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"Ride" (originally titled "Drive"[1]) is a song by Lana Del Rey released on September 25, 2012, as the lead single off her third EP and second major-label release, Paradise. The song was co-written with Justin Parker and produced by Rick Rubin.

Background[]

The genesis of the song started when Del Rey approached producer Rick Rubin after wanting to work on a demo she'd had left over with collaborator Justin Parker. Del Rey stated that she and Rubin worked for six days on reworking the demo of "Ride" into the final song.[2]

A snippet of the demo version titled "Drive" leaked on October 15, 2020. The full track leaked later the same day. It features a slightly different instrumental, along with some lyrical differences. However, a total of ten versions are known to exist.

"I loved this demo I did with Justin Parker, who I wrote a lot of things with like 'Video Games', 'Born to Die', and 'National Anthem', and Ferdy Unger-Hamilton at EMI hated the song," Del Rey told Complex. "So I think him and Rick [Rubin] had been talking and Rick was like, 'What's going on with Lana? Can she come over, I hear she's in LA'. I think I had been over to say 'Hi' to him first. Just to say 'Hi'. We took a walk in Santa Monica — he takes the same walking route every morning. Then a few weeks later I brought him 'Ride', and he really liked it." Continuing about working with Rubin, she said: "Working with him was good, I was still in my old car, my old Mercedes that was barely making it down that hour-and-a-half drive down to Shangri-La Studios in Malibu, and it was really good. He has this sprawling lawn with all these bunnies and palm trees. He was very relaxed. It was good."[3]

Composition[]

"Ride" is a soul pop ballad composed in the key of C Major, with Del Rey's vocals ranging from C3 to E5. The recording features mild cursing, but is otherwise laced with nostalgic lyrics and husky vocals.

Critical reception[]

"Ride" earned critical commendation from music critics. Contactmusic.com noticed the track adheres to Del Rey's trademark sound, stating that the notion of her even having a trademark after one commercially successful album indicates that "we haven't seen the last of her just yet." Of the production itself, it was said that "Ride" is more accomplished than Del Rey's previous endeavors, with the strengths of the track outshining the flaws. The reviewer concluded by saying, "All that doe-eyed “you can be my full-time daddy / baby” shtick is going to start getting a little tired pretty soon, though, we reckon."[4]

NME blogged that the song's most significant lyric read, "I'm tired of feeling like I'm fucking crazy", while stating that the accompanying music video may be produced solely by Del Rey, as the videos for "Carmen" and "Video Games" were.[5] In a separate review for the same publication, Eve Barlow was critical of the song, writing that Del Rey sounded like "an oversexed frog being dragged against a washboard."[6] Pitchfork opined aforementioned lyric was a rare moment of raw emotion by Del Rey.[7] Billboard wrote: "Ride' is a long, dreamy ballad that swells into full view during the chorus, when the singer declares, 'Been trying' hard not to get into trouble/But I, I've got a war in my mind… so I just ride."[8] MTV called "Ride" a "slow burn" and "as mellow and languorous...as on her debut."[9] Another MTV review said: "On 'Ride,' Rey sings what she knows best: loneliness, some daddy issues and day-drinking. All of this is probably a metaphor for something, but honestly, we’re still trying to figure out what those "Born to Die" tigers mean."[10] A third review by MTV dubbed the single the number one "Must Hear" song of the week, saying, "Heaven is truly a place on Earth with you, Miss Lana."[11] Similarities were drawn between "Ride" and work by The Killers frontman, Brandon Flowers, on his solo debut, Flamingo.[11] Stuff said the title "Ride" was predictably pokerfaced.[12] Cameron Matthew of Spinner noted that Del Rey "amped up on the smokey vocals" with "Ride."[13]

Tom Breihan of Stereogum said "Ride": "moves [Del Rey] back to the power of "Video Games" and "Blue Jeans" while simultaneously pushing her into a grand Adele crossover-soul-pop zone. It's really nice. There's hope for this lady yet!"[14] Amanda Dobbins wrote on New York magazine's professional music blog, Vulture, that Del Rey is "still calling men who are not her father 'Daddy," on "Ride."[15] Dose reviewer Leah Collins called the record "predictably morose".[16][dead link] Complex named "Ride" the eighth best song of 2012.[17]

Commercial performance[]

