Free Ride

Take a "Free Ride" with The Edgar Winter Group! This infectious 1973 rock hit (from the late '72 album They Only Come Out at Night) is pure feel-good energy. Its driving guitar riff and irresistibly catchy chorus make it an enduring "Cruisin Classic" guaranteed to lift your spirits.

Released on The Edgar Winter Group's blockbuster 1972 album They Only Come Out at Night and hitting the charts in '73, "Free Ride" became a signature track. Written and sung by band member Dan Hartman, this rock anthem features one of the era's most recognizable and upbeat guitar riffs. Its structure and sound perfectly captured a vibrant, accessible rock energy popular during the early 70s music scene.

Decades later, "Free Ride" remains a beloved "Cruisin Classic," embodying optimism and the pure joy of hitting the road or simply cutting loose. Its infectious energy makes it a popular choice for films, commercials, and classic rock radio playlists worldwide. The song's simple invitation to come along gives it a timeless, feel-good appeal, solidifying its legacy.

SONG MEANING: "Free Ride" is generally interpreted as an upbeat and optimistic invitation. The lyrics invite the listener to join the singer on a journey – perhaps a literal car ride, or more metaphorically, an escape from troubles ("Leave the mourning," "help you get your feet back on the ground") towards something better, emphasizing shared experience and positive momentum ("Come on and take a free ride").