"Ride the Brake" is a song by Ari Hest that tells the story of a young person who has recently graduated from college and is at a crossroads in their life. The lyrics depict a sense of uncertainty and a lack of concrete plans for the future. The protagonist is in no rush to "be a man" and instead decides to embark on a journey, driving west on the interstates of the United States. Throughout the song, the protagonist encounters various experiences and encounters. In St. Louis, they face the scorching summer heat and find temporary relief by stopping for cold beer and engaging in conversations. The mention of "pleather seats" suggests that the car they are traveling in may not be the most comfortable or luxurious. The lyrics convey a theme of youth and the desire to explore and experience freedom before fully embracing adulthood. The character is reminded by a friend in California of the reasons why they embarked on this impromptu retreat in the first place. They are reminded to embrace their youth and eagerness, symbolized by the metaphor of an "eager chicken not yet sprung." Overall, "Ride the Brake" captures the spirit of a young person trying to find their path in life, while also highlighting the importance of enjoying the journey and remaining true to oneself before embracing adult responsibilities.
