The Meaning Behind The Song: Ride My See-Saw by The Moody Blues

The Magical Ride of “Ride My See-Saw” by The Moody Blues

Table of Contents

The Making of The Moody Blues

Starting in 1964, The Moody Blues built their name around R&B and rock covers. Their first hit song was “Go Now” in 1965, which was a cover of a Bessie Banks song. However, it wasn’t until 1967 that they introduced “Days of Future Passed” that they became staples in the progressive rock scene. This album introduced symphonic orchestration to rock music, proving to be a massive success. Riding the wave of their first record, The Moody Blues started working on their next album, “In Search of the Lost Chord” that would feature one of their most iconic songs, “Ride My See-Saw.”

The Vibe of the ’60s

The late ’60s was a period of revolution and progression. This era had its music scene to reflect it; some of the most memorable songs now were created during this period. Experimentation was at an all-time high, sonically and artistically. And in this climate, it was ideal for a song like “Ride My See-Saw” to be introduced. With its impactful and inspirational lyrics, the song beautifully tied together life’s ups and downs with the symbolism of a see-saw’s movements.

The Lyrics of “Ride My See-Saw”

The lyrics for “Ride My See-Saw” were written by lyricist and drummer for The Moody Blues, Graeme Edge, who believed in creating poetry with the intention to uplift and inspire listeners.

The first verse:

“I’m just a soul who’s lost in this world
I’m paying the price of love unfurled
Butchered by life’s cruel serrated knife
I’m just a soul who’s lost in this world.”

These lyrics encapsulate the emotions of someone who is struggling with the weight of the world. And then it moves into the chorus, which effortlessly lifts the spirits:

“Ride, ride my see-saw
Take this place
On this trip
Just for me.”

These simple lines were written in a way that transmits a powerful message. Riding on the see-saw is symbolic of the up and down motions of life. The lyrics remind us that life is a journey that we should embrace and enjoy, even when it becomes a bit bumpy.

The Music of “Ride my See-Saw”

Composed by vocalist and guitarist, Justin Hayward, the song is a celebration of movement, manifested through chords and rhythm. It’s exhilarating and electrifying, creating a vision of passing through time and space. This song also features the incredible keyboardist Mike Pinder’s masterful use of the Mellotron. This instrument added layer upon layer of orchestration, providing a symphonic grandeur. This musical masterpiece was one of the band’s biggest hits.

Impact of “Ride My See-Saw”

The song holds a special place in the hearts of Moody Blues fans even today. It has been used countlessly in movies, soundtracks, and advertisements over the years, proving its lasting influence.

Justin said, “I recently saw it used in a car commercial. It’s strange to think that someone might have bought a car because he likes ‘Ride My See-Saw,’ but it’s a compliment.”

In 2018, The Moody Blues were finally inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, an accolade that was well deserved for their long and successful career. They gave a beautiful speech, thanking fans for the support throughout their career: “Thank you to our fans, our families, and above all, thank you to music.”

The Final Word

“Ride My See-Saw” is one of those rare gems that stay timeless even today. It’s a beautiful reminder that life is more of a journey and less of a destination. It’s a masterpiece that reminds us that even in the most challenging parts of life, there is still a lot to appreciate and enjoy. Riding that see-saw can contain high moments and low moments, creating a magical journey for us all.