Vance Joy’s breakout hit, “Riptide,” is more than just an indie-folk earworm; it’s a masterclass in lyrical storytelling amplified by a uniquely literal and often surreal music video. This analysis delves into the captivating visuals of the “Riptide Song” video and how they directly interpret, and sometimes playfully exaggerate, the song’s evocative lyrics. Far from abstract, the “Riptide” music video forges a strong “relationship between lyrics and visuals,” as described by Goodwin in his analysis of music videos, creating a compelling and memorable viewing experience.
One of the most striking aspects of the “Riptide song” music video is its commitment to visualising even the most abstract fears and feelings expressed in the lyrics.
“Scared of Dentists and the Dark”: Literal Fears Visualized
The lyric “I was scared of dentists and the dark” isn’t just a throwaway line; it’s given a vivid, if somewhat unsettling, visual representation. The video presents a gothic, almost horror-inspired, interpretation of dentists. This exaggerated portrayal plays on common social anxieties surrounding dentists and the fear of the unknown, symbolized by the dark. By showcasing an unrealistic and menacing dentist figure, the video aims to evoke a sense of unease and connect with the audience’s own latent fears.
Animated GIF of a scary dentist from Riptide music video
In a PopCrush interview, Vance Joy (James Keogh) himself acknowledged the autobiographical element of this lyric, stating, “I think it was a bit. It probably came from a real place… Sometimes when you’re writing a song and that song comes into your head, it definitely comes from somewhere, like a real experience.” This personal touch adds depth to the seemingly whimsical lyric and its stark visual interpretation in the “riptide song” video.
Male Gaze and “Pretty Girls”: A Nod to Mulvey’s Theory
The video also touches upon more complex themes like the “male gaze,” a concept explored by Laura Mulvey in 1975. In one scene, a woman is shown “seductively” removing her shoulder straps as the camera zooms in. This visual directly aligns with Mulvey’s theory, presenting the woman’s actions from a potentially male perspective, emphasizing anticipation and visual allure. While the audience only sees her back, the act of removing straps implies a reveal, creating a sense of expectation and subtly playing with themes of objectification within visual media.
“Magician’s Assistant” and “Turning Green”: Dreams and Jealousy
The lyrics “Oh, all my friends are turning green / You’re the magician’s assistant in their dreams” are brought to life with symbolic imagery. “Turning green” is a common idiom for jealousy, suggesting the singer’s friends envy his relationship. The “magician’s assistant” is portrayed as an alluring figure, meant to distract and captivate. In the video, a card trick (representing the magician) is juxtaposed with a low-angle shot of a woman against the sky, visually connecting her to the “dreams” mentioned in the lyrics. This imagery taps into the idea of being “in the clouds” or “on cloud nine,” associating the woman with an idealized, dreamlike state.
“Come Unstuck”: Visualizing Relationship Strain
The repeated line “Oh, and they come unstuck” is visually represented by two ice lollies initially joined together and then pulled apart. This simple yet effective imagery directly translates the lyric’s meaning – the idea of separation or a relationship falling apart. The visual of the ice lollies being separated is a poignant and relatable metaphor for emotional distance and break-ups.
“Riptide” and “Left Hand Man”: Deeper Meanings
The song’s title lyric, “Lady, running down to the riptide,” takes on multiple layers of meaning. While a riptide is literally a dangerous ocean current, Vance Joy has mentioned in interviews that “riptide” also refers to a hotel his family frequented. The video hints at the dangerous connotation of a riptide with a fleeting visual, suggesting the girl is “embracing a new lifestyle” that could be risky or overwhelming.
Similarly, “I wanna be your left hand man” is interpreted beyond its surface meaning. The video subtly connects “left hand man” to marriage, showing close-ups of people using their left hands, alluding to the tradition of wearing a wedding ring on the left hand. This visual association strengthens the interpretation of the lyric as a declaration of commitment and a desire for a deeper, marital relationship.
“Sing the Words Wrong”: Meta-Commentary and Audience Engagement
The lyric “You’re gonna sing the words wrong” is cleverly addressed in the music video itself. A woman is shown becoming increasingly distressed as this line repeats, and text on screen even displays incorrect lyrics. This playful meta-commentary acknowledges the song’s complex and sometimes difficult-to-follow lyrics, as Vance Joy noted in his PopCrush interview: “Riptide is a pretty hard song to follow. Lyrically… they sing it wrong because it’s so densely packed with different words. It’s kind of like an endearing thing.” The video embraces this potential for misinterpretation as a charming and relatable aspect of the song.
“Midnight Cowboy” Reference: Cinematic Allusions
The lyrics “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” are widely believed to reference the 1969 film Midnight Cowboy. The video includes a still image that evokes the film’s aesthetic, acknowledging this cinematic allusion. Midnight Cowboy‘s themes of escaping one’s past and searching for something new resonate with the broader themes of “Riptide,” adding another layer of depth for film-savvy listeners.
“Michelle Pfeiffer”: Beauty and Silver Screen Dreams
Finally, the lyric “I swear she’s destined for the screen / Closest thing to Michelle Pfeiffer that you’ve ever seen, oh” directly praises the subject’s beauty, comparing her to the iconic actress Michelle Pfeiffer. The video features a picture of Michelle Pfeiffer, reinforcing this comparison and highlighting the idealized image of beauty associated with Hollywood and the “screen.” This lyric and visual underscore the singer’s admiration and perhaps idealization of the woman he’s singing about.
In conclusion, the music video for the “riptide song” by Vance Joy is a fascinating example of literal visual interpretation. By directly illustrating the lyrics, often with a touch of surrealism and humor, the video enhances the song’s storytelling and creates a uniquely engaging experience for viewers. It’s a testament to how music videos can amplify a song’s meaning and solidify its place in popular culture.
