism. This crunchy piece of genre-bending rock digs into the territory of personal identity, loyalty, allegiance, and the human propensity to overthink.
‘Ride’ kicks off in typical Twenty One Pilots fashion with a cryptic but captivating line: “I just wanna stay in the sun where I find / Pieces of peace in the sun’s peace of mind.” This nugget is both a call for solace and a confession of the struggles that often shadow us. The sun here can be perceived as a symbol of tranquility, while the ‘pieces of peace’ might indicate a pursuit of harmony in an often chaotic world.
Let’s hit the gas with the revelation of the song’s true engine: “Yeah, I think about the end just way too much / But it’s fun to fantasize.” This reflects the human tendency to contemplate the inevitable end, death. But it’s not all gloom and doom, folks. Just as much as the end is pondered, it’s also the thrill of fantasizing, the rush of the hypothetical that keeps our minds spinning like wheel trims on a tricked-out hot rod.
Moving onto the chorus, “I’m fallin’ so I’m taking my time on my ride” we see the metaphorical ‘ride’ as life itself. Falling suggests vulnerability, an acknowledgement of descent, while taking time embodies a slow, deliberate pace, a choice to appreciate every moment.
The second verse delves into the complex matrix of human relationships and sacrifice. “I’d die for you, that’s easy to say” and “I’d live for you, and that’s hard to do” paradoxically reflects the ease of uttering grand oaths of sacrifice juxtaposed against the genuine, daily sacrifices that often go unnoticed. A riveting example of their gritty, slap-you-in-the-face lyricism, folks.
As we cruise on, the song circles back to its core issue: overthinking. The repetitive chorus line “I’ve been thinking too much (Help me)” impeccably captures the artist’s plea for relief from his thoughts. It’s a rally cry, a universal chant, for anyone who’s felt trapped in the circular highway of their mind.
‘Ride’ is a testament to Twenty One Pilots’ remarkable ability to tread the slick, rain-soaked roads of existential thoughts and introspection, leaving tire marks that invite listeners to follow and reflect. It’s not just a jam to headbang to, but also a lyrical odyssey that carves its path straight through the heart of human experience.
