In "The Road to McCarthy," Pete McCarthy humorously describes encountering a musician who seems disoriented and confused. The metaphorical comparison suggests that this saxophonist, instead of fully engaging with his musical craft, appears to have his usual creative instincts swapped with the more rhythmic and sometimes chaotic mindset of a drummer. This whimsical imagery highlights the peculiarities often found in artistic lives.

McCarthy's travelogue reflects not only on his adventures around the globe in search of deeper connections to his Irish heritage but also on the quirky personalities he meets along the way. Through this vivid depiction, McCarthy showcases the interesting intersections of music, identity, and culture, inviting readers to appreciate the humorous side of exploration and self-discovery.