Ride (Lana Del Rey song)

2012 single by Lana Del Rey

"Ride"

Single by Lana Del Rey
from the EP  Paradise
B-side| "Blue Velvet"
Released| September 25, 2012 (2012-09-25)
Studio|

* Shangri-La (Los Angeles, CA)[1]
* Westlake Recording Studios (Hollywood, CA)[1]
* Sarm Studios (London, UK)[1]

Genre|

* Blue-eyed soul
* country-soul
* pop soul

Length| 4:49
Label|

* Polydor
* Interscope

Songwriter(s)|

* Lana Del Rey
* Justin Parker

Producer(s)| Rick Rubin
Lana Del Rey singles chronology
| "Summertime Sadness"
(2012)  | "Ride"
(2012)  | "Dark Paradise"
(2013)

|
|

Music video
"Ride" on YouTube

"Ride" is a song by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey from her third extended play (EP), Paradise (2012). The song was written by Lana Del Rey and Justin Parker, while produced by Rick Rubin, the song served as the reissue's first single on September 25, 2012 through Interscope Records. "Ride" is a soulful ballad that thematically involves parental problems, alcohol consumption, and loneliness. The cover for the song depicts Del Rey on a tire swing, wearing cowboy boots and a denim jacket.

"Ride" received critical acclaim from music critics, who compared Del Rey's vocals with that of Adele and Brandon Flowers of the Killers. While only a modest hit in the United States, Switzerland, Ireland, and France, the song reached the top 10 in Russia. The accompanying music video for "Ride" was directed by Anthony Mandler, and was released on October 12, 2012. Del Rey's role in the video was compared to Lolita and A Streetcar Named Desire. The monologue treatment at the start and end of the video met polarized opinion; some considered it "meaningless" and a "gibe to her critics", while others called it "moving".

## Composition

[edit]

"Ride"

"Ride" is a ballad. Del Rey's vocals were called smokey and languorous.

* * *

Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Ride" is a pop soul,[2] country-soul,[3] and blue-eyed soul ballad.[4] In the song, Del Rey sings over a string-drenched, piano-driven melody produced by Rick Rubin.[2] Lyrically, the song was written by Del Rey and Justin Parker, who co-wrote almost every song on Del Rey's debut album, Born to Die. In the song, Del Rey sings lines such as, "I'm tired of feeling like I'm fucking crazy" and "Been trying' hard not to get into trouble/But I, I've got a war in my mind... so I just ride".[5][6] The song opens with an audible inhalation, before Del Rey gushes out, "I've been out on that open road". The recording features mild cursing, but is otherwise laced with nostalgic lyrics and husky vocals.[7] To further promote the single and album, an EP was released containing remixes of "Ride". Contributing artists include Sohn, MJ Cole, Eli Escobar, 14th, Wes James, and James Lavelle.[8]

## Critical reception

[edit]

Critics said "Ride" elevated Del Rey to the soul pop levels of singers like Adele.[2]

"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."[9]

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."[10] Pitchfork Media opined aforementioned lyric was a rare moment of raw emotion by Del Rey.[11] 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."[6] MTV called "Ride" a "slow burn" and "as mellow and languorous...as on her debut."[12] 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."[13] 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."[14] Similarities were drawn between "Ride" and work by The Killers frontman, Brandon Flowers, on his solo debut, Flamingo.[14] Stuff said the title "Ride" was predictably pokerfaced.[15] Cameron Matthew of Spinner noted that Del Rey "amped up on the smokey vocals" with "Ride."[16]

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!"[2] Amanda Dobbins of Vulture wrote that Del Rey is "still calling men who are not her father 'Daddy," on "Ride."[17] Dose reviewer Leah Collins called the record "predictably morose".[18] Complex named "Ride" the eighth best song of 2012.[19]

## Music video

[edit]

Main article: Ride (2012 film)

## Cover versions

[edit]

Nashville songwriter and producer Shane Tutmarc released cover of "Ride" as a single in January 2013. Tutmarc's music video features home videos of JFK, Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe.[20]

British indie rock band White Lies released cover of "Ride" on their 2013 EP Small TV.

