“Let It Ride” is a classic rock anthem that encapsulates the spirit of taking life as it comes. It’s about embracing uncertainty and finding peace in letting go. The song speaks to anyone who’s faced crossroads, encouraging them to accept life’s unpredictable nature. It’s not about a specific person but resonates with anyone struggling with letting go of control. The songwriter taps into a universal sentiment: the liberation of accepting things we cannot change and the courage to move forward despite uncertainties. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way to deal with life’s twists and turns is simply to ‘let it ride.’
Ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of Bachman–Turner Overdrive’s hit song “Let It Ride”? Keep reading for a deeper look into the song’s lyrics and story!
“Let It Ride” Lyrics Meaning
“Let It Ride” starts with a farewell: “Goodbye, I lied / Don’t cry, would you let it ride?” This opening sets a tone of regret and reconciliation. The song seems to be from the perspective of someone who’s made mistakes and is asking for forgiveness or at least understanding. The repeated question, “Would you let it ride?” suggests a desire to move past the errors and not let them define the relationship or situation.
The lines “You can see the morning, but I can see the light / Try, try, try, let it ride” could signify hope and perseverance. It’s about seeing beyond the immediate troubles (the morning) to a brighter future (the light). The song emphasizes the importance of trying and persevering despite challenges.
In “While you’ve been out running, I’ve been waiting half the night,” there’s a sense of longing and patience. It reflects the idea of waiting for someone or something, perhaps a change or resolution. The songwriters weave a narrative of waiting, hoping, and facing truths.
The chorus, “And would you cry if I told you that I lied / And would you say goodbye, or would you let it ride?” is particularly powerful. It confronts the listener with a choice: to dwell on the pain of betrayal or to move forward. It’s about the crossroads of forgiveness and holding on to hurt.
As the song progresses, it delves deeper into themes of incompleteness and the struggle for forgiveness. “Seems my life is not complete, I’ve never seen you smile / Try, try, try, let it ride” speaks to a yearning for connection and happiness. The songwriter acknowledges their flaws, “Baby, you want the forgiving kind, and that’s just not my style,” admitting a struggle with forgiveness.
The line “I’ve been doing things worthwhile, you’ve been booking time” suggests a divergence in paths and priorities. It’s as if the singer has been trying to make amends or improve themselves while the other person is just passing the time, possibly waiting for change.
The Story Behind “Let It Ride”
Written during a time of transition and exploration in rock music, “Let It Ride” reflects a period of personal and collective uncertainty. The songwriters were likely influenced by the cultural shifts of their time, where traditional values were being questioned, and a more free-spirited approach to life was gaining traction.
The song’s chorus, “And would you cry if I told you that I lied / And would you say goodbye, or would you let it ride?” perhaps mirrors the band’s own journey. Bands often face moments where they must decide whether to hold onto past grievances or move forward. This lyric could be a reflection of such a moment in their career.
The band wanted to express a deeper layer of hope and resilience, characteristic of musicians striving for a breakthrough. “Let It Ride” could be a metaphor for their musical journey. The repeated phrase “Try, try, try, let it ride” seems like a mantra for persevering amid industry challenges and personal doubts. It’s about trying despite not always seeing immediate results, embodying the spirit of rock music, which often celebrates resilience and authenticity—the track hints at the struggles of balancing personal aspirations with the realities of a music career.
In essence, “Let It Ride” is not just a song about letting go; it echoes the songwriters’ journey through the tumultuous world of rock music, marked by moments of self-doubt, perseverance, and the quest for authenticity.