Ride The Lightning

Warren Zeiders' song 'Ride The Lightning' is a powerful anthem that delves into the life of someone who has always lived on the edge. The lyrics open with a reflection on the protagonist's upbringing, where their mother warned them about their wild nature. This sets the stage for a life characterized by risk-taking and a constant struggle between danger and trying to stay on the right path. The imagery of 'one foot in the flames and the other trying to walk the line' vividly captures this duality.

The chorus, with its repeated mantra of 'Gonna ride the lightning, feel the thunder,' symbolizes embracing the chaos and intensity of life. The protagonist is not just passively experiencing life but actively engaging with its most electrifying and perilous aspects. The mention of 'wings of fire' and praying for the 'good Lord' to lift them higher adds a spiritual dimension, suggesting a hope for redemption or transcendence despite the wild journey.

The second verse introduces a man in a black coat at a crossroads, a classic metaphor for a pivotal life decision or encounter with fate. This figure, with his list of lost souls and a coin of fool's gold, represents the uncertainty and potential consequences of the protagonist's choices. The hope that this figure will let them pass by when they close their eyes underscores a desire for mercy or a favorable outcome despite a life lived on the edge. The song's repetition of 'ride the lightning' reinforces the theme of embracing one's wild nature while seeking a higher purpose or redemption.