An important, tongue in cheek, serious commentary on our society during the Vietnam war. Still rings true today. Arlo has a way of telling his stories. I listen to this every Thanksgiving. Thanks for doing this, this year, so I could also enjoy your response. It was needed then. Follow this by watching the film of the musical "Hair". Worth it. You'll never know, hopefully, what it was like then. But you can get an idea... have a great day and Happy Thanksgiving, guys!
Whoo hoo! 🦃 Now watch the epic motion picture "Alice's Restaurant" 1969 for visuals and added depth to things you may have missed from the song. Must see anti war film. ☮✌
Vietnam hadn't gotten to its worst for awhile yet. Husband father was folk music legend Woody Guthrie. Without Woody, there's no Bob Dylan. Woody wrote "This Land Is Your Land."
At 80, Alice Brock from this song remains in Provincetown, where she’s lived for 40 years. Now, she’s battling serious health issues, including COPD and heart disease, and relies on an oxygen tank. And after a recent hospital stay, the medical bills are piling up. Lamot and Davis organized a GoFundMe campaign to assist their longtime friend. The goal was to help her pay for rent on her small cottage and pay down some of her health-related bills. Since launching the fundraiser at the end of September, they’ve raised around $180,000 for her. She was an artist until her health got bad. She helped everybody, including Arlo her whole life, especially the dying aids patients gathering in Provincetown during that time. It is great that people came together to help her with her bills and rent so she can stay in her beloved Provincetown.
I met her many years ago - she was a talented artist and was hosting an exhibit of her work near at a gallery near my hometown. She offered her vacation rental in Provincetown to me - wish I’d taken her up on the offer and stayed there!
Arlo's dad basically invented modern protest folk music and was a huge inspiration to guys like Bob Dylan. Though Woody Guthrie's music did have a lot of humor, Arlo ran with it and perfected that comedy/social commentary thing. I remember a live recording of Arlo and his band performing Elvis Presley's "I Can't Help Falling In Love" somewhere in Europe with Pete Seeger (another folk music legend) and he starts telling a story about how many years before right after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the USSR they had performed that same song with Pete on a whim at some other festival in a country that had been up to that point part of the Socialist Block and how they were amazed at how this little song Elvis made famous easily bridged the political, historical, cultural and age gaps along with the language barrier and everybody there sang it. It's reminiscent of what he does in "Alice's Restaurant" because it's about something serious and important but he does inject a lot of humor into his story as he's telling it. He's really skilled at doing that.
Sadly Our bands mentor "David Grover"(Arlo's guitarist and musical director) just passed away several weeks ago. He was a wonderful guy. His band Shenandoah(recruited by Arlo) was the house band at Woodstock(2nd stage). We went to school in West Stockbridge where this songs, story takes place. Arlo's drummer Terrence Hall aka Terry A La berry is a brilliant drummer hilarious character. Look him up!!A&A should now check the film based on this song titled "Alice's Restaurant" all based in the very location "Stockbridge Ma, where the song is based. BTW Arlo was born in 47. He was only 20 when he recorded this!! Lastly this reminds Alex of Toy Story because Randy Newman was partially influenced by the folk storytellers, like Arlo, his Dad , Pete Seeger etc.
This song is actually a real story and there are even newspaper clippings to support most of this. By the way the finger picking in this song is pretty complicated. i learned the entire song when I was in my teens note by note and to keep the chord progressions going for 17 minutes is a minor accomplishment. I was asked to perform this often in college (the Viet Nam war was still fresh in everyone's mind). You brought a big smile to my face today and some fond memories of some friends who are no longer with us, except in my memories. Have a great Thanksgiving.!! PS his other songs, Riding on the City of New Orleans, Coming into Los Angles (bringing in a couple of keys), and the Motorcycle Song.
It happened in Stockbridge Ma. The restaurant not there anymore but the church is.The irony of the story is he wasn't allowed into the army to fight in Vietnam because he was a convicted litterbug.
Arlo has a tendency to start a song, stop in the middle, tell a story, then come back and finish the song, as he does here. He does that with "Comin' Into Los Angeles", with "The Motorcycle Song, and does a great Live version of "The Garden Song". Any of those might be good to react to, if you want to do more. .
