Green Day

Lyrics

[Violin Intro]

[Verse 1]
Hey, mister, where you headed?
Are you in a hurry?
Need a lift to happy hour? Say, "Oh, no"
Do you brake for distilled spirits?
I need a break as well
The well that inebriates the guilt
One, two, one, two, three, four

[Verse 2]
Cold turkey's gettin' stale
Tonight, I'm eatin' crow
Fermented salmonella, poison oak, no
There's a drought at the fountain of youth
And I'm dehydrated
My tongue is swellin' up, I say
"One, two, one, two, three, four"

[Chorus]
Troubled times, you know I cannot lie
I'm off the wagon and I'm hitchin' a ride

[Bridge]
There's a drought at the fountain of youth
And I'm dehydrated
My tongue is swellin' up, I said
"Shit"
[Guitar Solo]

[Chorus]
Troubled times, you know I cannot lie
I'm off the wagon and I'm hitchin' a ride

[Outro]
(Don't know where to go) Hitchin' a ride
(Don't know where to go) Hitchin' a ride
(Don't know where to go) Hitchin' a ride
(Don't know where to go) Hitchin' a ride
(Don't know where to go) Hitchin' a ride
(Don't know where to go) Hitchin' a ride
(Don't know where to go) Hitchin' a ride
(Say birthday boys, hey)

If you were a teenager in the 90s, you probably know Green Day. They became hugely popular with their punk rock sound that captured the angst and rebellion of an entire generation. Their hit song, "Hitchin' a Ride," is no exception. Released in 1997, it quickly became a fan favorite and an instant classic. But what is the song really about? Let's dive in!

About Hitchin’ a Ride

"Hitchin' a Ride" is the second track and lead single from Green Day’s 1997 album, Nimrod. It is a high-energy, fast-paced track that has a catchy melody and hooks you right from the opening chords. However, the lyrics reveal a deeper, more serious side to the song. In fact, the song tells the story of an alcoholic who is struggling to stay sober.

The lyrics of "Hitchin' a Ride" are extremely clever, showing off Green Day at their most inventive. Nearly every phrase has two or more meanings as the song plays with literal and figurative meanings of words and expressions. The song opens with the line "I'm taking all you down with me," which can be interpreted in a number of ways. It could mean that the singer is dragging others into his addiction, or it could mean that he is taking everyone down with him as he hits rock bottom.

The second verse of the song is particularly poignant, as it describes the feeling of being trapped and unable to escape the cycle of addiction. The line "Can't find a way to get across the hate when I see you" is a powerful metaphor for the internal struggle of an alcoholic trying to stay sober in a world that seems to be against them.

The chorus of "Hitchin' a Ride" is simple and catchy, but it also functions as a metaphor for the journey of recovery. "I'm not growing up, I'm just burning out" can be interpreted as the singer acknowledging the damage that his addiction has caused in his life, but also recognizing that it's never too late to change.

Overall, "Hitchin' a Ride" is a powerful song with deep meaning and clever lyrics. It is a testament to Green Day's songwriting abilities and their ability to capture the struggles and emotions of their listeners.

Conclusion

So there you have it - a detailed look at the meaning behind Green Day's "Hitchin' a Ride." This song is a classic for a reason, and it will continue to resonate with listeners for years to come. Whether you're a fan of Green Day or just a fan of great music, "Hitchin' a Ride" is definitely worth a listen!

• Release Date: September 22, 1997
• Artist: Green Day