"Ride" had a moderated success, especially in Europe. The song peaked number 3 and 6 in Belgium (Flanders and Wallonia respectively).[18][19] It reached number 63 in Austria, 40 in Denmark, and 56 in France.[20][21][22] In UK it debuted at number 32 being her fourth top 40 on the chart.[23] It peaked number 44, 35 and 20 in Germany, Ireland and Switzerland respectively.[24][25][26] Ride debuted at number 9 in Russia.[27] In USA, the song didn't enter the Hot 100, but it reached 26 and 21 in US Adult Alternative Songs and US Hot Rock Songs respectively.[28][29] In Australia, "Ride" peaked number 89.[30]

Music video[]

Music video Information
Lana_Del_Rey_-_Ride Released October 12, 2012
Length 10:10
Director Anthony Mandler
Producer Heather Heller
Filmed 2012
Location Las Vegas, Nevada
Vevo views 121+ Million views

Background[]

The music video for "Ride" was produced by Anthony Mandler, making this their second video together, following "National Anthem". It was premiered at an event hosted by Del Rey at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, California, on October 10, 2012, and was released to Del Rey's Vevo channel two days later on the 12th.

Description[]

Introduction and monologue[]

The video begins with a scene of Del Rey riding on a tire swing in the middle of the desert while her voice over-narrates the monologue.

I was in the winter of my life
And the men I met along the road were my only summer
At night I fell sleep with visions of myself dancing and laughing and crying with them
Three years down the line of being on an endless world tour and my memories of them were the only things that sustained me
And my only real happy times

I was a singer
Not a very popular one
I once had dreams of becoming a beautiful poet
But upon an unfortunate series of events saw those dreams dashed and divided like a million stars in the night sky
That I wished on over and over again, sparkling and broken
But I really didn't mind because I knew that it takes getting everything you ever wanted and then losing it to know what true freedom is

When the people I used to know found out what I had been doing how I had been living, they asked me why, but there's no use in talking to people who have a home
They have no idea what its like to seek safety in other people
For home to be wherever you lie your head

I was always an unusual girl
My mother told me that I had a chameleon soul
No moral compass pointing me due north
No fixed personality
Just an inner indecisiveness that was as wide as wavering as the ocean
And if I said that I didn't plan for it to turn out this way I'd be lying

Because I was born to be the other woman
Who belonged to no one
Who belonged to everyone
Who had nothing
Who wanted everything
With a fire for every experience and an obsession for freedom that terrified me to the point that I couldn't even talk about it
And pushed me to a nomadic point of madness that both dazzled and dizzied me

Closing monologue[]

The music video concludes with another monologue. The words "die young" from the monologue are tattooed on Del Rey's finger.

Every night I used to pray that I'd find my people
And finally I did
On the open road
We have nothing to lose, nothing to gain, nothing we desired anymore
Except to make our lives into a work of art

Live fast
Die young
Be wild
And have fun

I believe in the country America used to be
I believe in the person I want to become
I believe in the freedom of the open road
And my motto is the same as ever
"I believe in the kindness of strangers"

And when I'm at war with myself
I ride
I just ride

Who are you?
Are you in touch with all of your darkest fantasies?
Have you created a life for yourself where you can experience them?

I have
I am fucking crazy
But I am free

Photoshoot by Chuck Grant[]

Behind the scenes[]

Credits[]

Cast

  • Lana Del Rey — artist
  • Ian Seeberg — lover
  • Scott Marlatt — lover
  • Keven Peterson — lover
  • Josh Kurplus — biker
  • Brian Harlow — biker
  • Shawn Donohue — biker
  • Steve Buchanan — biker
  • Will Thomas — biker

Crew

  • Anthony Mandler — director
  • Diamond Dave — assistant director
  • Heather Heller — producer
  • Kristen Loftin — production supervisor
  • Benji Bamps — production designer
  • Malik Syeed — director of photography
  • Hassan Abdul Wahid — camera assistant
  • Regina Fernandez — art coordinator
  • Josh Davis — gaffer
  • Demetrie Cooley — key grip
  • Pamela Cochrane — makeup artist
  • Anna Cofone — hair stylist
  • Johnny Blueeyes — stylist
  • Savannah Baker — assistant stylist

Cross-references[]

Official versions[]

