Riptide

Song Meaning of Riptide by Vance Joy, and what it is about

Joy, together with drummer Edwin White, co-wrote and produced the song. The lively song, notable for its metaphors and pop culture allusions, has been lyrically referred to as a "coming of age love story."

The first few chords and the first two words of the song were first drafted in 2008 in Joy's Glen Iris, Melbourne, house; the song's title was used at the time, but it was initially shelved. Joy began playing open mic nights in Melbourne, Australia, after graduating from university and having a successful VFL career. This eventually led to a successful music career.

Music critics gave the song favourable reviews, praising its lyrics, singing, and production while drawing analogies to the singer-songwriters Paul Kelly and Jeff Buckley. Following its peak at number six on the ARIA singles chart and subsequent designation as the top song in Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2013, "Riptide" would go on to enjoy commercial success in Australia.

Lyrics of Riptide by Vance Joy

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 dream

Oh, 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 shelf

Oh, 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

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

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

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

And I got a lump in my throat 'cause

You're gonna sing the words wrong