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Vance Joy – Riptide Lyrics Meaning
“Riptide”, written by Vance Joy, is a song released on the 1st of March 2013. His first single and introduction to his debut EP, “God Loves You When You’re Dancing,” received both critical acclaim and commercial success. The meaning of the song “Riptide” lyrics is Vance Joy falling in love with a woman, despite his fears and uncertainties. It is the fourth song from his 2014 album “Dream Your Life Away“. The song received acclaim for its smart pop culture references and reached the 30th spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
Embedded below is the Official Video of the song from YouTube. Read the rest of the article while the music plays in the background. The complete lyrics of the song “Riptide” by Vance Joy are at the end of this article.
Is “Riptide” by Vance Joy About Kidnapping?
Contrary to popular misconception, “Riptide” by Vance Joy is not about kidnapping or any other criminal behavior. Instead, the song is a love story about the singer’s feelings for his girlfriend. The lyrics of “Riptide” contain metaphors and vivid imagery. But these lyrics do not describe a kidnapping or any other form of violent and criminal behavior. The song is a romantic and upbeat tune that expresses the singer’s feelings of attraction, longing, and uncertainty about his girlfriend.
I Wanna Be Your Left-Hand Man Meaning
In the song “Riptide” by Vance Joy, the lyric “I wanna be your left-hand man” is an expression of the singer’s desire to be there for his girlfriend. The left-hand man is seen as the second in command or the trusted assistant. So, this lyric is a declaration of the singer’s willingness to support and assist his girlfriend in any way possible. Also, it is a romantic gesture of love as the singer expresses his desire to be close to and supportive of the person he loves.
By offering to be the left-hand man, Vance Joy is saying that he is willing to be there for his girlfriend in a supportive role. The supportive role is much like a trusted assistant or partner. In general, the lyric “I wanna be your left-hand man” is a way for Vance Joy to express his affection and desire to be close to his girlfriend. It’s a simple but powerful way of saying that he wants to be there for her, support her, and be an important part of her life.
All My Friends Are Turning Green Meaning
The phrase “all my friends are turning green” in “Riptide” by Vance Joy is a metaphorical expression of jealousy and envy. This phrase conveys the emotional impact of the song. The line “Oh, all my friends are turning green” appears in the song “Riptide” by Vance Joy. While it seems like a nonsensical phrase at first, it actually carries a metaphorical meaning that’s worth exploring. In the context of the song, Vance Joy addresses someone he is attracted to and is interested in. The jealousy of his friends is a sign that they find his girlfriend desirable and attractive as well.
In “Riptide” lyrics by Vance Joy, the use of the color green in the lyrics is significant. Green associates with envy or jealousy. So, the “all my friends are turning green” phrase means that his friends are feeling envious or jealous of the attention he gives to his girlfriend. This phrase serves to illustrate the impact that she has on his life and the envy that others feel about their connection. It adds depth and meaning to the song. This line enhances our understanding of the emotions expressed.
Decoding Meaning of “Riptide” Lyrics by Vance Joy
The song “Riptide” lyrics by Vance Joy is a love song about the singer’s desire to be with the girl he loves. He describes his fears and insecurities. His fears and insecurities include getting scared of dentists, the dark, and starting conversations with pretty girls. The singer sees his friends turning green with envy as he dreams of being with this girl. Then, he compares his girlfriend compared to a magician’s assistant. Also, he says he wants to be her left-hand man, meaning that he wants to be by her side and support her. The line-by-line analysis of the meaning of the lyrics behind the song “Riptide” by Vance Joy is below:
“Riptide” lyrics mean Vance Joy is scared of many things and yet falls in love with someone he wants to be close to, even if she sings the wrong words.
[Verse 1]: Fear and Insecurity
I was scared of dentists and the dark
Intro to “Riptide” Lyrics by Vance Joy
I was scared of pretty girls and starting conversations
Oh, all my friends are turning green
You’re the magician’s assistant in their dream
Meaning
The first verse of “Riptide” lyrics by Vance Joy says he has a number of fears and insecurities. “I was scared of dentists and the dark,” means Vance is afraid of things that are unknown and unfamiliar to him. Also, he is fearful of things that are associated with pain or discomfort. “I was scared of pretty girls and starting conversations,” means that the singer struggles with social anxiety. Apparently, he has difficulty initiating conversations and interacting with people they find attractive.
“Oh, all my friends are turning green,” means Vance Joy’s friends are jealous of something that he has. It also means his friends are becoming envious of his romantic relationship. “You’re the magician’s assistant in their dream,” is a metaphor. It means his romantic partner addresses him as someone who is able to make other people’s dreams come true, but not his own. The magician’s assistant is secondary to the magician. This means the singer feels overlooked and unimportant in his relationship.
[Pre-Chorus/ Chorus]: Desire and Vulnerability
Oh, oh-o-oh, and they come unstuck
Lady, running down to the riptide
Pre-Chorus & Chorus to “Riptide” Lyrics by Vance Joy
Taken away to the dark side
I wanna be your left hand man
I love you, when you’re singing that song and
I got a lump in my throat ’cause
You’re gonna sing the words wrong
Oh lady, running down to the riptide
Taken away to the dark side
I wanna be your left hand man
I love you when you’re singing that song and
I got a lump in my throat ’cause
You’re gonna sing the words wrong
Oh lady, running down to the riptide
Taken away to the dark side
I wanna be your left hand man
I love you when you’re singing 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
Meaning
The pre-chorus and chorus of “Riptide” lyrics by Vance Joy describe his desire to be with his lover. These lyrics explain the emotions he experiences when she is around him. The pre-chorus, “Oh, oh-o-oh, and they come unstuck,” means a feeling of being disconnected from reality and losing control. The following lines from the chorus, “Lady, running down to the riptide, Taken away to the dark side,” means his romantic partner is adventurous and willing to take risks. He is attracted to her and wants to be a part of her life. “I wanna be your left-hand man,” means he wants to support her and be there for her in any way he can.
