
Gab Ginsberg, from the same publication, called the single "irresistible." Erik Leijon of Montreal Gazette described "Ride" as "impossibly catchy faux-reggae." Jason Pettigrew from Alternative Press claimed it "might be the most happiest song in TOP's songbook, and there's still an ominous message." Mitchell Hillman for Phoenix New Times remarked that the song "is pushed even further into a blissful realm by Joseph's supersonic rapping." Chelsea Deeley from Music Feeds praised the vocal parts Tyler Joseph contributed to the song, writing that it "showcases a succinct vocal delivery that can go from rapping to balladry to screaming in a heartbeat and flourish with complete satisfaction to the ears." Kerrang 's Sam Law described "Ride" by saying, "Ostensibly the most upbeat track in the twenty one pilots back-catalogue. At one point, he proclaims, "Yeah I think about the end just way too much/But it's fun to fantasize." The song's chorus has Joseph elongating its syllables and shouting his lines: "Oh, I'm falling, so I'm taking my time on my ride." He sings poignant lyrics with a hint of darkness that have him confessing, "I've been thinking too much/help me." Critical reception īillboard 's Garrett Kamps favorably compared "Ride" to the work of Jamaican sound engineer King Tubby. While he tries to relax and feel confident about his accomplishments, Joseph's mind digresses on who or what he'd die for and what is truly important in life. Joseph's apprehensive lyrics address millennial angst while discussing relatable life struggles. Despite its upbeat atmosphere, the song harbors melancholic rumination concerning the human condition. The lyrical content of "Ride" speaks about going with the flow and is home to idioms as well as an ominous message. The musical arrangement closes with a piano-driven conclusion. The song builds over time, culminating in a towering climax which has Joseph's vocals emphatically soaring. During the breakdown, he sings in a manner shifting between his regular voice and a falsetto. At its bridge, Joseph engages in call-and-response phrases. The track's instrumental also takes dub-inspired deviations. The song's chorus and his proclamations come layered between verses that bear highly rhymthic sensibilities. After singing an opening verse, Joseph delivers his lyrics in a hard, staccato style of fast-paced rapping. His vocal parts demonstrate a crisp delivery, one that abruptly goes from balladry to rapping to screaming. Joseph recites contemplative rhymes over electropop-oriented reggae beats. His drumming provides the upbeat track with rhythmic dexterity, playing in a punk-inspired fashion. Josh Dun's slow, one-two drum beat binds together the track alongside a dark, brooding bassline. The chilled-out number instrumentally exudes an upbeat reggae vibe, being drenched deeply in Caribbean-tinged riffs and shimmery synths. The musical composition has a mix of infectious parts built on a rich reggae influence infused with rock sounds. The song has a basic sequence of G–Am–Em–C/D during the introduction, changes to G–Am–Em–C–G–Am–Em–D sus2 in the sung verse, has G–Am–Em–C during the pre-chorus, follows G–Am–Em–C ♭–G–Am–Em–D sus2 at the refrain, changes to G ♭–A ♭m–E ♭m–C ♭–G ♭–A ♭m– E ♭m–C ♭/D ♭ in the rap verse and follows G ♭–A ♭m–D ♭–E ♭m–Am 7(add4)–E ♭m–D ♭–D ♭/F ♯ during the bridge as its chord progression. "Ride" is composed in the key of G-flat major, while Tyler Joseph's vocal range ranges from a low of D ♭ 3 to a high of B ♭ 4.

According to the sheet music published at by Alfred Music, it written in the time signature of common time, with a fast tempo of 150 beats per minute. The track combines elements of rock, hip hop, reggae, punk, electro and pop.

"Ride" is an uptempo alternative rap song that lasts for a duration of three minutes and thirty-four seconds.