## Track listing

[edit]

Digital download[21]No.| Title| Writer(s)| Producer(s)| Length

|
|
|
|

1.| "Ride" (radio edit)|

* Lana Del Rey
* Justin Parker

| Rick Rubin| 4:12
2.| "Ride"|

* Del Rey
* Parker

| Rubin| 4:46
Total length:| 8:58

European digital remixes EP (select countries)[22]No.| Title| Writer(s)| Producer(s)| Length

|
|
|
|

1.| "Ride"|

* Del Rey
* Parker

| Rubin| 4:49
2.| "Ride" (Active Child Remix)|

* Del Rey
* Parker

| Rubin| 3:42
3.| "Blue Velvet" (Penguin Prison Remix)|

* Bernie Wayne
* Lee Morris

| Emile Haynie| 5:02
4.| "Blue Velvet" (Lindstrom Remix)|

* Wayne
* Morris

| Haynie| 9:26
Total length:| 22:59

US digital remixes EP[23]No.| Title| Writer(s)| Producer(s)| Length

|
|
|
|

1.| "Ride" (Sohn Remix)|

* Del Rey
* Parker

| Rubin| 5:12
2.| "Ride" (M. J. Cole Remix)|

* Del Rey
* Parker

| Rubin| 5:55
3.| "Ride" (Eli Escobar Remix)|

* Del Rey
* Parker

| Rubin| 7:52
4.| "Ride" (14th Remix)|

* Del Rey
* Parker

| Rubin| 3:43
5.| "Ride" (Wes James Remix)|

* Del Rey
* Parker

| Rubin| 4:20
6.| "Ride" (Lyla's Surprise) (James Lavelle Remix)|

* Del Rey
* Parker

| Rubin| 8:13
Total length:| 35:15

7" vinyl[24]No.| Title| Writer(s)| Producer(s)| Length

|
|
|
|

1.| "Ride"|

* Del Rey
* Parker

| Rubin| 4:49
2.| "Ride" (Active Child Remix)|

* Del Rey
* Parker

| Rubin| 3:42
Total length:| 8:31

## Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits for Paradise adapted from Barnes & Noble.[25]

Performance

* Lana Del Rey – primary artist, vocals, backing vocals, composer, writer

Technical

* Justin Parker – composer
* Rick Rubin – producer
* Andrew Scheps – mixer

## Charts

[edit]

Chart (2012)  | Peak
position

|

Australia (ARIA)[26] | 89
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[27] | 63
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)[28] | 3
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Wallonia)[29] | 6
Denmark (Tracklisten)[30] | 40
France (SNEP)[31] | 56
Germany (GfK)[32] | 44
Ireland (IRMA)[33] | 35
Russia (2M)[34] | 9
Scotland (OCC)[35] | 31
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[36] | 20
UK Singles (OCC)[37] | 32
US Adult Alternative Songs (Billboard)[38] | 26
US Hot Rock Songs (Billboard)[39] | 21

## Certifications

[edit]

Region  | Certification | Certified units/sales

|
|

Australia (ARIA)[40] | Platinum  | 70,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[41] | Platinum  | 60,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[42] | Gold  | 15,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[43] | Gold  | 400,000‡
United States (RIAA)[44] | Platinum  | 1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

## Release history

[edit]

Region  | Date  | Format  | Label  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