Back when I was in college in 1969 I also learned this finger pick and was never able to make my mouth do the story at the same time. So, my brother learned the whole "song" and we used to play it for friends. Keeping the guitar pick going for that long took some effort but it was a lot of fun doing the show.
Arlo Guthrie's father Woodie wrote "This land is your land this Land is my Land" and was a American icon himself. Great reaction. Happy Thanksgiving to all!! 🦃 🦃
And a lot of people who know that song don't realize it's a protest song about how destitute farmers who lost everything in the dust bowl were being blocked by state troopers from entering California and other states.
His father, Woody Guthrie, was a legendary activist. He traveled to migrant worker camps and used his music to promote unionization to improve worker conditions and pay. His father wrote, "This Land Is Our Land", a folk classic.
Woody was blacklisted after refusing to name names for the HUAC hearings, and survived for years by playing at campuses and coffee houses, before becoming more acceptable again.
whoops! I confused Woody and Pete Seeger! Woody wasn't called in front of HUAC, I think he was hospitalized by then. Understandable, considering how close Arlo and Pete have been over the years.
It's called the Talking Blues. It's an awesome style of music and story-telling that few musicians can do as well as Arlo Guthrie. It's good to see younger people enjoying Arlo!!!
Arlo’s father was the legendary Woody Guthrie. A major influence in American music. Arlo’s most popular song was THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS. I don’t think you should leave this planet without hearing that song. GOBBLE GOBBLE PEACE
Growing up in the 60's watching the war on the six o'clock evening news, seeing one of my cousins come home in a metal box, seeing the protests and getting my notice to register with selective services gives me a prescriptive on the song that probably can't be completely understood unless you lived though it yourself
This song hit such a chord with the times that they made a movie around the whole plot with Arlo starring in it. The scene in the movie recreating the induction center where all the draftees had to go was incredible. I had to report to the center in Chicago and the building was identical to the one in the movie. The experience of walking around in your underwear and standing in long lines was the most realistic recreation of that process I’ve ever seen in any Vietnam era movie, and this was a comedy.
I went through the Chicago induction center in 1971, on my way to Hell. The vibe from the song and the movie is perfect. God save our nation from politicians who use our military to serve their political agendas.
@@novaculus I went through there in 1969. I chose to join the Air Force for 4 years to keep myself out of the Army draft. I think I made the right decision, especially after seeing what some of those draftees went through. They were lined up in the induction center and a Marine went through them looking for “a few good men” to draft into the Marine Corps. That would have a mind blowing experience.
I went through the induction center in the Charleston navy yard just outside of Boston. It was the same as the one in the movie. One kid jumped out the second-floor window to prove he was too crazy to be drafted. There was a third floor but he wasn't that crazy
@@ajschroetlin2196 Lock downs, and mandatory vaccinations, "Green passes", free speech being canceled blocked and deleted.... Like this comment will probably be...
Arlo holds an annual "Garbage Trail Walk" fundraiser each May to help families suffering from Huntingtons Disease, the genetic illness that took his father Woodie Gutherie. It following the route of his (true) Thanksgiving adventure from the Church( he runs as a community center) to the Dump, & into town past the police station and finishing at Alice's. It's a beautiful, Fun walk thru rural Western Mass. Arlo is a kind generous man who, true to the convictions of his youth, runs many community and cultural programs out of the (converted) Church in the story. They finish the day with a Thanksgiving dinner that unites, folks and families with Huntingtons with, health care workers and researchers that work with and on the dreaded disease. And a Guthrie family concert. He is a special person. Worthy of Thanksgiving. Cheers Arlo. Thanks gents.
My high school had a talent show, which limited each performer's time to fifteen minutes. I played the back half of this solo with my acoustic guitar and had 500 kids in the auditorium singing it with me. My senior years: 1974.
Big time memories with this vibe. One of the first songs I learned on guitar. It was a crowd fav to play at pot parties in 1973. Everyone sang. Believe it or not most college students knew all the words to this song back in the day when prompted.
