Hitch Hike

“Hitch Hike,” released in 1962 by Marvin Gaye on the Tamla label, marked a significant chapter in Gaye’s musical career. Co-written by Gaye, Clarence Paul, and William “Mickey” Stevenson, this song achieved substantial success.

This song landed Gaye his first top forty pop single in 1963, reaching number thirty on the pop singles chart and number twelve on the R&B singles chart, showcasing his emerging prominence in the music scene.

1. Marvin’s Version

Hitch Hike narrates the story of a man traveling across the country in search of his love. The song’s lyrics describe his journey through various cities, evoking a sense of adventure and determination. It became popular for its upbeat tempo and distinct dance move, the “hitch hike” dance, which gained fame when Gaye performed it on American Bandstand and the T.A.M.I. Show.

Described as “a fetching, shuffle beat cha cha blueser,” the song featured powerful R&B-pop style vocals backed by The Vandellas, including Martha Reeves, Rosalind Ashford, and Annette Beard.

2. Legacy

The appeal of Hitch Hike extended beyond its original release, inspiring numerous covers by artists across various genres. James & Bobby Purify included a version in their 1967 album, while Paul McCartney covered it live in 2011.

Additionally, Martha and the Vandellas, who originally provided backing vocals, released their version on the album “Dance Party“, utilizing the original backing track with added vocals. Other artists, including The Rolling Stones, The Grass Roots, The Sonics, and Alison Moyet, also covered the song, demonstrating its enduring influence in the music industry.

3. Lyrics

(Hitch hike) Hitch hike (Hitch hike baby)
I’m packin’ up my bags, gonna leave this old town right away
(Hitch hike) Hitch hike (Hitch hike baby)
I’ve got to find that girl if I have to hitch hike ’round the world
(Hitch hike) Hitch hike

Chicago City Limits, that’s what the sign 
on the highway read
(Hitch hike) Hitch hike (Hitch hike baby)
I’m gonna keep movin till I get to that 
street corner 6th and 3rd
(6th and 3rd, hitch hike baby) Hitch hike, yeah
I’ve got to find that girl if I have to hitch hike 
’round the world
(Hitch hike) Hitch hike, baby

Hitch hike (Hitch hike) Now hitch-a hike 
(Hitch hike baby)
It’s all right (Hitch hike) Hitch hike Jenny 
(Hitch hike Susan)
Hitch hike (Hitch hike) Hitch hike 
(Hitch hike dance)
Yeah, hitch hike (Hitch hike) Hitch hike Jenny

(Hitch hike baby, hitch hike Susan)
(Hitch hike baby, hitch hike Susan)
(Hitch hike baby, hitch hike baby)

I’m goin’ to St. Louis, but my next stop 
just might be L.A.
(Hitch hike) Now what’d I say? (L.A.)
Got no money in my pocket so I’m gonna have 
to hitch hike all the way
(All the way) Yeah (Hitch hike baby)
I’ve got to find that girl if I have to hitch hike 
’round the world
(Hitch hike) Now what’d I say

Come on, hitch hike (Hitch hike baby)
Come hitch hike Jenny (Hitch hike Susan)
[…and fade]