Bill Bartlett was formerly lead guitarist for sunshine pop group The Lemon Pipers, while Blauvett played with then budding pop artist Billy Joel in two bands: The Hassles and El Primo. Ram Jam were known for incorporating blues and soul influences in their sound, which set them apart from many contemporaries and brought them brief but strong chart success.
Hurricane Ride
Ram Jam Lyrics
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I don't know how to swim, can you teach me in time
Toss and turn in the time
On the hurricane ride
In the linger, do you want to be tied
We were within a world in the war that we tried
In the linger, do you want to be tied
We were within a world in the war that we tried
Won't you be by my side on the hurricane ride
Once again you will be tried on the hurricane ride
The lyrics to Ram Jam's "Hurricane Ride" are quite cryptic, but they seem to be about a turbulent, tumultuous relationship. The singer asks someone to "put [him] here align," which could mean to help him get on track or to straighten out his life. He also admits that he doesn't know how to swim and asks for help learning in time. This could be a metaphor for feeling overwhelmed and unable to keep his head above water in the relationship.
The chorus is where the stormy imagery really takes over. The singer is "toss[ing] and turn[ing] in the time / on the hurricane ride." The use of the word "lingering" adds an extra layer of tension, as if there's a sense of danger or uncertainty surrounding everything. But despite this, the singer asks if the other person wants to be tied to him, and whether they'll be by his side on this tumultuous ride.
The final line, "Once again you will be tried on the hurricane ride," suggests a cyclical nature to their relationship. It's unclear whether the singer wants to break free from this pattern or is resigned to it. Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of a relationship fraught with passion and danger, where there's a constant struggle to stay afloat.
Line by Line Meaning
Did not save her, won't you put me here align
I failed to protect her, can you guide me in the right direction?
I don't know how to swim, can you teach me in time
I am inexperienced and need your help to navigate dangerous waters
Toss and turn in the time
We are struggling to find stable footing in this chaotic environment
On the hurricane ride
We are facing a tumultuous and unpredictable journey
In the linger, do you want to be tied
Amidst the chaos, do you want to be bound to me?
We were within a world in the war that we tried
We were caught in a battle we fought to survive
Won't you be by my side on the hurricane ride
Can we face this storm together and support each other through it?
Once again you will be tried on the hurricane ride
We will face this challenge once more and test ourselves in the face of adversity.
Contributed by Alex N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.