“The Riddle” is a hit song by English singer-songwriter Nik Kershaw, released in November 1984 as the lead single from his second studio album, also titled The Riddle. The song became a major hit across Europe, reaching No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart and achieving commercial success in several other countries. Known for its catchy melody and enigmatic lyrics, “The Riddle” remains one of Kershaw’s most famous and enduring songs.
The lyrics of “The Riddle” are famously cryptic and have puzzled listeners since the song’s release. With lines like “Near a tree by a river, there’s a hole in the ground” and “And the boy who pulls the strings, lived in a tree,” many fans and critics have tried to interpret the song as a deeper metaphor, wondering if it contains a hidden meaning or narrative. However, Nik Kershaw has admitted in interviews that the lyrics of “The Riddle” were written nonsensically and don’t actually tell a coherent story. Kershaw explained that the lyrics were essentially placeholders while the music was being developed, and when the record company asked for the final lyrics, he decided to keep the abstract words, as they fit the mysterious feel of the song.
“The Riddle” is a synth-pop track that blends new wave influences with a bright, upbeat sound. The song features a catchy synthesizer melody and a driving rhythm, typical of 1980s pop production. The use of synths, guitar riffs, and electronic drums gives the song an infectious energy, while Kershaw’s smooth vocals add to its radio-friendly appeal.
“The Riddle” was a significant commercial success for Nik Kershaw. It reached No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart and became a top 10 hit in several European countries, including Germany and Italy. In Australia, the song reached No. 6, while it also gained some popularity in North America, where Kershaw had a following thanks to his previous hits like “Wouldn’t It Be Good.” The success of “The Riddle” further established Kershaw as a prominent figure in the new wave and synth-pop scenes of the mid-1980s. It also helped boost sales of the The Riddle album, which went on to be a commercial success.
The music video for “The Riddle”, directed by Storm Thorgerson, is as surreal and cryptic as the song itself. The video depicts many references to Lewis Carroll’s book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. It was frequently played on MTV and other music channels during the height of Kershaw’s popularity, contributing to the song’s appeal.