I know you
I care too
I see through
All of the pictures that you keep on the wall
All of the people that will come to the ball
But hear me calling
Won't you give me
A free ride

I know too
What you do
When you're through
Counting the cattle as they go by the door
Keeping a carpet that's so thick on the floor
But hear me calling
Won't you give me
A free ride

I know you
I care too
I see through
All of the pictures that you keep on the wall
All of the pictures that you keep on the wall
But hear me calling
Won't you give me
A free ride


Lyrics submitted by Sweet Blue Way

Free Ride Lyrics as written by Nick Drake

Lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc.

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Free Ride song meanings
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  • +4
    General Comment

    I have my own interpretation of this song that is quite different to what other people have said so far.

    I see through All of the pictures that you keep on the wall All of the people that will come to the ball

    Even though he writes 'you' I am certain he is referring to people who he finds shallow, as in they are too worried about the little things in life and can't see the big picture. This could refer to the letters Nick's Dad wrote to him urging him to stay in University, so he could have a more secure future. Nick responded to his Father by saying that is the one thing he does not want.

    But hear me calling, won't you give me A free ride?

    Here Nick says that even though he feels ashamed of these people, he still needs their support. That's why I think it is about his parents. Why he chose to use the words 'A free ride' as a metaphor for his dependance on his parents well that can be traced back to his unusual habit of taking his parents car for a 'ride'.

    I honestly do not know how anyone can get Sophia Ryde from this. In my opinion the whole pink moon album is more of an album about human culture and philosophy, but it doesn't deal with sexuality.

    nat0auson January 18, 2011   Link

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