Long time friends and frequent creative collaborators, Steve Taylor & The Perfect Foil (Jimmy Abegg, guitar; John Mark Painter, bass; Peter Furler, drums) is a natural assemblage of diverse talents with a common drive - to rediscover the thrill of creating music unencumbered by the confines of industry limitations and reins.
Supported by a major marketing and promotional push at media and radio this fall, Steve Taylor & The Perfect Foil are poised to share their intelligent yet primal indie rock sound for those with discriminating tastes and a deep appreciation for independent thinking, razor-sharp lyrics, and white noise distortion.
Only A Ride
Steve Taylor & The Perfect Foil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Aren't we entitled to thrills?
Didn't we pay to be entertained?
I signed a waiver that kills
Standing on the deck of the unknown
Waiting on the drop of the bar
I got a pass and a permanent scar
Only a ride
Only a ride
It's only a ride
Keep your feet in
Only a ride
It's only a ride
If it's only a ride
Why am I bleedin'?
I got me so much amusement
I can't stomach no more
My knees scrapin' the ceiling
My knuckles draggin' the floor
How's a body pay you to stop this?
Every other turn is a blur
Every other word is a curse
But I like being first
Only a ride
Only a ride
It's only a ride
It's what you're needin'
Only a ride
Only a ride
If it's only a ride
Why am I bleedin'?
Only a ride
Only a ride
It's only a ride
Get your seat low
Only a ride
It's only a ride
If it's only a ride
Where did my head go?
Thought I saw the devil you know
Waiting for something to fall
I got nothin' and no one to call
But I'm stuck in first, y'all
Only a ride
Only a ride
It's only a ride
Set your sights low
Only a ride
It's only a ride
If it's only a ride
Where did my head go?
Only a ride
Only a ride
It's only a ride
It's what you're needin'
Only a ride
Only a ride
It's only a ride
Why am I bleedin'?
Why am I bleedin'?
Why am I bleedin'?
The song "Only A Ride" by Steve Taylor & The Perfect Foil is a reflection on life's ups and downs, and how we often willingly subject ourselves to them. The lyrics begin by questioning whether we are not entitled to thrills, given that we have paid for them. The singer goes on to describe the experience of being on a ride, with all its jolts and scares, but still enjoying it. The chorus repeats the phrase "It's only a ride" as a reminder that we should not take these experiences too seriously, since they are just temporary.
Despite the lighthearted tone of the song, the lyrics also hint at a deeper message. While we may enjoy the thrills of life, we must also be aware of the risks that come with them. The line "I signed a waiver that kills" suggests that we often give up our rights and freedoms in exchange for the temporary rush of excitement. And the repeated question "Why am I bleeding?" points to the fact that even when we know the risks, we still choose to take them.
Overall, "Only A Ride" is a fun and catchy song that encourages us to enjoy life's adventures, while also being mindful of the consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
Are we not on a holiday?
Aren't we supposed to have fun on this vacation?
Aren't we entitled to thrills?
Don't we deserve exciting experiences?
Didn't we pay to be entertained?
Didn't we spend our money to have a good time?
I signed a waiver that kills
I agreed to the risks involved in this activity.
Standing on the deck of the unknown
I'm about to take part in something unfamiliar.
Waiting on the drop of the bar
I'm anticipating the start of the ride.
I got a pass and a permanent scar
I have access to the ride, but it may leave a lasting memory.
I got the front seat covered
I secured the best spot on the ride.
It's only a ride
This experience is just temporary.
Keep your feet in
Make sure to follow safety precautions.
If it's only a ride
If it's not permanent or life-threatening...
Why am I bleedin'?
...then why am I getting hurt?
I got me so much amusement
I'm having so much fun.
I can't stomach no more
I'm starting to feel sick.
My knees scrapin' the ceiling
The ride is so intense that my knees are hitting the top of the ride vehicle.
My knuckles draggin' the floor
The ride is so intense that my hands are scrapping against the ground.
How's a body pay you to stop this?
How do I make the ride stop?
Every other turn is a blur
I can barely keep track of where I'm going.
Every other word is a curse
I'm swearing so much because of how intense the ride is.
But I like being first
I still want to be the first to experience this ride.
Get your seat low
Adjust your seat to the safest position.
Where did my head go?
The ride is so intense that I'm losing my sense of direction.
Thought I saw the devil you know
I thought the ride was going to be extremely dangerous.
Waiting for something to fall
I'm anticipating something disastrous to happen.
I got nothin' and no one to call
I can't call for help.
But I'm stuck in first, y'all
I can't get off the ride until it's finished.
Set your sights low
Don't set your expectations too high.
Why am I bleedin'?
I'm still getting hurt even though it's just a ride.
Contributed by Addison S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
David Learn
It is such a thrill to hear a new Steve Taylor song after nearly 20 years.
Now I just have to figure out what it's about.
ehrldawg
Right !! If ya figure it out,let me know !!
J. S.
Ditto. Maybe it's about life? Just a thought.
Jacob Tothe
Traction Park?
MrNihilist74
It sounds like it is about how people have so many sensory stimulations nowadays with computers, smartphones, video games and High definition tv that they are confused and harming themselves.
Thought I saw the devil you know
Waiting for something to fall
I got nothin’, and no one to call
But I’m stuck in first, y’all
The devil watches and waits for people to self destruct.
Mr. The Dif
The classic Steve Taylor enigmatic style. This song sounds like it was written and performed simultaneously yesterday and 30 years ago.
Welcome back. Excellent work. And MORE PLEASE!
southernrocker63
I am a huge ST fan from the begining with I want to be a clone. I had the greatest of privileges to see him with his band a few months ago.Best show I have seen in years and I was amazed that he still had the energy and stage moves he had in the 80s. He even did cartwheels! !
I can't wait for the new album. That being said while I like this song alot, and the other new one Standing in line. I feel that while going for a more modern sound to reach new and younger fans, he might leave us older ones a bit behind. The songs do not have any real instrumental muscle!! There are no real instrumental\guitar solos. For us older classic rockers that is important. I hope the other new songs have a bit more variety and with a great world class guitarist like Jimmy A the guitar playing is going to be world class and he needs to be turned loose a bit. He tore it up on the old stuff live!! That cat can play!!
Anyhow that's my 2 cents worth. I am so glad that Steve is back and rocking!!
Rick Vaughn
I'm a longtime fan (since the early 1980s) and can say that this is his best material yet. Even better than "Squint"/ "Liver" (but I like it raw...)
Record Grooves
Awesome!!! Steve Taylor is back!!
Shaun Clark
YEH AND HOW...