Motorcycle Song
Element of Crime Lyrics


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I don't want a pickle
Just want to ride on my motorcycle
And I don't want a tickle
'Cause I'd rather ride on my motorcycle
And I don't want to die
I just want to ride on my motorcycle

It was late last night the other day
I thought I'd go up and see Ray
So l went up and I saw Ray
There was only one thing Ray could say, was:

I don't want a pickle
Just want to ride on my motorcycle
And I don't want a tickle
'Cause I'd rather ride on my motorcycle
And I don't want to die
I just want to ride on my motorcycle

Just last week I was on my bike
I run into a friend named Mike
Run into my friend named Mike
Mike no longer has a bike. He cries:

I don't want a pickle
Just want to ride on my motorcycle
And I don't want a tickle
'Cause I'd rather ride on my motorcycle




And I don't want to die
I just want to ride on my motorcycle

Overall Meaning

The Motorcycle Song by Element of Crime is a humorous yet profound song that expresses the simple joy one can get from riding a motorcycle. The song opens with the repeated refrain "I don't want a pickle, just want to ride on my motorcycle." This line is significant as it symbolizes the idea that the singer is content with the simple pleasures of life and does not need material things to be happy. The repetitiveness of this phrase also captures the addictive quality of riding a motorcycle, as the singer would rather do that instead of anything else, even something as harmless and fun as receiving a tickle.


During the verse, the singer paints a vivid picture of two different scenarios where he chooses to ride his motorcycle over anything else. The first scenario involves a visit to his friend Ray, who can only utter the same phrase the singer repeats throughout the song. This could be seen as a reflection of how riding a motorcycle can become an obsession, whereby the rider would rather be on their bike than anywhere else. The second scenario involves the singer's friend Mike who no longer has a bike, and this causes him to cry. This line is possibly a commentary on how some people may become so attached to their motorcycles that losing them can be devastating.


Overall, the Motorcycle Song is a light-hearted song that celebrates the joy of riding a motorcycle, while also touching on some deeper themes of addiction and coping with loss.


Line by Line Meaning

I don't want a pickle
I simply want to ride my motorcycle


Just want to ride on my motorcycle
Riding my motorcycle is all I desire


And I don't want a tickle
I don't want to be amused by silly things


'Cause I'd rather ride on my motorcycle
I would much rather be riding my motorcycle


And I don't want to die
I have no death wish


I just want to ride on my motorcycle
Riding my motorcycle is my only true wish


It was late last night the other day
I recall a recent late night excursion


I thought I'd go up and see Ray
I decided to visit my friend Ray


So l went up and I saw Ray
My visit to Ray's place was successful


There was only one thing Ray could say, was:
Ray had just one pressing message for me


Just last week I was on my bike
I recently enjoyed a biking activity


I run into a friend named Mike
I bumped into my pal Mike


Mike no longer has a bike. He cries:
Mike regrets having lost his bike and expresses his sadness




Contributed by Riley T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Diana Rhyne

Thank you Arlo, for sharing your family. I don’t care what you say, I always loved this song!
❤️

John Cook

Me too, J.C.

Angie Malone

Me too and ring around the rosy rag

Paul Haab

Was listening to this Thanksgiving day 2017. What a blessing. All that talent.
And Arlo never fails to entertain.

bansheemania

Thanksgiving 2020,...
Only good thing So Far...I love my Motor. Syckle

Anonymoose

Priceless! I've known and loved this song virtually since those thoughts sprang out of that scraggly head onto that stolen roll of toilet paper. It's no less fun today, and the spontaneity in this surprise performance is perfect!

anonymous anonymous

wonderful to see all of them, happy, alive, celebrating the joys of the 60's and family.... Ride that cycle Arlo Love to all. Namaste, an older hippie fan, zoe

Brenda Needle

I've been watching U Tube for the last 2hrs. Arlo is the best video ever! I love all of Arlo's songs. It's a shame folk music isn't popular anymore. No worries though, I still listen to folk music all the time.

kyenta1

I saw this man in SLC with my late husband. He sang this song, which (oddly) I had never heard. It was phenomenal! It brings back the best memories of hubs. ♥️

Laurie Hendrickson

Never heard this story before. Funny.
We grew up with Arlo and Woody playing at home. Great memories.

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