Meaning and Lyrics of Riptide by Vance Joy
Song Lyrics meaning of Riptide by Vance Joy
About Vance Joy
Vance Joy, born James Gabriel Keogh on December 1, 1987, in Melbourne, Australia, is a celebrated singer-songwriter renowned for his indie folk-pop sound. Initially aspiring to a professional Australian Rules football career, Joy ultimately pivoted to music, drawing inspiration from artists like Bob Dylan and Paul Kelly.
Joy’s breakout hit, “Riptide,” released in 2013, catapulted him to global fame. The song’s infectious melody, clever lyrics, and Joy’s distinctive tenor voice garnered critical acclaim and widespread popularity, firmly establishing his place in the music industry.
“Riptide” received extensive airplay, topping charts worldwide and securing platinum certifications in multiple countries. Vance Joy’s debut album, “Dream Your Life Away,” followed in 2014, further cementing his status as a formidable artist. His storytelling artistry and emotive performances have since earned him a loyal fanbase and numerous awards. Beyond “Riptide,” Joy’s discography showcases his growth and versatility as a musician, blending folky intimacy with broader pop sensibilities. He continues to captivate audiences with his heartfelt lyrics and compelling melodies, solidifying his reputation as one of contemporary music’s brightest talents.
“Riptide” received extensive airplay, topping charts worldwide and securing platinum certifications in multiple countries. Vance Joy’s debut album, “Dream Your Life Away,” followed in 2014, further cementing his status as a formidable artist. His storytelling artistry and emotive performances have since earned him a loyal fanbase and numerous awards. Beyond “Riptide,” Joy’s discography showcases his growth and versatility as a musician, blending folky intimacy with broader pop sensibilities. He continues to captivate audiences with his heartfelt lyrics and compelling melodies, solidifying his reputation as one of contemporary music’s brightest talents.
Meaning of Riptide by Vance Joy
“Riptide” by Vance Joy is a song that delves into themes of love, longing, and uncertainty. The narrator admits his fears and insecurities in the first verse, revealing his anxieties about dentists, the dark, and pretty girls. He paints a picture of feeling out of place among his friends, who envy the object of his affection.
In the chorus, the narrator describes the intense attraction he feels towards this person, symbolized by the imagery of being swept away by a riptide to the “dark side.” Despite the lump in his throat from the overwhelming emotions, he cherishes the moments with the person, even when they sing the words wrong.
The second verse introduces a movie reference, suggesting a shared interest with the person he admires. The characters in the movie mirror the feelings in the narrator’s own life, with the cowboy symbolizing his desire to escape from his own emotions and the girl living a seemingly unattainable life.
The bridge reflects the narrator’s yearning for assurance and commitment from the person he loves. He wonders if she will stay and expresses his desire for things to be a certain way. The comparison to Michelle Pfeiffer adds a touch of glamour and beauty to the portrayal of this person, emphasizing her allure and appeal.
The repetition of the chorus underscores the intensity of the narrator’s feelings, emphasizing his desire to be a significant part of the person’s life and the emotional impact she has on him. The song’s concluding lines highlight the bittersweet nature of the relationship, acknowledging that despite the imperfections and misunderstandings, the connection remains strong and captivating.
In the chorus, the narrator describes the intense attraction he feels towards this person, symbolized by the imagery of being swept away by a riptide to the “dark side.” Despite the lump in his throat from the overwhelming emotions, he cherishes the moments with the person, even when they sing the words wrong.
The second verse introduces a movie reference, suggesting a shared interest with the person he admires. The characters in the movie mirror the feelings in the narrator’s own life, with the cowboy symbolizing his desire to escape from his own emotions and the girl living a seemingly unattainable life.
The bridge reflects the narrator’s yearning for assurance and commitment from the person he loves. He wonders if she will stay and expresses his desire for things to be a certain way. The comparison to Michelle Pfeiffer adds a touch of glamour and beauty to the portrayal of this person, emphasizing her allure and appeal.
The repetition of the chorus underscores the intensity of the narrator’s feelings, emphasizing his desire to be a significant part of the person’s life and the emotional impact she has on him. The song’s concluding lines highlight the bittersweet nature of the relationship, acknowledging that despite the imperfections and misunderstandings, the connection remains strong and captivating.
