Hitchin' a Ride

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Hitchin' a Ride
Written by: Billie Joe Armstrong
Song length: 2:51
Release date: September 22, 1997
Album: Nimrod
Mixed by: Chris Lord-Alge
Produced by: Rob Cavallo
Single chronology
Previous single: "Walking Contradiction"
Next single: "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)"
Album chronology
Previous song: "Nice Guys Finish Last"
Next song: "The Grouch"

"Hitchin' a Ride" is the second track and lead single on Nimrod, released on September 22, 1997. The song was included as track 14 on International Superhits!. A live performance at England's National Bowl was also included on Bullet in a Bible.

"Hitchin' a Ride" begins with a violin introduction reminiscent of Jewish Klezmer and then leads into a distinct 4-note bass riff that carries on throughout the song. The walking tempo is interrupted midway by the heavier bridge featuring the trademark distortion and general loud noise typical of Green Day.

Song meaning[edit | edit source]

"Hitchin' a Ride" was written in response to Billie's struggle with alcoholism at the time.

Music video[edit | edit source]

The music video was directed by Mark Kohr, Green Day's favored director for the Dookie and Insomniac music videos. Coherent with the meaning of "Hitchin' a Ride", the music video shows the band performing in a bar reminiscent of the Prohibition Era.

Green Day is shown walking off a treadmill style machine while still playing. In the video, Billie's famous Stratocaster, "Blue", can be seen. Mike uses a Fender Precision bass, and Tré has a single snare drum with a cymbal slung over his shoulders and a bass drum hung over his back.

During the chorus, the members of Green Day switch to a stage setup. During the bridge of the song, Billie is shown jumping on a bar counter and throwing glasses and bottles at the other characters.

Lyrics[edit | edit source]

Main article: Hitchin' a Ride/lyrics