Canada  | September 25, 2012  | Digital download | Interscope | [45]
Italy  | Universal | [46]
Spain  | [47]
United States  | Interscope  | [48]
Italy  | October 12, 2012  | Contemporary hit radio | Universal  | [49]
Germany  | November 9, 2012  | Digital download  | Vertigo | [50]
United Kingdom  | November 9, 2012  | Digital remixes EP  | Polydor | [22]
November 11, 2012  | Digital download  | [51]
November 12, 2012  | 7-inch vinyl | [24]
United States  | November 19, 2012  | Digital remixes EP  | Interscope  | [23]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c Born to Die: The Paradise Edition (Media notes). Lana Del Rey. Polydor Records. Interscope Records. Stranger Records. 2012.`{{cite AV media notes}}`: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
2. ^ a b c d Breihan, Tom (25 September 2012). "Lana Del Rey – "Ride"". Stereogum. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
3. ^ Petridis, Alexis (January 14, 2022). "Lana Del Rey's greatest songs — ranked!". The Guardian. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
4. ^ Saalman, Austin (November 11, 2022). "Lana Del Rey – Reflecting on the 10th Anniversary of "Paradise"". Under the Radar. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
5. ^ a b "Lana Del Rey debuts new single 'Ride'". NME. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
6. ^ a b Lipshutz, Jason. "Lana Del Rey Releases 'Ride' Single From 'Born to Die' Deluxe Edition". Billboard. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
7. ^ Malaika, Claire. "Lana Del Rey – Ride – Music Review". IDOL magazine. Archived from the original on 7 October 2013. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
8. ^ "Lana Del Rey Debuts at #10 on Billboard 200 With 'Paradise' EP (Interscope/Polydor)". PR Newswire. Santa Monica, California. 21 November 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2012.
9. ^ "Lana Del Rey – Will 'Ride' Change Our Minds About Lana Del Rey?". Contactmusic.com. 25 September 2012. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
10. ^ Barlow, Eve (November 9, 2012). "NME Reviews – Lana Del Rey – 'Ride'". NME. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
11. ^ Battan, Carrie (25 September 2012). "Listen to a New Lana Del Rey Song, "Ride"". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
12. ^ Kaufman, Gil. "Lana Del Rey's Paradise Edition Of Debut Features Eight New Songs". MTV News. Archived from the original on September 26, 2012. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
13. ^ Ayers, Mike. "Stream Lana Del Rey's New Track "Ride"". MTV Hive. Archived from the original on 30 September 2012. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
14. ^ a b Stern, Brad. "Lana Del Rey, Dragonette, Kylie Minogue + More: 5 Must-Hear Pop Songs Of The Week". MTV Buzzworthy. Archived from the original on September 27, 2012. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
15. ^ Rosen, Genevieve (24 September 2012). "Lana Del Rey releases afterthought". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
16. ^ Matthews, Cameron. "Joey Ramone's 'New York City,' New Neil Young Song & More". Spinner. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
17. ^ Dobbins, Amanda (25 September 2012). "Today in New Music: Ke$ha Accepts Her Mortality, Taylor Swift Still Hates Her Ex". New York. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
18. ^ Collins, Leah. "Early buzz: Lindsay Lohan, Chris Brown and Rihanna, Ashton Kutcher and Miley Cyrus and more". Dose.[permanent dead link]
19. ^ "8. Lana Del Rey "Ride" — The 50 Best Songs of 2012". Complex. December 11, 2012. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
20. ^ Shane Tutmarc - Ride (Lana Del Rey) - YouTube
21. ^ "Ride – Single". iTunes Store (in German). January 2012. Retrieved November 14, 2012.
22. ^ a b "Ride (Remixes) – EP". iTunes Store (GB). Archived from the original on January 10, 2015. Retrieved November 14, 2012.
23. ^ a b "Ride [Explicit]". Amazon. Retrieved November 14, 2012.
24. ^ a b "Ride [7" VINYL] [Maxi]". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved November 14, 2012.
25. ^ "Paradise, Lana Del Rey, Music CD". Barnes & Noble. Retrieved November 14, 2012.
26. ^ "Issue 1182" ARIA Top 100 Singles. National Library of Australia. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
27. ^ "Lana Del Rey – Ride" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
28. ^ "Lana Del Rey – Ride" (in Dutch). Ultratip.
29. ^ "Lana Del Rey – Ride" (in French). Ultratip.
30. ^ "Lana Del Rey – Ride". Tracklisten.
31. ^ "Lana Del Rey – Ride" (in French). Le classement de singles.
32. ^ "Lana Del Rey – Ride" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
33. ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Lana Del Rey". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
34. ^ "Lenta.ru: Музыка: Лена и музы". Lenta.ru (in Russian). October 12, 2012. Retrieved November 25, 2012.
35. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
36. ^ "Lana Del Rey – Ride". Swiss Singles Chart.
37. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
38. ^ "Lana Del Rey – Chart History – Adult Alternative Songs". Billboard. Retrieved 2014-06-04.
39. ^ "Lana Del Rey – Chart History – Rock Songs". Billboard. Retrieved 2013-01-17.
40. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2023 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
41. ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Lana Del Rey – Ride" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
42. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Lana Del Rey – Ride". Radioscope. Retrieved January 15, 2025. Type Ride  in the "Search:" field.
43. ^ "British single certifications – Lana Del Rey – Ride". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
44. ^ "American single certifications – Lana Del Rey – Ride". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved November 24, 2021.
45. ^ "Ride (Explicit) | 2012". 7digital Canada. Archived from the original on November 16, 2017. Retrieved December 17, 2014.
46. ^ "Ride [Explicit]" (in Italian). Amazon.it. Retrieved October 23, 2012.
47. ^ "Ride [Explicit]" (in Spanish). Amazon.es. Retrieved October 23, 2012.
48. ^ "Ride [Explicit]". 2012. Retrieved October 23, 2012.
49. ^ "Lana Del Rey – Ride (Universal) | Radio Date 12/10/2012" (in Italian). Radio Airplay SRL. Archived from the original on January 10, 2014. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
50. ^ "Lana Del Rey | Ride | Diskografie" (in German). Universal Music Group. Archived from the original on August 16, 2014.
51. ^ "Ride [Explicit]". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved December 16, 2014.

