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.

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