Vance Joy’s breakout hit, “Riptide,” is more than just an infectious indie-folk tune; it’s a lyrical and visual puzzle box. The music video, in particular, serves as a literal and often surreal interpretation of the song’s evocative lyrics, creating a compelling, if sometimes unsettling, viewing experience. Let’s dive into a breakdown of the “Riptide Lyrics Song” and its accompanying visuals.
Literal Visuals and Lyric Connection
The original article correctly points out the direct relationship between the lyrics and visuals in “Riptide,” contrasting it with more abstract music video styles. This video doesn’t shy away from literal representation, almost to a point of playful exaggeration. This approach immediately grabs the viewer’s attention and encourages a closer look at the lyrics themselves.
For instance, the lyric “I was scared of dentists and the dark” is not subtly hinted at; it’s presented with a jarring, almost gothic depiction of dentistry. This visual directness is a recurring theme throughout the video.
A rapid sequence of flashing images, possibly representing the chaotic or overwhelming nature of fear mentioned in the lyrics.
“Scared of Dentists and the Dark”: Unpacking Fear
The line “I was scared of dentists and the dark” is brought to life with unsettling imagery. Instead of a modern, clinical dentist office, we see something more akin to a horror film set. This exaggerated portrayal taps into common anxieties. James Keogh, Vance Joy himself, acknowledged in a PopCrush interview that this line stemmed from a real place of fear, highlighting how personal experiences can manifest in unexpected lyrical directions.
“Scared of Pretty Girls”: Male Gaze and Anticipation
The analysis of the “scared of pretty girls” lyric and the application of Laura Mulvey’s male gaze theory is insightful. The scene of a woman removing her straps, filmed from behind, certainly plays with anticipation. It’s a visual representation of attraction and perhaps the vulnerability or fear associated with approaching someone deemed “pretty.” The video cleverly uses this visual technique to engage the audience and underscore the lyrical theme of apprehension.
“Turning Green”: Jealousy and the Magician’s Assistant Metaphor
The lyrics “Oh, all my friends are turning green / You’re the magician’s assistant in their dreams” are rich in metaphor. “Turning green” is a common idiom for jealousy, and the “magician’s assistant” image is particularly potent. Magician’s assistants are often beautiful and distracting, drawing attention away from the trick. Here, it suggests the subject of the song is so captivating that she becomes the focal point of everyone’s desires, even in dreams. The card trick and sky visuals in the video further reinforce this dreamlike, almost illusory quality associated with infatuation.
“Come Unstuck”: Relationship Strain
The repetition of “Oh, and they come unstuck” is visually paired with ice lollies being pulled apart. This is a clear and effective metaphor for a relationship dissolving or partners drifting apart. The visual simplicity of the ice lollies emphasizes the painful simplicity of separation and loss.
“Riptide”: Embracing the Unknown
The “riptide” lyric itself is central to the song’s meaning. Riptides are dangerous currents, and the lyric “Lady, running down to the riptide” suggests a woman embracing risk or a potentially destructive force. Vance Joy’s explanation that “riptide” also refers to a hotel name adds another layer of personal meaning, possibly connecting the turbulent emotions of the song to nostalgic memories.
“Left Hand Man”: Commitment and Marriage
The interpretation of “I wanna be your left hand man” as a reference to marriage and commitment is well-supported. The left hand’s association with wedding rings strengthens this reading. The video’s subtle close-ups on left hands throughout act as visual cues, reinforcing the theme of lasting partnership.
“Sing the Words Wrong”: Endearing Imperfection
“You’re gonna sing the words wrong” is a self-aware and charming lyric. The video depicts a woman becoming increasingly distressed as this line repeats, culminating in the on-screen lyrics themselves being deliberately incorrect. Vance Joy’s quote about it being “endearing” and “charming” when people mishear the lyrics adds a layer of warmth and relatability to the song. It acknowledges the imperfections in memory and shared experiences.
“Midnight Cowboy”: Escapism and Self-Discovery
The reference to the film “Midnight Cowboy” in the line “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” adds depth to the song’s themes. “Midnight Cowboy” is a story of escapism and the search for identity. This lyrical reference suggests a longing for change and a journey of self-discovery, even if running from oneself is ultimately futile.
“Stay”: Desire for Commitment
The 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 a raw desire for commitment and stability in a relationship. The repetition emphasizes the urgency and intensity of this longing.
“Michelle Pfeiffer”: Idealized Beauty
The final lyric, “I swear she’s destined for the screen / Closest thing to Michelle Pfeiffer that you’ve ever seen, oh,” elevates the subject of the song to an almost mythical status. Michelle Pfeiffer, a renowned actress, represents classic beauty and Hollywood glamour. Comparing someone to Pfeiffer is a powerful statement of admiration and idealization. “Destined for the screen” further reinforces this image of extraordinary beauty and charisma.
Conclusion
Vance Joy’s “Riptide” music video is a masterclass in visual storytelling that directly engages with its lyrics. It’s quirky, sometimes unsettling, but always captivating. By analyzing the “riptide lyrics song” in conjunction with its visuals, we uncover layers of meaning related to fear, desire, commitment, and the often-unpredictable currents of relationships and life itself. The video’s literal interpretations, combined with its surreal and metaphorical moments, make “Riptide” a memorable and endlessly analysable piece of visual and musical art.
