Ride

"Ride" by Twenty One Pilots is a deeply introspective song that explores the journey of life, the anxieties of existence, and the search for meaning. The central theme revolves around the contrast between its upbeat, reggae-infused melody and its somber, philosophical lyrics. This juxtaposition highlights the internal conflict between wanting to enjoy life and being weighed down by existential questions about life, death, and purpose.

The lyrics, penned by frontman Tyler Joseph, delve into the struggle of overthinking. The repeated line, "I've been thinking too much," serves as a direct confession of this mental state. The song grapples with the concept of mortality, with Joseph singing, "Yeah, I think about the end just way too much/But it's fun to fantasize." This reflects a common millennial angst and a fascination with life's ultimate questions.

The 'ride' itself is a metaphor for life's journey. The chorus, "I'm falling, so I'm taking my time on my ride," suggests an acceptance of life's difficulties and the inevitability of its end. Instead of fighting this 'fall,' the narrator chooses to experience the journey at their own pace. The song also questions the depth of human commitment, contrasting the ease of saying one would die for another with the much harder task of truly living for them. This reflects a struggle with authenticity and the challenges of maintaining relationships amidst personal turmoil. Ultimately, "Ride" is a commentary on navigating the complexities of the human mind, finding peace amidst chaos, and embracing the journey of life with all its uncertainties.

The song begins with a desire for simplicity and peace, a yearning to bask in a mental 'sunshine' and find tranquility. However, this idyllic thought is immediately contrasted by the acknowledgment that life is often difficult. The narrator confesses to an overwhelming preoccupation with the end of life and mortality, a rumination that, paradoxically, provides a strange sense of fascination. This internal conflict between seeking peace and dwelling on darker thoughts sets the stage for the song's central theme.

The chorus serves as a declaration of acceptance and a decision to navigate life's inevitable downward spiral at a deliberate pace. The phrase 'I'm falling, so I'm taking my time on my ride' suggests an understanding that the journey through life, with all its struggles, is something to be experienced rather than rushed. It’s an embrace of the process, even when the direction feels like a descent.

The second verse delves into the complexities of commitment and sacrifice. The narrator contemplates the easy platitude of being willing to die for someone, questioning its sincerity when never truly tested. The idea of taking a metaphorical bullet is contrasted with the stark reality of not facing literal danger. This leads to a deeper, more challenging consideration: the difficulty of truly living for someone else. The narrator admits that this is a harder promise to make and keep, especially when failing to be present for loved ones, ignoring their calls and questions. The questions posed by others—who would you live for, die for, or even kill for—are overwhelming, especially when the narrator is grappling with these questions internally.

A recurring plea, 'I've been thinking too much, help me,' surfaces throughout the latter part of the song, highlighting a sense of being trapped in one's own thoughts. This cry for help underscores the mental exhaustion that comes from constant over-analysis and existential dread. The repetition emphasizes the cyclical and persistent nature of these anxieties. The song concludes by reinforcing the chorus, solidifying the idea of taking one's time on the 'ride' of life, a conscious choice to slow down and experience the journey amidst the internal turmoil and the feeling of 'falling'.

"Ride" was written by Tyler Joseph, the frontman of the American musical duo Twenty One Pilots. It was recorded for their fourth studio album, Blurryface, which was released in 2015. The song was produced by Ricky Reed, who was behind eight of the tracks on the album. Reed recalls being immediately drawn to the demo of "Ride," considering it a "special song."

The initial production work took place in the band's hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Tyler Joseph and producer Ricky Reed bonded over the track, which was the first one they worked on together. The song was already written by Joseph, allowing Reed to focus on creating the musical landscape to complement the lyrics and Joseph's vision. They later finished the track in Los Angeles, where they incorporated vintage elements to enhance its reggae feel, such as an old Hammond B3 Leslie organ.

"Ride" was released as a promotional single on YouTube on May 11, 2015, with the official music video following the next day. It was later sent to US contemporary hit radio on April 16, 2016, as the album's fifth official single.

The rhythmic structure of "Ride" is a key element of its unique sound, primarily driven by a reggae-influenced beat. The song is in common time with a brisk tempo of 150 beats per minute, creating an upbeat feel that contrasts with its lyrical themes. Drummer Josh Dun provides a steady one-two beat that is described as punk-inspired, giving the track a rhythmic drive.

