“The chorus ties into this. A riptide suddenly swallows you beneath the water before you can react. He's fallen into this relationship without thinking.” Reddit · r/LyricInterpretations · 8 years ago
: The title was also inspired by a motel called "Riptide" where Vance Joy stayed with his family as a child. The "Riptide" Mentality Riptide
"Riptide" is most commonly recognized as the breakout hit by Australian singer-songwriter . The song is a quirky, upbeat coming-of-age love story known for its distinctive ukulele riff and rapid-fire metaphors. The Meaning of the Song “The chorus ties into this
: The "Riptide Mentality" suggests that when external forces conspire against you, the best course of action is often to stop fighting. By conserving energy and letting the current take you, you can eventually swim parallel to the "shore" and escape when the force dissipates. "Riptide" Perspectives By conserving energy and letting the current take
: A playful way of saying he wants to be right by her side, despite her being "destined for the screen" and perhaps out of his league.
Beyond the music, "riptide" is often used as a metaphor for dealing with intense external forces or emotional distress.