Vanity Fare – Hitchin’ A Ride

“Hitchin’ A Ride” by Vanity Fare,now that’s a song that takes me back. Released in late 1969, it became a surprise hit for the British pop-rock band, particularly across the pond in the United States. While Vanity Fare had a respectable career in the UK, “Hitchin’ A Ride” propelled them to a whole new level of recognition on the American music scene.

The song’s charm lies in its relatable simplicity. It’s a quintessential hitchhiking anthem, capturing the late-night desperation and yearning for home of a young man with empty pockets. The opening is what truly sets the mood. A lone, melancholic descant from two recorders paints a picture of a deserted highway, the dead of night punctuated only by the occasional whoosh of a passing car.

Then comes the iconic line: “A thumb goes up, a car goes by.” The vocalist, Trevor Brice, delivers it with a hint of weariness, a young man down on his luck but not giving up hope. The rest of the verse unfolds the situation – it’s nearly one AM, and our protagonist is stranded, desperately needing to get home “before the morning light.”

The beauty of “Hitchin’ A Ride” is that it doesn’t dwell on the negative. Sure, there’s the frustration of being ignored by passing cars, the sting of the pouring rain (vividly portrayed through the sound effects), and the worry of not making it back in time. But the song is ultimately driven by a sense of determination. The chorus, a catchy sing-along affair, is all about the relentless pursuit of that ride: “Gotta get me home by the mornin’ light… Hitchin’ a ride, hitchin’ a ride… Gotta get me home to my baby’s side.”

It’s interesting to note that “Hitchin’ A Ride” wasn’t written by members of Vanity Fare themselves. The songwriting duo of Mitch Murray and Peter Callander crafted this timeless tune, perfectly capturing the spirit of youthful adventure and the thrill (and occasional frustration) of hitchhiking.

While the recorders might be the first thing that grabs your attention, the song is packed with other musical details that enhance the story. The driving rhythm section keeps the pace steady, mirroring the protagonist’s determination. The electric piano adds a touch of soulful melancholy, and the occasional bursts of harmony vocals from the rest of the band create a sense of camaraderie, a feeling that even though he’s alone on the road, he’s not entirely alone in his desire to get home.

“Hitchin’ A Ride” may not be a complex musical masterpiece, but therein lies its strength. It’s a simple, relatable story told through catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics. It became a staple of AM radio in the early 70s, a song that resonated with anyone who’d ever found themselves with their thumb out, hoping for a kind soul behind the wheel. So, put on your headphones, crank up the volume, and let “Hitchin’ A Ride” take you back to a simpler time, a time of late-night adventures and the ever-present hope of reaching that final destination.

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