Riding High *2
Bob Marley & The Wailers Lyrics


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You've been riding
You've been riding quite a while, child
(Keep on riding, keep on riding)
You've been jiving
Like a peacock, that's your style
(Keep on jiving), oh (keep on jiving)

Now I remember the days in school
There wasn't a time when you didn't treat me cruel
Ooh, wait till I get my hooks on you
I'll show you what a fisherman can do

You're riding
Been riding quite a while, child
(keep on riding, keep on riding)
You've been jiving
Like a peacock, that's your style
(Keep on jiving), ooh-wee (keep on jiving)

I say now, you always try to hurt me in the end
In the presence of all our good, good friends
But the patient man always win
Now I'll just wait till you give in

You've been riding
You've been riding quite a while
(keep on riding), keep on, ride (keep on riding)
You've been jiving
Like a peacock, that's your style
(keep on jiving) oh-wee, alright (on jiving)

At Christmas, more like an Easter bunny
Just like a rabbit, you're always on the run
But wait till I get my trap on you
I'll see where you gonna run to
Wait till I get my trap on you
Then I'll see where you gonna run to

You've been riding
You've been riding quite a while
(keep on riding), keep on, ride (keep on riding)
You've been jiving
Like a peacock, that's your style
(keep on jiving), ooh-wee (keep on jiving)





(So riding on my own) I need your love tonight
(Riding on my own) A-when you hold me right

Overall Meaning

The song "Riding High" by Bob Marley is a commentary on a tumultuous relationship with a partner who is always putting the singer down. The lyrics suggest that the partner has been "riding" high on their success, while treating the singer poorly. The singer urges the partner to keep on "riding" and "jiving" with their peacock-like style. However, the singer also warns that they won't be able to escape when he sets his "trap" for them.


The opening lines suggest the partner has been riding high for quite a while, implying that they have been taking advantage of their success for some time. The mention of jiving and a peacock-like style suggests arrogance and flaunting their success in a way that is hurtful to others.


The mention of school suggests that the relationship has been going on for some time, perhaps since the couple were younger. The singer remembers being treated cruelly by the partner at school and promises to get revenge. The patient man will win, so he will wait until the partner gives in.


Overall, "Riding High" is a song about standing up to those who have a negative impact on our lives. The singer decides not to accept being treated poorly anymore and promises to get his revenge when the time is right.


Line by Line Meaning

You've been riding
You've been going through life, journeying or experiencing various things


You've been riding quite a while, child
You've been traveling, experiencing things for a long time, maybe from childhood


(Keep on riding, keep on riding)
Keep going, keep experiencing life's ups and downs


You've been jiving
You've been living life with style and flavor


Like a peacock, that's your style
You've been living extravagantly and showing off, like a peacock


(Keep on jiving), oh (keep on jiving)
Keep living life with style and flair


Now I remember the days in school
I recall the past, specifically our time in school


There wasn't a time when you didn't treat me cruel
You were often unkind to me during that time


Ooh, wait till I get my hooks on you
Just wait until I have a chance to turn the tables on you and get revenge


I'll show you what a fisherman can do
I'll prove to you that I can outsmart you and get what I need


You're riding
You're still going through life's journey


Been riding quite a while, child
You've been on this journey for a long time


(keep on riding, keep on riding)
Keep going, keep experiencing life


You've been jiving
You're still living life with style and flair


Like a peacock, that's your style
You're still showing off, flaunting what you've got


(Keep on jiving), ooh-wee (keep on jiving)
Keep living life with style and flare, shout it loud!


I say now, you always try to hurt me in the end
You have a tendency to cause me pain, in the end


In the presence of all our good, good friends
Even among our circle of friends


But the patient man always win
Good things come to those who wait and remain calm


Now I'll just wait till you give in
I'll be patient and wait for you to give in


At Christmas, more like an Easter bunny
You're always running away like a rabbit or bunny, even at holidays


Just like a rabbit, you're always on the run
You always avoid confrontation or responsibility by running away, like a rabbit


But wait till I get my trap on you
Just wait until I catch you or trick you


I'll see where you gonna run to
I'll find out where you go when you try to escape


(So riding on my own) I need your love tonight
I might be going through life on my own, but I still need your love and support tonight


(Riding on my own) A-when you hold me right
When you hold me close, it makes me feel less alone


(keep on riding), keep on, ride (keep on riding)
Keep going, keep experiencing what life has to offer


(keep on jiving) oh-wee (keep on jiving)
Keep doing your thing, living life with style and flair!


(keep on jiving), ooh-wee (keep on jiving)
Keep doing what you're doing, living life with passion and excitement!




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COLE PORTER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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