Ocean Drive (Extended Version)

Duke Dumont's 'Ocean Drive (Extended Version)' is a song that encapsulates the exhilarating yet ephemeral nature of a night out, the allure of the city, and the complexities of a relationship built on fleeting moments rather than genuine connection. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a couple riding through the night, with the recurring theme of pretending—pretending to be in love, pretending not to be afraid—as they navigate through their emotions and the cityscape. The mention of 'half the tank and empty heart' suggests a sense of incompleteness and dissatisfaction, despite the outward appearance of a thrilling adventure.

The chorus, 'Don't say a word while we dance with the devil,' metaphorically describes engaging in risky or potentially harmful behavior, knowing the consequences but being too caught up in the moment to care. The 'fire to a world so cold' could symbolize the intense but possibly destructive passion that the couple shares, which stands out in stark contrast to the emptiness around them. The 'highway to never' implies a path leading to an uncertain future, one that they are running out of time to change, urging each other to 'hold on' as they face the unknown together.

The setting of Ocean Avenue, with its neon lights and dreams of city life, adds to the song's atmosphere of escapism and desire for something more. The protagonist acknowledges the wrongness of the situation and their addiction to the high it provides, indicating a conscious awareness of the unsustainable nature of their lifestyle. Duke Dumont's electronic music style, with its pulsating beats and hypnotic rhythms, complements the song's theme of chasing the night and the intoxicating rush of a love that's more about the moment than the future.