The rhyme scheme is not strictly consistent, characteristic of the band's fluid style that blends singing with rap. In the verses, Tyler Joseph utilizes both perfect rhymes and slant rhymes to maintain a conversational yet poetic flow. His rap sections feature a faster, staccato rhythm, where the rhyming is more intricate and contributes to the sense of urgency and racing thoughts. The chorus, with its more melodic and elongated phrasing, has a simpler rhyme structure, making it a memorable and anthemic hook. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the song's reggae groove is a defining feature, creating a compelling dynamic that is both danceable and thought-provoking.

"Ride" showcases Twenty One Pilots' signature genre-blending style. Musically, it combines a cheerful, upbeat reggae and ska rhythm with elements of alternative rock, hip-hop, and electropop. This creates a stark contrast with the song's introspective and often dark lyrical content, a technique the band frequently employs.

Tyler Joseph's vocal delivery is highly dynamic, shifting from melodic singing to a fast-paced, staccato rap and even moments of screaming. This reflects the song's emotional turbulence, moving from contemplation to anxiety and desperation. The instrumentation includes shimmery synths, a prominent bassline, and Josh Dun's punk-inspired drumming, which provides a steady, driving beat. The song is composed in the key of G-flat major with a fast tempo of 150 beats per minute. There is a notable key change during the bridge, which adds to the song's dynamic structure. The use of call-and-response during the bridge and a breakdown where Joseph alternates between his regular voice and a falsetto further enhances the track's complexity.

Lyrically, Joseph employs rhetorical questions to engage the listener in his philosophical ponderings (e.g., "Who would you live for? Who would you die for?"). The narrative voice is vulnerable and confessional, openly admitting to struggles with overthinking and existential dread.

"Ride" achieved significant commercial success and has had a lasting cultural impact. It peaked at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100, making Twenty One Pilots the third rock act in history, after The Beatles and Elvis Presley, to have two simultaneous top-five singles. The song was a massive hit on radio and its music video has surpassed one billion views on YouTube.

The track is considered one of Twenty One Pilots' signature songs, alongside "Stressed Out" and "Heathens". Its genre-bending nature, blending reggae, rock, and rap, was praised by critics and contributed to the band's breakthrough into the mainstream. The album it appears on, Blurryface, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and became the first album in the digital era to have every one of its songs certified gold or platinum by the RIAA.

The song's themes of mental health, insecurity, and existential questioning resonated deeply with a large and passionate fanbase, known as the "Skeleton Clique." "Ride" is a staple of the band's live shows, often featuring a moment where drummer Josh Dun's kit is held up by the crowd.

"Ride" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that explore its deep existential themes.

• The 'Ride': The most prominent metaphor is the 'ride,' which represents the journey of life. The act of "taking my time on my ride" symbolizes an acceptance of life's pace and a decision to experience its ups and downs without rushing towards an inevitable end.
• 'Falling': The concept of 'falling' is used metaphorically to describe both the process of aging and moving closer to death, as well as a potential loss of certainty or faith. It signifies a lack of control over one's ultimate fate, which leads to the decision to simply experience the 'ride'.
• The Sun: The desire to "stay in the sun" symbolizes a longing for peace, happiness, and mental clarity. In some interpretations, given the band's Christian background, the 'sun' could also be a veiled metaphor for the 'Son' (Jesus Christ), representing a desire to remain in God's light and love.
• 'Taking a Bullet': This is a direct metaphor for sacrifice. Tyler Joseph deconstructs this common phrase, pointing out that it's easy to claim you would die for someone when not faced with the literal act, thus questioning the depth of such declarations.

Several recurring phrases and motifs are central to the structure and meaning of "Ride".

• "I'm taking my time on my ride": This is the song's primary hook and central message. Its repetition in the chorus reinforces the theme of accepting life's journey and navigating it at one's own pace, despite the feeling of 'falling'.
• "I've been thinking too much": This phrase is repeated multiple times, especially in the bridge and outro. Its recurrence emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the narrator's anxiety and existential thoughts, serving as a desperate plea for relief.
• The contrast of Life and Death: The motif of contemplating who one would "die for" versus who one would "live for" is a significant recurring theme. This highlights the song's philosophical core, questioning the nature of sacrifice and commitment.
• The juxtaposition of light and dark: The desire to "stay in the sun" is contrasted with thoughts about "the end," creating a recurring motif of the internal struggle between hope and despair, peace and anxiety. This is also visually represented in the music video, which shifts between light and dark settings.