  • Album version — 4:49
    • Instrumental version — 4:47
    • String arrangement — 4:53
  • Clean version — 4:49
  • Single version — 4:46
  • Radio edit — 4:12
  • Music video version (with monologues) — 10:10
  • "Drive" demo version — 4:46
  • Paradise Tour version — 8:04

Lyrics[]

Album version[]

I've been out on that open road
You can be my full time daddy
White and gold
Singing blues has been getting old
You can be my full time baby
Hot or cold

Don't break me down
(Don't break me down)
I've been travellin' too long
(I've been travellin' too long)
I've been trying too hard
(I've been trying too hard)
With one pretty song
(With one pretty song)

I hear the birds on the summer breeze
I drive fast, I am alone in midnight
Been tryin' hard not to get into trouble
But I, I got a war in my mind
So, I just ride, just ride
I just ride, just ride

Dying young and I'm playing hard
That's the way my father made his life an art
Drink all day and we talk till dark
That's the way the road dogs do it – ride till dark

Don't leave me now
(Don't leave me now)
Don't say goodbye
(Don't say goodbye)
Don't turn around
(Don't turn around)
Leave me high and dry
(Leave me high and dry)

I hear the birds on the summer breeze
I drive fast, I am alone in midnight
Been tryin' hard not to get into trouble
But I, I've got a war in my mind
I just ride, just ride
I just ride, just ride

I'm tired of feeling like I'm fucking crazy
I'm tired of driving till I see stars in my eyes
All I've got to keep myself sane, baby
So I just ride, I just ride

Hear the birds on the summer breeze
I drive fast, I am alone in midnight
Been tryin' hard not to get into trouble
But I, I've got a war in my mind
I just ride, just ride
I just ride, I just ride

Radio edit[]

I've been out on that open road
You can be my full time daddy
White and gold
Singing blues has been getting old
You can be my full time baby
Hot or cold

Don't break me down
I've been travelin' too long
I've been trying too hard
With one pretty song

I hear the birds on the summer breeze
I drive fast, I am alone in the night
Been tryin' hard not to get into trouble
But I, I've got a war in my mind
So, I just ride, just ride
I just ride, just ride

Dying young and I'm playing hard
That's the way my father made his life an art
Drink all day and we talk till dark
That's the way the road dogs do it – ride till dark

Don't leave me now
Don't say goodbye
Don't turn around
Leave me high and dry

I hear the birds on the summer breeze
I drive fast, I am alone in the night
Been tryin' hard not to get into trouble
But I, I've got a war in my mind
I just ride, just ride
I just ride, just ride

I'm tired of feeling like I'm crazy
I'm tired of driving till I see stars in my eyes
It's all I've got to keep myself sane, baby
So I just ride, I just ride

I hear the birds on the summer breeze
I drive fast, I am alone in the night
Been tryin' hard not to get into trouble
But I, I've got a war in my mind
I just ride, just ride

"Drive" demo version[]

I've been out on that open road
You can be my full time daddy
White and gold
Singing blues has been getting old
You can be my full time baby
Hot or cold

Don't break me down
(Break me down, break me down)
I've been travellin' too long
(Too long, too long)
I've been trying too hard
With one pretty song (Hmm)

I hear the birds on the summer breeze
I drive fast, I am alone at midnight
Been tryin' hard not to get into trouble
But I, I've got a war in my mind
So, I just drive, just drive
Just drive, (Hmm), just drive

Dying young and I'm playing hard
That's the way my father made his life an art
Drink all day and we talk till dark
That's the way the road dogs do it - light till dark

Don't leave me now
(Me now, me now)
Don't say goodbye
(Goodbye, goodbye)
Don't turn around
Leave me high and dry (Hmm)

I hear the birds on the summer breeze
I drive fast, I am alone at midnight
Been tryin' hard not to get into trouble
But I, I've got a war in my mind
I just drive, (Hmm), just drive
Just drive, (Hmm), just drive

You think I'll ever feel different than I do now?
You think I'll ever feel electric again?
You think I'll ever transform into the man
God meant to make when he began?

