While ARS would never reach the commercial success of Lynyrd Skynyrd or the Marshall Tucker Band, the group had a strong following in the south and charted a number of hits such as "Imaginary Lover," "I'm Not Going to Let it Bother Me Tonight," "Champagne Jam," "So Into You," and a remake of a Classics IV hit, "Spooky."
The band also influenced a number of rock and country artists, notably Travis Tritt, who recorded a cover of the ARS songs, "Back Up Against the Wall" and "Homesick." The group Shudder to Think covered "So Into You."
Hitch-Hikers' Hero
Atlanta Rhythm Section Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With his sun-striped inner will
He was one with them at Woodstock
He was there at Watkins Glen
He's a hitch-hiker's hero
King of the highway
He has been around the world and back again
Now, the children gather 'round him
And they ask him where he's been
And they look at him with wonder
And well, they wish that they were him
He's a hitch-hiker's hero
King of the highway
And they would follow him to Hell and back again
The children never see him
When the nights are dark and cold
When the cars are few, if any
He only wishes he was home
But that hitch-hiker's hero
He's gotta keep on going
Knowing not where he will be tomorrow
Hitch-hiker's hero
Gotta keep on going
Hitch-hiker's hero
Hitch-hiker's hero
Gotta keep on, gotta keep on going
Hitch-hiker's hero
King of the highway
Hitch-hiker's hero
King of the highway
He's gotta keep on, gotta keep on going
Stick out your thumb
"Hitch-Hikers' Hero" is a song that tells the story of a man who lives the life of a hitchhiker in search of adventure and freedom. The first verse describes the man's appearance and how he was present at the famous Woodstock and Watkins Glen music festivals. The chorus calls him the Hitch-hiker's hero and the king of the highway, indicating how he is seen as a legend among other hitchhikers, someone to idolize.
The second verse portrays the influence that the man has on children who gather around him, fascinated by his stories about his travels. The children see him as a brave and free-spirited person, and they wish to be like him. However, the third verse reveals that the hitchhiker's life is not as glamorous as it appears to be. He only travels during the day, and at night, he is alone and wishes he was home.
Line by Line Meaning
You have seen him by the roadside
You might have noticed him hanging out at the side of the road
With his sun-striped inner will
He's got a strong willpower that radiates positivity
He was one with them at Woodstock
He was a part of the Woodstock generation
He was there at Watkins Glen
He also attended Watkins Glen festival where thousands gathered to watch music performances
He's a hitch-hiker's hero
He's someone who inspires admiration among hitch-hikers
King of the highway
He rules the highways and roads he travels, he's the master of his own destiny
He has been around the world and back again
He's traveled the whole world and returned to the place where he started
Now, the children gather 'round him
Children surround him out of curiosity and fascination
And they ask him where he's been
They question him about his past experiences and traveling adventures
And they look at him with wonder
They are amazed by him and his life adventures
And well, they wish that they were him
They aspire to possess his life and travel experiences and be as free-spirited as he is
The children never see him
Children can't always find him when it's dark and cold outside
When the nights are dark and cold
During dark and cold nights, he's not always visible
When the cars are few, if any
In scarce traffic conditions, hardly any vehicles are seen on the road
He only wishes he was home
At times, he yearns to be back in his comfort zone, his abode
He's gotta keep on going
He needs to continue his journey for some reason - either for reaching a specific destination or for experiencing new things
Knowing not where he will be tomorrow
He's uncertain about his future, where he might end up or what he might experience
Hitch-hiker's hero
He's a savior for hitch-hikers
Gotta keep on, gotta keep on going
He's determined to continue on his journey despite the obstacles he might face
Stick out your thumb
To hitch a ride, you indicate your intent by showing your thumb to passing cars
Contributed by Elijah S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Joe Blo
on Indigo Passion
I think the 4th line should read: "And all of the HUES in between."
love.