Nik Kershaw’s “The Riddle” definitely reads like it is based on a deep, metaphorical tale or idea which is shrouded by intricate symbolism. And the music video for the song, to some extent, supports such a theory. However, Kershaw has maintained throughout the years that it is actually about nothing. Rather, in his own words, it is a “guide vocal” that was pieced together indiscriminately in order to fit well with the instrumental.

So in that regard, the track truly is a “riddle”, as in the listener is tasked with trying to derive a definitive meaning to it. In fact this lack of cohesion is specifically why the song was named so. Yet despite it not having any specific focal point, this classic has still proven to be a hit song internationally.

What Nik Kershaw has said about “The Riddle”

Kershaw, the song’s sole writer, famously described this song as being “nonsense, rubbish, bollocks, the confused ramblings of an 80’s popstar”.

Facts about “The Riddle”

“The Riddle” is also the name of the Nik Kershaw album this track is featured on.

RCA Records released “The Riddle” as the lead single from that album on 6 November 1984.

The music video to this song was partially inspired by the literary masterpiece “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” (1865). Tom Petty’s “Don’t Come Around Here No More” is also heavily themed around this classic novel. Furthermore, the clip also features a cameo from the Riddler, a character who fans of Batman would be familiar with.

Despite himself knowing that the track is not about anything, Kershaw has been bombarded by fans who think they have solved “the riddle” of the song. Of course there’s no such thing as a riddle!

Noted record producer Peter Collins produced this classic in its entirety.

Throughout the song, Kershaw doesn’t mention “the riddle” (despite being it being the song’s title).

Kershaw performing “The Riddle” live at the iconic Live Aid benefit concert held at Wembley Stadium in 1985.

Chart Performance

The track itself reached number 3 on the UK Singles Chart. And furthermore, it broke the top 10 in a number of countries such as Australia, Ireland, Norway and Sweden.