Hidden meaning of “The Ride” by Drake

[Verse 1: Drake]

You won't feel me until everybody

Say they love you, but it's not love

And your suit is oxblood

And the girl you f_cking hates you

And your friends faded off shots of

What you ordered

Then forget about the game that you on top of

Your famous girlfriend's ass getting

Thicker than the plot does

And when you forget it, that's when she pop up

And you got a drop but you ride around with the top up

Or three SUVs for s dressed like refugees

And deal with the questions

About all your excessive needs

And you do dinners at French Laundry in Napa Valley

Scallops and glasses of Dolce

That sh_t's right up your alley

You see a girl and you ask about her

B_tches smiling at you, it must be happy hour

They put the cloth across your lap soon as you sat down

It's feeling like you own every place you choose to be at now

Walking through airport security with your hat down

Intead of getting a pat down, they just keep on

Saying that they feel you,  [Hook: The Weeknd]

I've been faded too long [Verse 2]

You won't feel me til you want it

So bad you tell yourself you're in it

And tell the world around you

That your paperwork is finished

And steal your mother's debit cards

So you maintain an image

And ride around in overpriced

Rental cars that ain't tinted

You need a minute? You got it

You know its real when your

Latest nights are your greatest nights

The sun is up when you get home, that's just a way of life

Apartment 1503: some couches and paintings

When you record with 2 others that want the same things

It start to feel better than home feels

And so you up there every night, you swear you getting close

That champagne money was for gas and phone bills

But sh_t, you bout to spend it on what matters most

You drop a couple songs in hopes that you could beat a 

And come out every night to let the city see they 

Telling stories that nobody relate to

And even though they hate you

They just keep on telling you they feel you,  [Hook] [Verse 3]

I haven't been inside Terminal 1 and 3 in so long

I'm driving right up to it now

Make sure you got your coat on

That runway can be cold especially after summer's rolled on

And all you knew is alcohol and city lights and slow songs

For four months out the year, it's got you asking whats good at home

What's good at home?

The same hoes are still at it, I shoulda known

My young s popping M's and sipping dirty jones

Problem children that all be repping October's Own

Brand new girl and she still growing

Brand new titties, stitches still showing

Yeah, and she just praying that it heals good

I'm bout to f_ck and I'm just praying that it feels good

I really don't know much but, sh_t, I know a secret

They say more money more problems, my  don't believe it

I mean, sure, there's some bills and taxes I'm still evading

But I blew six million on myself and I feel amazing

Young money maker, season ticketholder

Season switching over

I come through them b_tches

Still scorching as if I didn't notice

You s getting older, I see no threat in Yoda

I'm out here messing over the lives of these s

That couldn't f_ck with my freshman floater (flow ta)

Look at that f_cking chip on your nephew's shoulder

My sophomore, they was all for it, they all saw it

My juniors and senior will only get meaner

Take care, 

Drake's song "The Ride" from his album holds a powerful allure that goes beyond its surface meaning. By utilizing Straussian analysis, we can delve into the hidden depths of this track, unearthing unexpected comparisons and unveiling the underlying themes. In this article, we explore the overt meaning of the song, conduct a creative Straussian interpretation, and establish surprising connections to a relatively obscure TV show, "Mad Men."

The song takes us on a journey through Drake's rise to fame and the subsequent challenges he faces while balancing relationships, success, and personal battles. He reflects upon the disparity between perceived love and the reality of his fame, friendships disintegrating under the weight of stardom, and the constant struggle to maintain an image. Drake exposes the compromises he has made and the moments of doubt and isolation that plague his journey.

To unravel a fresh perspective, let's draw an unexpected parallel between "The Ride" and the critically acclaimed TV show, "Mad Men." The central character of "Mad Men," Don Draper, grapples with a similar struggle for authenticity and navigating the complexities of success in the advertising world. At first glance, this connection might seem unlikely, but a closer examination reveals startling similarities.

In "Mad Men," Don Draper confronts the dissonance between his public persona and his true self, just as Drake does in "The Ride." Both strive to maintain an image of success while inner turmoil and doubts gradually erode their foundation. Like Drake, Don Draper discovers that fame and success often come with sacrifices in relationships and personal fulfillment.

To enhance our interpretation further, let's consider how other characters from "Mad Men" might interpret Drake's struggles. Peggy Olson, an ambitious and talented secretary turned copywriter, could perceive Drake's grind to the top as a reflection of her own ascent in the advertising industry. Both artists navigate a fiercely competitive world while defying expectations and striving for recognition.

Similarly, Roger Sterling, known for his wit and charm, could draw parallels between Drake's pursuit of love and his own tumultuous relationships. Both characters encounter moments of truth when they realize the hollowness of their romantic pursuits and grapple with the effects of their actions on their partners.

Exploring further nuances of "The Ride," we uncover unexpected influences from "Mad Men" that impact Drake's storytelling. The deeply textured narratives and flawed characters of "Mad Men" provide a lens through which Drake revisits his own journey, giving voice to insecurities, regrets, and unexpected consequences.

"The Ride" seamlessly incorporates the themes of identity, sacrifice, and the emptiness that accompanies success through the lens of "Mad Men's" character arcs. By intertwining these narratives, Drake elevates his song into a multi-dimensional exploration of the human condition within the context of fame and ambition.

Through Straussian analysis, we have uncovered the evocative layers of "The Ride." Drake's introspection resonates deeply, highlighting the delicate balance between success, authenticity, and personal fulfillment. By drawing an unexpected connection to "Mad Men," we have expanded our understanding of the song's themes and embraced a new perspective. Ultimately, "The Ride" is a testament to the universal struggle for authenticity in the face of worldly pursuits, showcasing Drake's ability to weave complexity and depth into his music.