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"
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"
Released	9 April 1984
Recorded	February–December 1983
Genre	Progressive rock blues rock
Length	5:22 (Single edit) 4:36 (Album version)
Label	Harvest Records (UK) Columbia Records (USA)
Songwriter(s)	Roger Waters
Producer(s)	Roger Waters Michael Kamen
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 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

7" single

No.	Title	Length
1.	"The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking"	4:35
2.	"Apparently They Were Travelling Abroad"	3:22

International 12" single

No.	Title	Length
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.	Title	Length
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)	30
UK Singles (OCC)	76
US Mainstream Rock Songs (Billboard)	17
The Netherlands	16

External links

• The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking at Discogs
• Roger Waters official website