Free Ride

I think it's significant that its about someone he cares about - and the girl he loved was called Sophia "Ryde."

Now, she was basically the love of his life, but they never had sex, remaining basically, as she would later call it, "best friends". Since Nick Drake wrote songs based on personal experiences, I think it's not too much of a leap to go from 'Ryde' to ride, based on their emotional history yet lack of 'consummation'.

Also, he used to take his parent's car and drive around for hours until he ran out of petrol. There may be a metaphor in that 'free ride' could also symbolise the lack of direction to their relationship, much like his midnight drives.

@ Psylogon: would people PLEASE stop interpreting songs based on their 'personal experiences'. The next time I read somebody saying a Beatles song could be about being dumped in chemistry class I'm going to scream.

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.

I couldn't even attempt to fathom out this song... but it's so beautiful.

I know that seems a bit a cop out, and its probably possible to say that about 90% of ND songs but i don't think i could say what it's about....

The imagery is superb though.

It's about fucking your friend.

It's probably "I get to see through" not "I care to see through" and it's probably about fucking a friend.

From what I can read into this from my own experience, he loves someone who is still attached to a previous relationship, too insecure to love him back. He's out of control and can't do anything but ask for a free ride. He sees through all the pictures--all the memories--she's so attached to. He wants her to trust him, but she's too far lost in the past for that.

My favourite Nick Drake song. In my opinion, it lifts the mood of "Pink Moon" considerably, mostly because Nick's guitar work is fairly energetic and rolling.

pretty much agree with sammy.

pictures represent a facade, and the people at the ball mere acquaintances, but because he knows them as a true friend, he sees past all this and reasons that he deserves a free ride.

i've read that nick was a shy and reserved person, so it would be hard for a person like that to go to any type of social event

so i would guess that he's telling this woman that i really dont care about about anyone here but you, specially if he's calling them 'cattle'.

I've heard Nick came from an upper middle class neighborhood. Nick seemed to be interested in a high society girl who was very popular and had parties where alot of people would come to her house. I'm guessing she wasn't very interested in him and the song meaning for Free Ride would be, give me some of your time, possibly sexual if you will.