Riptide

Vance Joy has described the "riptide" as a metaphor for being suddenly pulled into a relationship or a new lifestyle without fully thinking it through—much like a swimmer caught in an actual ocean current.

: 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 Riptide

The Riptide Mentality, Lesser Goals, & More | The Curiosity Chronicle Vance Joy has described the "riptide" as a

“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 “Grief is not a wave

: This often symbolizes a girl (or person) embracing a new, potentially dangerous or overwhelming direction in life.

“Grief is not a wave. It's a riptide. Unseen. Unannounced. Cruel in its timing... In these moments, when you feel the currents are too strong to resist, allow yourself the freedom to relax and let it take you.” Facebook · Grief Speaks · 1 year ago

: Some describe grief not as a wave that passes, but as a riptide—unseen and cruel, pulling you under when you least expect it.