Released in 1969
Thumbin' A Ride
Written by Jerry Leiber • Mike Stoller
Last updated on March 9, 2025
Released in 1969
Written by Jerry Leiber • Mike Stoller
Last updated on March 9, 2025
Album This song officially appears on the New Day / Thumbin' A Ride 7" Single.
Timeline This song was officially released in 1969
Timeline This song was recorded in 1969
This song was recorded during the following studio sessions:
May 05, 1999
Officially appears on Sour Milk Sea / The Eagle Laughs at You
Unreleased song
“Thumbin’ a Ride” is a song written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and recorded by The Coasters. It was released as a single in 1961, with “Wait a Minute” as the B-side.
In 1969, Jackie Lomax recorded a cover of “Thumbin’ a Ride,” which was released as the B-side to “New Day.” This version featured Paul McCartney as both the drummer and producer.
In 1999, during the sessions for his album “Run Devil Run,” Paul McCartney recorded his own version of “Thumbin’ a Ride,” though it remains unreleased.
I had myself a day job
Pumpin' gasoline
A dollar a day is all they pay
And I just can't make that scene
That's why I'm thumbin' a ride
Thumbin' a ride, thumbin' a ride
On the road
If I could find some money
I'd straighten out right quick
But every time I get a dime
I spend it on some chick
That's why I'm thumbin' a ride
Thumbin' a ride, thumbin' a ride
On the road
That's why I'm thumbin' a ride
Thumbin' a ride, thumbin' a ride
On the road
I'm walkin' down the highway
Sweatin' like salt pork
I'm puttin' down this country town
'Cause my soul's up in New York
That's why I'm thumbin' a ride
Thumbin' a ride, thumbin' a ride
On the road
Thumbin' a ride, thumbin' a ride
Keep on thumbin' a ride
Thumbin' a ride on the road
Yes, I'm thumbin' a ride
Somebody just gotta get me a lift soon
Ooh, my achin' feet
But I'm gonna make it home soon
I gotta woman waitin'
Ah, keep on thumbin'
Keep on thumbin' a rode
LP • Released in 1969
3:58 • Studio version • A
Paul McCartney : Drums, Producer George Harrison : Backing vocals, Guitar Klaus Voormann : Bass Pattie Boyd / Harrison : Backing vocals Jackie Lomax : Vocal Billy Preston : Organ, Piano The Rascals : Backing vocals
Session Recording: Mar 11, 1969 • Studio Apple Studios, 3 Savile Row, London
7" Single • Released in 1969
3:58 • Studio version • A
Paul McCartney : Drums, Producer George Harrison : Backing vocals, Guitar Klaus Voormann : Bass Pattie Boyd / Harrison : Backing vocals Jackie Lomax : Vocal Billy Preston : Organ, Piano The Rascals : Backing vocals
Session Recording: Mar 11, 1969 • Studio Apple Studios, 3 Savile Row, London
How The Web Was Woven / Thumbin' A Ride
7" Single • Released in 1970
3:58 • Studio version • A
Paul McCartney : Drums, Producer George Harrison : Backing vocals, Guitar Klaus Voormann : Bass Pattie Boyd / Harrison : Backing vocals Jackie Lomax : Vocal Billy Preston : Organ, Piano The Rascals : Backing vocals
Session Recording: Mar 11, 1969 • Studio Apple Studios, 3 Savile Row, London
Is This What You Want? (1991 remaster)
CD • Released in 1991
3:58 • Studio version • A1991 • 1991 remaster
Paul McCartney : Drums, Producer George Harrison : Backing vocals, Guitar Klaus Voormann : Bass Pattie Boyd / Harrison : Backing vocals Jackie Lomax : Vocal Billy Preston : Organ, Piano The Rascals : Backing vocals
Session Recording: Mar 11, 1969 • Studio Apple Studios, 3 Savile Row, London
Is This What You Want? (2010 remaster)
Official album • Released in 2010
3:58 • Studio version • A
Paul McCartney : Drums, Producer George Harrison : Backing vocals, Guitar Klaus Voormann : Bass Pattie Boyd / Harrison : Backing vocals Jackie Lomax : Vocal Billy Preston : Organ, Piano The Rascals : Backing vocals
Session Recording: Mar 11, 1969 • Studio Apple Studios, 3 Savile Row, London
Paul McCartney has never played this song in concert.
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