## External links

[edit]

* Official music video for "Ride" on YouTube
* Official audio for "Ride" (excluding the monologue) on YouTube

* v
* t
* e

Lana Del Rey songs

* Discography
* Songs
* Unreleased songs

Born to Die|

* "Born to Die"
* "Off to the Races"
* "Blue Jeans"
* "Video Games"
* "National Anthem"
* "Dark Paradise"
* "Summertime Sadness"

Paradise|

* "Ride"
* "Cola"
* "Blue Velvet"
* "Gods & Monsters"
* "Bel Air"
* "Burning Desire"

Ultraviolence|

* "Ultraviolence"
* "Shades of Cool"
* "Brooklyn Baby"
* "West Coast"

Honeymoon|

* "Honeymoon"
* "Music to Watch Boys To"
* "Terrence Loves You"
* "High by the Beach"
* "Freak"
* "Burnt Norton"
* "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood"

Lust for Life|

* "Love"
* "Lust for Life"
* "Summer Bummer"
* "Groupie Love"
* "Coachella – Woodstock in My Mind"
* "Tomorrow Never Came"
* "Change"
* "Get Free"

Norman Fucking
Rockwell!|

* "Norman Fucking Rockwell"
* "Mariners Apartment Complex"
* "Venice Bitch"
* "Fuck It I Love You"
* "Doin' Time"
* "Cinnamon Girl"
* "The Greatest"
* "Hope Is a Dangerous Thing for a Woman Like Me to Have – but I Have It"

Chemtrails over
the Country Club|

* "White Dress"
* "Let Me Love You like a Woman"
* "Chemtrails over the Country Club"
* "Tulsa Jesus Freak"

Blue Banisters|

* "Arcadia"
* "Blue Banisters"

Did You Know
That There's a Tunnel
Under Ocean Blvd|

* "The Grants"
* "Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd"
* "A&W"
* "Candy Necklace"
* "Margaret"

Upcoming tenth
studio album|

* "Henry, Come On"
* "Bluebird"

Collaborations|

* "Prisoner"
* "Stargirl Interlude"
* "Wait for Life"
* "God Save Our Young Blood"
* "You Must Love Me"
* "Woman"
* "Don't Call Me Angel"
* "Hallucinogenics (Remix)"
* "Snow on the Beach"
* "Tough"

Other songs|

* "Young and Beautiful"
* "Once Upon a Dream"
* "Big Eyes"
* "Goodbye Kiss"
* "Looking for America"
* "Season of the Witch"
* "Say Yes to Heaven"
* "Take Me Home, Country Roads"

Spoken word|

* "LA Who Am I to Love You"

Authority control databases |

* MusicBrainz work
* MusicBrainz release group
* 2

|

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