Hear the birds on the summer breeze
I drive fast, I am alone at midnight
Been trying hard not to get into trouble
But I, I've got a war in my mind
I just drive, (Hmm), just drive, (Hmm)
I just drive, just drive

Commercial release[]

Physical release[]

United Kingdom (3722046) (45RPM)
Lana-del-rey-ride-polydor Label: Polydor, Interscope
Format: 7" picture disc vinyl in plastic sleeve
Released: 2012
Barcode: 602537220465
Photography: Chuck Grant
Design: Unknown
United States (Promotional) (45RPM)
R Promo Label: Polydor, Interscope
Format: 7" picture disc vinyl in cardsleeve
Released: 2012
Barcode: None
Photography: Chuck Grant
Design: Unknown

France

"Ride" was released in 7-inch vinyl format, which was exclusively included in The Singles box set.

TS15 Label: Polydor Records
Format: 7-inch vinyl
Released: December 4, 2012
Barcode: 602537229307
Photography: Chuck Grant
Design: Unknown

Digital release[]

Ride - Single
R single Label: Universal Music
Format: Digital download
Released: October 12, 2012
Barcode: None
Photography: Chuck Grant
Design: Unknown
# Name Time
1. "Ride" (Radio Edit) 4:12
2. "Ride"   4:46
Ride (Remixes)
R itunes remixes Label: Polydor
Format: Digital download
Released: November 19, 2012
Barcode: None
Photography: Chuck Grant
Design: Unknown
# Name Time
1. "Ride" (SOHN Remix) 5:12
2. "Ride" (MJ Cole Remix) 5:55
3. "Ride" (Eli Escobar Remix) 7:52
4. "Ride" (14th Remix) 3:43
5. "Ride" (Wes James Remix) 4:20
6. "Ride" (Lyla's Surprise [James Lavelle Remix]) 8:13

Official remixes[]

  • 14th Remix — 3:43
  • Active Child Remix — 3:42
  • Eli Escobar Remix — 7:52
  • James Lavelle Remix — 11:07
  • James Lavelle [Lyla's Surpise] Remix — 8:13
  • MJ Cole Remix — 5:55
  • Photek Remix — 4:30
  • SOHN Remix — 5:12
  • Wes James Remix — 4:20

Promotional release[]

Ride CD by Polydor in UK[]

Ride CD by Interscope Records in US[]

Credits[]

Personnel
  • Lana Del Rey — vocals, songwriting
  • Justin Parker — songwriting
  • Rick Rubin — production
  • Jason Lader — recording, bass
  • Eric Lynn and Sean Oakley — assistance
  • Dan Heath — strings arrangement
  • Tucker Robinson — strings recording
  • Songa Lee and Kathleen Sloan — violins
  • James Gadson — drums
  • Zac Rae — piano, keyboards
  • Andrew Scheps — mixing
  • John Davis — mastering
Technical
  • Published by EMI / Sony ATV (ASCAP)
  • Vocals recorded at Shangri La Studios, Malibu, United States and Sarm Studios, London, United Kingdom
  • Mastered at Metropolis Mastering, London, United Kingdom
  • Mixed at Punkerpad West, Van Nuys, United States

Charts[]

Chart (2012) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[30] 89
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[20] 63
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)[18] 3
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Wallonia)[19] 6
Denmark (Tracklisten)[21] 40
France (SNEP)[22] 56
Germany (Official German Charts)[24] 44
Ireland (IRMA)[25] 35
Russia (2M)[27] 9
Scotland (OCC)[31] 31
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[26] 20
UK Singles (OCC)[23] 32
US Adult Alternative Songs (Billboard)[28] 26
US Hot Rock Songs (Billboard)[29] 21

References[]