We saw Arlo perform this live a few years back, too. He mentioned how people would ask him if he knew it would become the big hit it was. He said, “no, if I’d known that, I’d have made it a lot shorter!”
A great Thanksgiving tradition for over 50 years now. A local DJ is coming back from retirement tomorrow just to continue his tradition of playing it for us. It means a lot more to those of us who lived under the shadow of getting drafted but I am glad you two got the drift and enjoyed the song.
I am so glad you listened to this song. It was a classic and Arlo's humor came through as well as his opposition to the war. For kids my age at the time, this song represented the counterculture, as people described us. Draftees were dying for nothing in Vietnam and there seemed to be no end to it. Not to mention that huge toll it took on the Vietnamese. Hearing Arlo wisecrack his way through encounters with the cops and the draft board people was hilarious to us.
Arlo Guthrie is so much fun! Love The Motorcycle Song. It's also known as Pickle or Significance of the Pickle. When you hear it, you'll understand why people call it those names.
There's a stoo-action animated short called "No No Pickle" that's based on that song. I remember watching it at one of the International Tournees of Animation back in the early eighties. I think it can still be found on UA-cam.
@@lisarainbow9703 I jus wanna ride on my motor cikle......I don't wanna tickle, I jus wanna ride on my motor cikle......I don't wanna die, I jus wanna ride on my motor.....cy.....cle ~ LOL, good 'ol days!!!
To ppl of my generation this song is iconic. It's social commentary at it's purest and bravest. That's why we still celebrate it every Thanksgiving. To All, I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!
THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH!! I was 18 in 1967. I felt this song. That was an incredible feeling to hear it again and you guys totally got everything about the song. The comedy, the social commentary, the amazing skill Arlo has at telling a story, the musicality (Arlo comes form a musical tradition and he's a great musician) the length of the song is one of its strongest points. But you totally got something culturally ripped from the past and heard it the way I first did way back in the 60's. Yes it was indeed a NEEDED song. Oh. And there really was an Alice's Restaurant.
That song is so of-the-time, I thought it might lose something in the translation, you guys got it, which is excellent. I was two years younger than the draft but had friends and neighbors who were selected, scary times it was the satire and dark comedy that was needed and Arlo delivered. Respect to all who served. Happy Thanksgiving.
Arlo Guthrie is a legend. I have seen him in concert and he is a funny man as well as a great singer and musician. Have a listen to 'City of New Orleans' a great story song not written by him but a great version. I still love this song nearly 50 years later. Also his Dad Woody had a great influence over Bob Dylan
When my oldest daughter was a Senior in HS, we had to drive 90 minutes to get to an Amtrak station and I put this album on. She laughed her ass off. It became one of her favorites, so she shared it with her friends.
Stockbridge is a beautiful little town in the Berkshire mountains in western Mass. I visited there in 2017 looking to see where artist Norman Rockwell lived and worked. His first studio was in an old building above the Stockbridge General Store. While looking around I discovered down an alley next to this building was a small restaurant called Theresa's Stockbridge Café. On the sign it said "formerly Alice's Restaurant." I did some research and found that this was the actual location of the Alice's restaurant from the Arlo Guthrie song and that the song is a true story. I learned that Officer Obie from the song was William Obenhein, who once modeled for Norman Rockwell for a couple of paintings. I also located and visited the church that Alice lived in with her husband. It is now owned by Arlo Guthrie and known as the Guthrie Center, a non-denominational church. I learned that Alice became an artist and moved to Provincetown, Mass. where as of 2017 she still lived. I also found that James Taylor, a resident of the area, once checked in to a psychiatric hospital in Stockbridge at some point. There is even a line in "Sweet Baby James" that Taylor mentions Stockbridge. Who knew that Stockbridge had such history. And that is just the tip of the iceberg.