“I love you, when you’re singing that song and I got a lump in my throat ’cause you’re gonna sing the words wrong,” means she is imperfect, but Vance Joy loves her anyway. The lump in his throat is a feeling of emotion and a sense of vulnerability as well as intimacy in his relationship. In the chorus, the lyrics are repeated. These lyrics reinforce his desire to be with her and his willingness to overlook her imperfections. The overall tone of the pre-chorus and chorus is one of longing and vulnerability. But this sense of longing and vulnerability comes with a sense of adventure and risk-taking woven throughout.
[Verse 2]: Recommendation and Movie Plot
There’s this movie that I think you’ll like
Verse 2 to “Riptide” Lyrics by Vance Joy
This guy decides to quit his job and heads to New York City
This cowboy’s running from himself
And she’s been living on the highest shelf
Meaning
The second verse of “Riptide” lyrics by Vance Joy describes a conversation where he recommends a movie to his girlfriend. “There’s this movie that I think you’ll like,” sets the stage for the conversation. It suggests that he is trying to connect with his girlfriend by sharing something she enjoys. “This guy decides to quit his job and heads to New York City,” refers to the plot of the movie he is recommended. The movie is about a man who decides to leave his old life behind and pursue his dreams in the big city.
The line “This cowboy’s running from himself” refers to a character in the movie who struggles with his identity. This character tries to escape from something in his past. The final line, “And she’s been living on the highest shelf,” suggests that there is a female character in the movie. She is isolated and disconnected from the world around her. The phrase “highest shelf” is interpreted as a metaphor for a place that is hard to reach or hard to connect with.
[Bridge]: Love, Uncertainty, and Comparison
I just wanna, I just wanna know
Bridge to “Riptide” Lyrics by Vance Joy
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
Meaning
In the bridge of “Riptide” lyrics, Vance Joy describes his desire for a woman. But he is uncertain about whether she will stay with him. The first four lines, “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,” express his need for clarity and reassurance in the relationship. He wants to know if the woman he loves is committed to him.
Vance Joy wants to know if their relationship is going to last. The next line, “I swear she’s destined for the screen,” describes the woman as beautiful and captivating, like a movie star. Then, the line “Closest thing to Michelle Pfeiffer that you’ve ever seen, oh” compares the woman to the actress Michelle Pfeiffer. Michelle is known for her beauty and talent.
The Complete Lyrics of “Riptide” by Vance Joy
Here are the complete lyrics of “Riptide” by Vance Joy via Genius and chords:
I was scared of dentists and the dark
I was scared of pretty girls and starting conversations
Oh, all my friends are turning green
You’re the magician’s assistant in their dreamOh, oh-o-oh, and they come unstuck
Lady, running down to the riptide
Taken away to the dark side
I wanna be your left hand man
I love you, when you’re singing that song and
I got a lump in my throat ’cause
You’re gonna sing the words wrong
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 running from himself
And she’s been living on the highest shelfOh, oh-o-oh, and they come unstuck
Lady, running down to the riptide
Taken away to the dark side
I wanna be your left hand man
I love you when you’re singing that song and
I got a lump in my throat ’cause
You’re gonna sing the words wrongI 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, ohLady, running down to the riptide
The Complete Lyrics of “Riptide” by Vance Joy
Taken away to the dark side
I wanna be your left hand man
I love you, when you’re singing that song and
I got a lump in my throat ’cause
You’re gonna sing the words wrong
Oh lady, running down to the riptide
Taken away to the dark side
I wanna be your left hand man
I love you when you’re singing that song and
I got a lump in my throat ’cause
You’re gonna sing the words wrong
Oh lady, running down to the riptide
Taken away to the dark side
I wanna be your left hand man
I love you when you’re singing 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
Concluding Meaning of “Riptide” Lyrics by Vance Joy
In conclusion, “Riptide” lyrics by Vance Joy is a romantic and catchy song that uses metaphors and vivid imagery to express his feelings of attraction, longing, and uncertainty in a new relationship. Despite the misconception that the song is about kidnapping, the lyrics are actually a love story about the singer’s desire to be close to and support his girlfriend. The memorable melody and emotional lyrics have made “Riptide” a fan favorite. It is a staple of modern pop music. By understanding the true meaning of the song, listeners can deepen their appreciation of the emotions and sentiments that Vance Joy was trying to express.
Why did Vance Joy Write “Riptide”?
Vance Joy has not publicly disclosed the specific inspiration behind the song “Riptide.” However, as with many works of art, the song draws on personal experiences and emotions, as well as broader themes of love, fear, and longing.
The song [Riptide] started in 2008. One day I just picked up the guitar and started playing the chords for the verse. I had the first two lines but really didn’t think much about it. I kind of shelved them. At that point I only uncovered a small portion of the song, so it wasn’t clear to me where it was going to go. Four years later in 2012, I was living with a friend and I would spend a lot of the afternoons writing while he went to work. One day, I tried working on it, then stepped away we went to the shops to buy some stuff for dinner, and when I came back I started playing this melody on the ukulele. That melody wound up becoming the instrumental bridge, and that led me to write the melody for the chorus. Once I had that charted out, the words came easily, kind of like a stream of consciousness. All the words I needed were at my fingertips, and from that point I put the song together in a couple of days.
Vance Joy via American Songwriter
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