Released in 2012, 'Ride' by Lana Del Rey is known for its cinematic sound and confessional lyrics that explore themes of freedom and identity. The song, which speaks to the tumultuous journey of self-discovery, showcases the artist's rich, emotional vocal style and evocative storytelling. Lana Del Rey collaborated with producer Rick Nowels, creating a track that resonated deeply with listeners and gained significant popularity. Its cultural significance is evident in its themes that reflect the struggles of youth and rebellion, making it a compelling choice for English learners.
Lyrics
Ride — Lana Del Rey
English
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 at midnight
Been trying 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, I just ride
Dying young and playing hard
That's the way my father made his life an art
Drink all day and we talk 'til dark
That's the way the road doves do it, ride 'til dark
Don't leave me now
Don't say good bye
Don't turn around
Leave me high and dry
[Chorus]
I'm tired of feeling like I'm fucking crazy
I'm tired of driving 'til I see stars in my eyes
All I've got to keep myself sane, baby
So I just ride, I just ride
[…]
Grammar
What you learn from this song
Present Perfect / Presente Perfecto
The Present Perfect tense is used to express actions that occurred at some indefinite point in the past but are relevant to the present. It often highlights experiences, changes, or situations that began in the past and continue to the present. This structure is essential for English learners as it allows them to connect past actions with current realities.
'I've been out on that open road' — Indicates an experience that continues to affect the speaker.
'I've been travelin' too long' — Suggests a duration of ongoing action impacting the speaker's current state.
'I've got a war in my mind' — Connects a past condition to the speaker's present mental state.
Simple Present / Presente Simple
The Simple Present tense is used to describe habitual actions, universal truths, or facts. It's important for learners to grasp this structure as it forms the basis for everyday communication and clarifications about current states or facts.
'I hear the birds on the summer breeze' — States a fact that occurs regularly during summer.
'I am alone at midnight' — Describes a current state of being.
'That's the way my father made his life an art' — Reflects a characteristic habit or trait.
Fun facts
Did you know?
The song was featured in the 2012 short film 'Tropico,' which further illustrates its themes of love and freedom.
'Ride' debuted at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking one of Lana Del Rey's highest chart positions in the United States.
The music video has amassed millions of views on YouTube, showcasing Lana's unique visual style and connecting with a vast audience.
Many artists have covered 'Ride,' highlighting its influence in contemporary pop music and its compelling narrative structure.
Lana Del Rey's performance of 'Ride' at the 2012 VMA pre-show brought significant media attention, boosting the song's popularity.
For students
Why learn English with this song?
Learning from 'Ride' is beneficial due to its intermediate vocabulary level, which includes expressive and relatable phrases. The clarity of Lana Del Rey's pronunciation makes it easier for learners to understand and mimic. The song employs repetition patterns, allowing students to reinforce their language skills through listening and lyric completion. Additionally, the emotional context of the lyrics helps learners engage more deeply with the language.
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