About The Song
“Hitchin’ a Ride” was written by Mitch Murray and Peter Callander. It was released as a single by the English pop/rock band Vanity Fare in late 1969. The song reached number 16 on the UK Singles Chart in February 1970. However, it achieved greater success in the United States, reaching number 5 on the Hot 100 on June 27, 1970.
“Hitchin’ a Ride” features an upbeat and catchy pop-rock sound. The introduction and sections between choruses and verses include the use of two recorders. The lyrics depict a young person desperate to return to their lover. The protagonist is hitchhiking, expressing urgency to reach home before morning.
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
A thumb goes up, a car goes by
It's nearly 1 AM and here am I
Hitchin' a ride, hitchin' a ride
Gotta get me home by the mornin' light
[Verse 2]
I've got no fare to ride a train
I'm nearly drownin' in the pourin' rain
Hitchin' a ride, hitchin' a ride
Gotta get me home to my baby's side
[Chorus]
Ride, ride, ride, hitchin' a ride
Ride, ride, ride, hitchin' a ride
[Verse 3]
Long-distance call I got today
She sounded lonely, so I'm on my way
Hitchin' a ride, hitchin' a ride
Gotta get me home, keep her satisfied
[Guitar Solo]
[Chorus]
Ride, ride, ride, hitchin' a ride
Ride, ride, ride, hitchin' a ride
[Verse 4]
A thumb goes up, a car goes by
Oh, won't somebody stop and help a guy
Hitchin' a ride, hitchin' a ride
Been away too long from my baby's side
[Chorus]
Ride, ride, ride, hitchin' a ride
Ride, ride, ride, hitchin' a ride
[Outro]
Ride, ride
Ride, ride
Ride, ride