“Ride the Lightning (717 Tapes)” is a debut single by American country music artist Warren Zeiders, released on June 25, 2021, as part of his EP 717 Tapes. The song quickly gained popularity, going viral on TikTok and amassing millions of streams.
This powerful anthem delves into the themes of living life on the edge, facing the consequences of one’s actions, and seeking redemption.
The title itself is a reference to a phrase coined by Stephen King in his novel The Stand, which was later popularized by Metallica in their 1984 song of the same name. In Zeiders’ interpretation, the phrase symbolizes embracing life’s thrills and dangers while hoping for spiritual elevation.
The song combines personal reflection, fate, and the eternal struggle between one’s darker impulses and the desire for salvation, making it a resonant piece for listeners.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
Table of Contents
“Ride the Lightning (717 Tapes)” Lyrics Meaning
Verse 1
“Mama always said I was born on the wild side
One foot in the flames and the other trying to walk the line
Can’t say I never saw it coming, I could see the warning signs
Mama always said I was born on the wild side
I guess mama was right
‘Cause when the clock strikes midnight”
In the opening verse, the singer reflects on their upbringing and how they were always inclined toward a daring and rebellious lifestyle. The metaphor of being “born on the wild side” suggests an inherent disposition towards risk-taking and adventure. This might imply that the singer has always been attracted to situations that others might find dangerous or unconventional.
The line “One foot in the flames and the other trying to walk the line” reflects a constant struggle between embracing the excitement and danger of their choices (“the flames”) and attempting to maintain some semblance of a responsible and cautious life (“walk the line”). This duality in their personality reflects an inner conflict between their adventurous spirit and the desire for stability.
The mention of “warning signs” hints that the singer was aware of the potential consequences of their actions but chose to ignore them. This could be interpreted as a form of defiance or an acceptance of the risks associated with their choices.
The reference to the clock striking midnight could symbolize a moment of reckoning or realization. Midnight often represents a turning point, and in this context, it may suggest that the singer acknowledges the need to confront the consequences of their actions as time marches on.
Chorus
“Gonna ride the lightning, feel the thunder
‘Til the darkness pulls me under
Gonna fly on wings of fire
Pray the good Lord lifts me higher
Singing, “Oh, when they call me home”
Singing, “Oh, when they call me home”
I’m gonna ride the lightning”
The chorus serves as a central theme of the song, emphasizing the singer’s determination to embrace their adventurous lifestyle and face the unknown, regardless of the risks involved.
“Ride the lightning” is a powerful metaphor that conveys the idea of daringly facing danger or challenges, akin to a person riding an electric storm. Lightning is unpredictable and hazardous, and by choosing to “ride” it, the singer shows their readiness to confront life’s uncertainties head-on.
The phrase “feel the thunder” complements the idea of experiencing the intensity of life’s trials and tribulations. Thunder, being the auditory counterpart to lightning, represents the tumultuous and noisy aspects of life’s storms.
“‘Til the darkness pulls me under” suggests an acceptance of the possibility that their daring lifestyle might eventually lead to unfavorable outcomes. The darkness symbolizes the unknown or potential danger that awaits them.
“Gonna fly on wings of fire” portrays the singer’s ambition to soar to great heights and experience life’s excitement with passion and intensity. However, the use of “wings of fire” also hints at the volatile and unpredictable nature of their chosen path.
“Pray the good Lord lifts me higher” introduces a spiritual dimension to the song. The singer acknowledges that, despite their recklessness, they still seek guidance and protection from a higher power. This line reflects a desire for divine intervention or assistance in navigating life’s challenges.
The repeated refrain of “Singing, ‘Oh, when they call me home'” signifies the singer’s awareness of the risks they face and the possibility of facing the consequences of their actions. It suggests that they are prepared to confront whatever fate awaits them with a sense of defiance and acceptance.
Verse 2
“There’s a man in a black coat standing at a crossroads
With a pad in his hand and a long list of lost souls
They say he flips a coin forged out of fool’s gold
There’s a man in a black coat standing at a crossroads
I hope he lets me pass by
And I close my eyes”
In the second verse, the lyrics introduce a mysterious figure in a black coat who stands at a crossroads. This figure can be interpreted as a representation of fate or destiny. The crossroads often symbolize pivotal moments in life where choices must be made, and the man’s presence suggests that the singer is at a crucial juncture in their journey.
The “pad in his hand and a long list of lost souls” implies that this man is keeping track of individuals who have taken risks and potentially faced dire consequences. The list of “lost souls” could refer to those who have paid a heavy price for their choices, further highlighting the dangers of the path the singer has chosen.
“They say he flips a coin forged out of fool’s gold” introduces an element of uncertainty and chance. The coin toss may represent the arbitrary nature of life’s outcomes, where one’s fate can be determined by a mere flip of fate. The mention of “fool’s gold” implies that relying on chance or taking reckless risks can lead to deceptive or unsatisfactory outcomes.
“I hope he lets me pass by” reveals the singer’s hope to escape the potential negative consequences that others may have faced at this crossroads. It reflects a desire to continue their adventurous journey unscathed.
The line “And I close my eyes” suggests a moment of surrender or acceptance. It implies that the singer is willing to face whatever outcome awaits them, even if it means closing their eyes to the potential dangers and uncertainties of their path.
Outro
I’m gonna ride the lightning, feel the thunder
‘Til the darkness pulls me under
Gonna fly on wings of fire
Pray the good Lord lifts me higher
Singing, “Oh, when they call me home”
Singing, “Oh, when they call me home”
I’m gonna ride the lightning
The outro reiterates the chorus, emphasizing the protagonist’s commitment to living life intensely and their hope for redemption. The repetition reinforces the central themes of embracing life’s dangers while seeking spiritual elevation.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Ride the Lightning (717 Tapes)”
The song “Ride the Lightning (717 Tapes)” by Warren Zeiders uses symbolism and metaphors to tell a story about someone who has always lived a risky life.
The phrase “ride the lightning” was originally coined by Stephen King in his novel “The Stand” . Metallica used this phrase as the title for their 1984 album and song “Ride the Lightning”, after guitarist Kirk Hammett read it in King’s novel .
“Ride the Lightning” is a powerful metaphor that suggests embracing intense, thrilling, and potentially dangerous experiences. It evokes the imagery of lightning, which is both awe-inspiring and perilous. In the context of the song, it represents the protagonist’s acceptance of a wild, adventurous lifestyle, fully aware of the risks and consequences involved.
The inclusion of “(717 Tapes)” in the title refers to the specific project or series of recordings by Warren Zeiders. The number “717” is significant because it is the area code for central Pennsylvania, where Zeiders is from. This addition to the title suggests a personal connection and roots the song in a specific place and time, giving it a sense of authenticity and grounding the metaphorical elements in the artist’s real-life experiences.
When combined, “Ride the Lightning (717 Tapes)” reflects both the universal themes of risk-taking and seeking redemption, as well as the personal and regional influences that shape the artist’s work.
Amelia Brown is a talented freelance writer with a passion for unraveling the meaning behind songs. With a deep love for pop, Jazz, and country music—particularly the works of Taylor Swift—Amelia’s expertise lies in deciphering the intricate stories woven into the lyrics. As a Creative Writing graduate, she possesses a keen ability to explore the depths of each song, shedding light on the emotions and narratives that captivate listeners.