Uncover the Secret to a Perplexing Crossword Puzzle!

As a detective of words, I took on the challenge of unraveling the enigmatic crossword clue: “Like a free ride when you’ve already paid, per a 1996 hit.” To crack this conundrum, I tapped into my knowledge of popular culture, particularly music, and delved into the extensive catalogue of hits from 1996. The mention of a “free ride” piqued my interest; it’s a phrase often associated with situations that are seemingly advantageous or serendipitous. I began to consider songs released that year which could provide further clues, and one instantly came to mind – Alanis Morissette’s iconic hit, “Ironic.”

The next step was to decipher the connection between the clue and the song. Drawing on my interpretation of the lyrics, I recalled that “Ironic” explores instances of situational irony, where events contradict expectations or lead to unexpected outcomes. Morissette captivates listeners with examples of ironic situations, such as the line, “It’s like rain on your wedding day.” The connection began to crystallize; a “free ride” when one has “already paid” portrays a similar sense of irony. In this case, the answer to the crossword clue eloquently revealed itself: “IRONIC.”

The brilliance of this answer lies in its profound connection to the hit song, and the clever wordplay encapsulated within. “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette transcended the mere definition of the word and etched itself into the annals of pop culture by showcasing the power of irony in our daily lives. This journey of solving the crossword clue showcases the beauty of lateral thinking, cleverly interweaving musical references, and the ability to perceive the subtle nuances hidden within language.