The Riddle

Nik Kershaw

About The Riddle

"The Riddle" is a song by the English singer-songwriter Nik Kershaw. It was released in 1984 as the lead single from the album of the same name. Kershaw described the lyrical content as being nondescript to fill as a "guide vocal" for the production. It reached number three on the UK Singles Chart and peaked within the top 10 in countries like Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Australia and New Zealand. An accompanying music video was made for the song and features references to Lewis Carroll's book Alice in Wonderland. The song was covered by many artists, most notably by Gigi D'Agostino (1999) and Jack Holiday and Mike Candys (2012). 


Year:
2011
3:51
138 
#2

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I got two strong arms
Blessings of babylon
Time to carry on and try
For sins and false alarms
So to america the brave
Wise men save

Near a tree by a river
There's a hole in the ground
Where an old man of aran
Goes around and around
And his mind is a beacon
In the veil of the night
For a strange kind of fashion
There's a wrong and a right
But he'll never, never fight over you

I got plans for us
Nights in the scullery
And days instead of me
I only know what to discuss
Oh, for anything but light
Wise men fighting over you

It's not me you see
Pieces of valentine and just a song of mine
To keep from burning history
Seasons of gasoline and gold
Wise men fold

Near a tree by a river
There's a hole in the ground
Where an old man of aran
Goes around and around
And his mind is a beacon in the veil of the night
For a strange kind of fashion
There's a wrong and a right
But he'll never, never fight over you

I got time to kill
Sly looks in corridors
Without a plan of yours
A blackbird sings on bluebird hill
Thanks to the calling of the wild
Wise men's child

Near a tree by a river
There's a hole in the ground
Where an old man of aran goes around and around
And his mind is a beacon in the veil of the night
For a strange kind of fashion
There's a wrong and a right
But he'll never, never fight

Near a tree by a river
There's a hole in the ground
Where an old man of aran goes around and around
And his mind is a beacon in the veil of the night
For a strange kind of fashion
There's a wrong and a right
But he'll never, never fight over you

No he'll never, never fight over you

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Nik Kershaw

Nik Kershaw (born Nicholas David Kershaw, 1 March 1958) is an English singer-songwriter. The one time jazz-funk guitarist was a 1980s teen idol. His 50 weeks on the UK Singles Chart in 1984 beat all other soloists. Kershaw appeared at Live Aid, and penned hits for Let Loose, The Hollies and a number 1 for Chesney Hawkes, "The One and Only". more »

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Written by: Nik Kershaw

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Information
The song "The Riddle" was originally written and performed by Nik Kershaw in 1984 for his album "Human Racing".
Song Composition
The song features catchy, enigmatic lyrics that have spurred lots of speculation. Kershaw, however, stated that they have no specific meaning and were simply filler lyrics.
Popularity and Chart Success
Kershaw's "The Riddle" was a major hit, reaching #3 on the UK Singles Chart and staying in the chart for nine weeks.
Reinterpretation
Italian DJ and producer Gigi D'Agostino reinterpreted the song in 1999 in a dance track also titled "The Riddle".
Gigi D'Agostino’s Usage
While Gigi D'Agostino used the same title, his version is mostly instrumental with just a small snippet of the chorus lyrics sampled.
Commercial Success of Gigi D’Agostino’s Version
D'Agostino's version was a commercial success in Europe, reaching #3 in Germany, #1 in Belgium, and #5 in the Netherlands.
Music Video
The music video for D'Agostino's "The Riddle" involves an animated adventure story with surreal fantasy elements.
Remixes and Covers
Various artists have covered or remixed "The Riddle" over the years, furthering its popularity and longevity.
Role in Movie Soundtrack
Nik Kershaw's version of "The Riddle" was featured on the soundtrack of the 1985 movie "Gotcha!"
Lyrics Meaning Controversy
Even though Kershaw has stated the lyrics aren't supposed to make sense, fans have come up with numerous interpretations, including themes of Bob Dylan, Sherwood Forest, and Jesus Christ.

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