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 walking down the highway Sweating like salt pork I'm putting 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 Words and music by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller