The Riddle
Five for Fighting
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
There was a man back in ninety-five Whose heart ran out of summers But before he died, I asked him Wait, what's the sense in life? Come over me, come over me? He said, son why you got to sing that tune? Catch a Dylan song or some eclipse of the moon? Let an angel swing and make you swoon Then you will see, you will see Then he said, here's a riddle for you Find the answer, there's a reason for the world You and I Picked up my kid from school today Did you learn anything? 'Cause in the world today You can't live in a castle far away Now talk to me, come talk to me He said, dad I'm big, but we're smaller than small In the scheme of things, well we're nothing at all Still every mother's child sings a lonely song So play with me, come play with me And hey dad, here's a riddle for you Find the answer, there's a reason for the world You and I? I said, son for all I've told you When you get right down to the Reason for the world who am I? There are secrets that we still have left to find There have been mysteries from the beginning of time There are answers we're not wise enough to see He said, you looking for a clue? I love you free The batter swings and the summer flies As I look into my angel's eyes A song plays on while the moon is hiding over me Something comes over me I guess we're big and I guess we're small If you think about it man you know we got it all 'Cause we're all we got on this bouncing ball And I love you free, I love you freely Here's a riddle for you Find the answer, there's a reason for the world You and I
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: John Ondrasik
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Genre Classification"The Riddle" belongs to the Pop-Rock and Soft Rock genres, showcasing Five for Fighting's signature, mellifluous piano-driven sound.
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Album InclusionThe song is featured in "Two Lights," which is the fourth studio album by Five for Fighting. The album was released in August 2006.
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Chart Performance"The Riddle" reached number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and number 15 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts, proving its popularity among the listeners.
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Song Meaning"The Riddle" was initially perceived as a standard love song but in actuality, it is a riddle about life itself. In fact, singer John Ondrasik wrote it for his two sons.
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Song InspirationJohn Ondrasik was inspired to write "The Riddle" during a conversation with his son, who was nine years old at the time. It portrays the beautiful moments of father-son bonding.
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Songwriting ProcessOndrasik said that "The Riddle" was one of the toughest songs he had ever written. He found it challenging to give profound meaning to such a simple song snapshot, making it unique and memorable.
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Unique Music VideoThe music video for "The Riddle" features John's son and a friend and is directed by Vem. The simplicity of the video complements the themes of the song.
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Artist Recognition"The Riddle" further cemented John Ondrasik's place as a thoughtful, earnest songwriter, with many listeners appreciating the soulful, introspective lyrics.
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LegacyEven after several years, "The Riddle" continues to connect with numerous families who find the themes of the song – living in the moment, cherishing time with loved ones, and deciphering the complexities of life – relatable.
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Live PerformancesFive for Fighting has often included "The Riddle" as a highlight in live performances, creating emotional moments shared between the band and the audience. The song's enduring popularity ensures it will remain a setlist staple.
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Citation
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"The Riddle Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 14 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/22718155/Five+for+Fighting/The+Riddle>.
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