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"
Columbia US single cover
Single by Roger Waters
from the album The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking
A-side"The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking"
B-side
  • "Apparently They Were Travelling Abroad"
  • "Running Shoes"
  • "For the First Time Today, Part 2"
  • "For the First Time Today, Part 1"
ReleasedApril 9, 1984 (1984-04-09)
RecordedFebruary-December 1983
GenreProgressive rock, blues rock
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

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

Track listings
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
Chart (1984) Peak
position
Australia (Kent Music Report)[1] 30
UK Singles (OCC)[2] 76
US Mainstream Rock Songs (Billboard) 17

References
  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.
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