Hitch A Ride
Boston
Escaping the Cold: Boston's 'Hitch A Ride'
Boston's 'Hitch A Ride' is a powerful anthem about the desire to escape the harsh realities of life and find freedom. The song opens with a vivid depiction of New York City, where 'day is night' and 'smoke, like water, runs inside.' This imagery paints a picture of a city that is both suffocating and lifeless, filled with 'steel idle trees' that symbolize the cold, unfeeling nature of urban life. The mention of 'every living thing that's died' further emphasizes the sense of desolation and the need for a fresh start.
The chorus, with its repeated lines about hitching a ride and heading for the other side, captures the essence of the song's theme: the longing to leave behind the burdens and constraints of the current environment. The idea of sailing away to where the 'sun lights another day' symbolizes hope and the promise of a new beginning. The phrase 'freedom on my mind' underscores the protagonist's yearning for liberation and the determination to never look back.
In the second verse, the lyrics compare life to 'the coldest winter,' where people 'freeze the tears I cry.' This metaphor highlights the emotional numbness and isolation the protagonist feels. The 'words of hail' that people's minds are into suggest harsh, unkind thoughts and communication, further reinforcing the need to 'crack this ice and fly.' The guitar solo that follows serves as a musical representation of breaking free and soaring to new heights.
Overall, 'Hitch A Ride' by Boston is a song about the universal desire for freedom and the courage to pursue it, no matter the obstacles. It speaks to anyone who has ever felt trapped and yearned for a brighter, more hopeful future.