The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking (song)

"The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking", is a song written and performed by Roger Waters from his debut studio album, The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking. It was released worldwide on 9 April 1984.

"The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking"
a hand giving a “thumb’s up” on a white background with grey dots
Brazilian Promotional single cover
Single by Roger Waters
from the album The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking
B-side"Apparently They Were Travelling Abroad"
Released9 April 1984
RecordedFebruary–December 1983
Genre
Length5:22 (Single edit)
4:36 (Album version)
LabelHarvest Records (UK)
Columbia Records (USA)
Songwriter(s)Roger Waters
Producer(s)
Roger Waters singles chronology
"The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking"
(1984)
"Every Stranger's Eyes"
(1984)
Music video
"The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking" on YouTube

Background

edit

Its meaning consists of the lasting memories of the main character Reg, and displays the benefits and problems associated with his hitchhiking, both figuratively and metaphorically. During the song, Waters mentions such popular icons as Dick Tracy, Shane and Yoko Ono. Waters has said the inclusion of Yoko Ono in the song comes from a dream his drummer Andy Newmark had.

Track listings

edit
7" single
No.TitleLength
1."The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking"4:35
2."Apparently They Were Travelling Abroad"3:22
International 12" single
No.TitleLength
1."The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking"5:25
2."For the First Time Today, Part 2"2:21
3."For the First Time Today, Part 1"1:36
US and Europe 12" single
No.TitleLength
1."The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking"5:25
2."Apparently They Were Travelling Abroad / Running Shoes"6:26

Charts

edit
Chart (1984) Peak
position
Australia (Kent Music Report)[1] 30
UK Singles (OCC)[2] 76
US Mainstream Rock Songs (Billboard) 17
The Netherlands [3] 16

References

edit
  1. ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 334. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
  2. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  3. ^ "Roger Waters - the Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking".
edit