'Ride' is an alternative rap song about the human condition and 'going with the flow' by American musical duo Twenty-One Pilots. Released in 2015, the hit song's unique sounds and eerie lyrics invite us to think about dark times and who we can reach out to for help if needed.
Activity Time: 30 min - 60 min
Handouts:
Activities:
Themes:
I’ve been thinking too much/I’ve been thinking too much / Help me
Activity steps
- Play the Ride video once.
- Walk through the Ride handout and play the song again.
- In pairs or small groups, discuss the questions below
Reflect and discuss
Struggling
I’m fallin’ so I’m taking my time/Takin’ my time on my ride
- What do you think the singer means by “I’m fallin’”?
- Have you ever felt like you were falling? Give examples.
- What do you think the singer means by “my ride”? What makes you think that?
- What are other metaphors for “ride”?
Reaching out for help
I’ve been thinking too much/I’ve been thinking too much/Help me
- Who is the singer asking for help? Why?
- If you were struggling and needed help, who would you reach out to?
Get creative!
- Draw a web with you in the centre. Add the names of people in your life you trust and can talk to about the ups and downs of life.
- Identify and present a song of your choice that involves the themes of struggle and reaching out for help.