  1. APRA|AMCOS title search lists "Drive" as an alias of "Ride" (APRA ID: GW4326361)
  2. Blanning, Lisa (June 18, 2013). "Paradise Lost: An interview with Lana Del Rey". Electronic Beats. https://www.electronicbeats.net/lana-del-rey-interview/. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  3. Kheraj, Alim (July 17, 2017). "The surprising stories behind six of Lana Del Rey's biggest hits". Digital Spy. https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a815836/the-surprising-stories-behind-six-of-lana-del-reys-biggest-hits/. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  4. Avron, Hayley (September 25, 2012). "Will ‘Ride’ Change Our Minds About Lana Del Rey?". Contactmusic.com. http://www.contactmusic.com/news/will-ride-change-our-minds-about-lana-del-rey_3300850. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  5. "Lana Del Rey debuts new single 'Ride' – listen". NME. September 25, 2012. Archived from the original on September 26, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120926221741/https://www.nme.com/news/lana-del-rey/66302.
  6. Barlow, Eve (November 9, 2012). "Lana Del Rey – ‘Ride’". NME. http://www.nme.com/reviews/lana-del-rey/13867. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  7. Battan, Carrie (September 25, 2012). "Listen to a New Lana Del Rey Song, "Ride"". Pitchfork. http://pitchfork.com/news/47978-listen-to-a-new-lana-del-rey-song-ride/. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  8. Lipshutz, Jason (September 25, 2012). "Lana Del Rey Releases ‘Ride’ Single From ‘Born To Die’ Deluxe Edition". Billboard. http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/474939/lana-del-rey-releases-ride-single-from-born-to-die-deluxe-edition. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  9. Kaufman, Gil (September 25, 2012). "Lana Del Rey's Paradise Edition Of Debut Features Eight New Songs". MTV. Archived from the original on September 26, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120926195440/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1694392/lana-del-rey-paradise-edition.jhtml.
  10. Ayers, Mike (September 25, 2012). "Stream Lana Del Rey’s New Track “Ride”". MTV. Archived from the original on September 30, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120930041519/http://www.mtvhive.com/2012/09/25/lana-del-rey-ride-song-stream/.
  11. 11.0 11.1 Stern, Brad (September 25, 2012). "Lana Del Rey, Dragonette, Kylie Minogue + More: 5 Must-Hear Pop Songs Of The Week". MTV. Archived from the original on September 27, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120927233954/http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2012/09/25/lana-del-rey-dragonette-kylie-minogue/.
  12. Rosen, Genevieve (September 24, 2012). "Lana Del Rey releases afterthought". Stuff. http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/7725851/Lana-Del-Rey-releases-afterthought. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  13. Matthews, Cameron (September 25, 2012). "Joey Ramone's 'New York City,' New Neil Young Song & More". Spinner. Archived from the original on November 2, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121102011004/http://www.spinner.com/2012/09/25/news-joey-ramones-new-york-city-new-neil-young-and-more/.
  14. Breihan, Tom (September 25, 2012). "Lana Del Rey – “Ride”". Stereogum. http://stereogum.com/1161002/lana-del-rey-ride/mp3s/. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  15. Dobbins, Amanda (September 25, 2012). "Today in New Music: Ke$ha Accepts Her Mortality, Taylor Swift Still Hates Her Ex". Vulture.
  16. Collins, Leah. "Early buzz: Lindsay Lohan, Chris Brown and Rihanna, Ashton Kutcher and Miley Cyrus and more". Dose. http://www.dose.ca/Early+buzz+Lindsay+Lohan+Chris+Brown+Rihanna+Ashton+Kutcher+Miley+Cyrus+more/7294986/story.html.
  17. "The 50 Best Songs of 2012". Complex. December 11, 2012. http://www.complex.com/music/2012/12/2012-year-in-review-the-50-best-songs-of-2012/lana-del-rey-ride. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  18. 18.0 18.1 "Lana Del Rey – Ride" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  19. 19.0 19.1 "Lana Del Rey – Ride" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  20. 20.0 20.1 "Lana Del Rey – Ride" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  21. 21.0 21.1 "Lana Del Rey – Ride". Tracklisten. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  22. 22.0 22.1 "Lana Del Rey – Ride" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  23. 23.0 23.1 "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  24. 24.0 24.1 "Lana Del Rey – Ride" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  25. 25.0 25.1 "Irish-charts.com – Discography Lana Del Rey". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  26. 26.0 26.1 "Lana Del Rey – Ride". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  27. 27.0 27.1 "Lenta.ru: Музыка: Лена и музы" (in Russian). Lenta.ru. October 12, 2012. http://lenta.ru/articles/2012/10/12/chart/. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  28. 28.0 28.1 "Lana Del Rey – Chart History – Adult Alternative Songs". Billboard. https://www.billboard.com/artist/lana-del-rey/chart-history/triple-a/. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  29. 29.0 29.1 "Lana Del Rey – Chart History – Rock Songs". Billboard. https://www.billboard.com/artist/lana-del-rey/chart-history/rock-songs. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  30. 30.0 30.1 "Issue 1182" ARIA Top 100 Singles. National Library of Australia. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  31. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 27, 2024.


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