Lyrics of Riptide by Vance Joy
Verse 1
I was scared of dentists and the dark
I was scared of pretty girls and starting conversations
Oh, all my friends are turnin' green
You're the magician's assistant in their dream
Pre-Chorus
Oh-ooh, oh-oh
And they come unstuck
Chorus
Lady, runnin' down to the riptide
Taken away to the dark side
I wanna be your left hand man
I love you when you're singin' that song and
I got a lump in my throat 'cause
You're gonna sing the words wrong
Verse 2
There's this movie that I think you'll like
This guy decides to quit his job and heads to New York City
This cowboy's runnin' from himself
And she's been livin' on the highest shelf
Pre-Chorus
Oh-ooh, oh-oh
And they come unstuck
Chorus
Lady, runnin' down to the riptide
Taken away to the dark side
I wanna be your left hand man
I love you when you're singin' that song and
I got a lump in my throat 'cause
You're gonna sing the words wrong
Bridge
I just wanna, I just wanna know
If you're gonna, if you're gonna stay
I just gotta, I just gotta know
I can't have it, I can't have it any other way
I swear she's destined for the screen
Closest thing to Michelle Pfeiffer that you've ever seen, oh
Pre-Chorus
Lady, runnin' down to the riptide
Taken away to the dark side
I wanna be your left hand man
I love you, when you're singin' that song and
I got a lump in my throat 'cause
You're gonna sing the words wrong
Chorus
Oh lady, runnin' down to the riptide
Taken away to the dark side
I wanna be your left hand man
I love you when you're singin' that song and
I got a lump in my throat 'cause
You're gonna sing the words wrong
Oh lady, runnin' down to the riptide
Taken away to the dark side
I wanna be your left hand man
I love you when you're singin' that song and
I got a lump in my throat 'cause
You're gonna sing the words wrong, yeah
I got a lump in my throat 'cause
You're gonna sing the words wrong
I was scared of dentists and the dark
I was scared of pretty girls and starting conversations
Oh, all my friends are turnin' green
You're the magician's assistant in their dream
Pre-Chorus
Oh-ooh, oh-oh
And they come unstuck
Chorus
Lady, runnin' down to the riptide
Taken away to the dark side
I wanna be your left hand man
I love you when you're singin' that song and
I got a lump in my throat 'cause
You're gonna sing the words wrong
Verse 2
There's this movie that I think you'll like
This guy decides to quit his job and heads to New York City
This cowboy's runnin' from himself
And she's been livin' on the highest shelf
Pre-Chorus
Oh-ooh, oh-oh
And they come unstuck
Chorus
Lady, runnin' down to the riptide
Taken away to the dark side
I wanna be your left hand man
I love you when you're singin' that song and
I got a lump in my throat 'cause
You're gonna sing the words wrong
Bridge
I just wanna, I just wanna know
If you're gonna, if you're gonna stay
I just gotta, I just gotta know
I can't have it, I can't have it any other way
I swear she's destined for the screen
Closest thing to Michelle Pfeiffer that you've ever seen, oh
Pre-Chorus
Lady, runnin' down to the riptide
Taken away to the dark side
I wanna be your left hand man
I love you, when you're singin' that song and
I got a lump in my throat 'cause
You're gonna sing the words wrong
Chorus
Oh lady, runnin' down to the riptide
Taken away to the dark side
I wanna be your left hand man
I love you when you're singin' that song and
I got a lump in my throat 'cause
You're gonna sing the words wrong
Oh lady, runnin' down to the riptide
Taken away to the dark side
I wanna be your left hand man
I love you when you're singin' that song and
I got a lump in my throat 'cause
You're gonna sing the words wrong, yeah
I got a lump in my throat 'cause
You're gonna sing the words wrong
Discography Vance Joy
Live at Sydney Opera House
Release: 2023-04-14
Label: Atlantic Records
Popularity: 👏
In Our Own Sweet Time
Release: 2022-06-10
Label: Atlantic Records
Popularity: 👏👏👏
Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Release: 2018-11-16
Label: Atlantic Records
Popularity: 👏👏👏
Upcoming Events for Vance Joy
Vance Joy - 'dream your life away' Anniversary Show
Price Range: $46.5 – 150.5
Date: 2024-09-26
Location: Radio City Music Hall
Vance Joy - 'dream your life away' Anniversary Show
Price Range: $46 – 96
Date: 2024-09-21
Location: Merriweather Post Pavilion
Vance Joy - 'dream your life away' Anniversary Show
Price Range: $40.5 – 100.5
Date: 2024-09-20
Location: Ascend Amphitheater
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