The most adorable anti war protest songs ever. When every 18 year old was dreading that frickin notice and so many of our kids never came back - physically or mentally. It’s a classic you’re right we needed this song we would laugh . Check out his Dad Woodie Guthrie. A national hero
When I was a young girl, my mom and I would drive on Thanksgiving day just to listen to this on the radio. She has passed on and I’m 62 and I still listen to this every Thanksgiving, sweet memories of my precious mom. Thanks for always making my day! Happy Thanksgiving 🦃
My local radio station, 101 the Fox, plays Alice's Restaurant at noon on every Thanksgiving. It's a tradition to listen to, even though I've had this on CD for ages. It's great. =)
Yes!!!!! My favorite Thanksgiving tradition, I listen to the song and watch the movie back to back every night leading up to Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to all
Welcome to the Group W bench boys!! I named my dog Arlo three years ago when my husband found him lying in garbage by his office a week before Thanksgiving! If you ever get a chance to see Arlo Guthrie live, do so!!! Great storytelling and songs. He was very young when recorded this and he’s still performing.
In my family, if someone says ' I want to show you something" - the standard response is " twenty-seven 8x10 color glossy photographs with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one?" Happy Thanksgiving & keep up the great reactions!
I was born in 1967 and I've heard about this song my whole life. I finally understand all the love for it 👍🎶 Happy Thanksgiving, Andy and Alex! 😊🦃 I'm VERY thankful for this channel!! ❤️
This was a nice surprise! It's the first time I've heard this in probably 50 yrs. He played in my hometown in 2015 and sold out before I even knew about it. It's a major regret that I didn't get to see him live. He's a talented and good man who had a huge impact back in those days when the draft loomed over the heads of all young men.
One of my life's best music experiences was seeing Arlo live & doing Alice's Restaurant. It was like hearing it for the first time. Arlo isn't crazy at all. He's just got a great imagination. The guitar is one of my favorite parts of it. Having Woodie Guthrie for a father helps too. Thanks for doing this great song.
Thanks for reacting to this song! It means a lot to me, my dad always played this song every year on Thanksgiving. I miss him, he died about 15 years ago from serving 2 tours in Vietnam and suffering from cancer due to Agent orange. Keep rocking guys.
Arlo was practically a family member in our household, he was so beloved. Mom and dad met him, great guy to this day. The whole Guthrie family, multiple generations are in music. We even had a cat named Arlo after him.
I tore up my knee playing high school football in 1967. Lost my student deferment and had a relatively low draft number. Sent the draft board a letter from my knee surgeon in November 1970. I heard nothing from the draft board for all of 1971. I didn't know if they forgot about me, if I should call, or just do nothing. I got home from work in February 1972 and there was a letter from the draft board. I set it on the coffee table, stared at it for an hour or so, had a couple of drinks to work up the courage to open it. I finally did and there was my new draft card, saying I was classified as 4-F, unfit for military duty. I never had to take a physical or be examined by the military doctors. I have had 6 surgeries on that knee and had it replaced in 2001, so I guess they might have been right.
My older brother's best friend died of cancer from Agent Orange. Be thankful you weren't sent over. His mother fought for years for the Federal Government to own up to it.
Kid...I'm glad you liked this great piece of anti-war music. I have loved this song since I heard it age age 14 in 1971. It sure shaped my feelings about war; and what a fantastic and powerful way to do that... with humour. Thanks for taking the time to listen without interrupting and in silence...kid.
Bravo 👏! Alice is a real person and my parents knew her. My mom had the Alice's Restaurant Cookbook! And they would go and visit her. You have done a mighty good deed! Happy Thanksgiving 🦃
His old man (Woody) was a working mans hero, very involved in bringing to light the plight of the working man and their efforts to organize unions to bring about better pay and working conditions.
I was fortunate enough to see Arlo perform live four times. The first time I was looking forward to hearing this, because I didn't know Arlo only performed this on its anniversary every 10 years, due to its length. The second time was also not on an anniversary, but I wanted to introduce some friends to Arlo live, as his shows were just cool, laid back story telling performances. The third time was for the 50th anniversary of the album, aand the last was for the 50th anniversary of the movie, so I did get to hear Arlo perform this live twice. And yes, while the basic story remains the same, he updated the relevance each time as why the Alice's Restaurant Massacree movement needs to be sung loud and proud. It's a shame Arlo has retired from touring due to health reasons. I believe he is still hosting his annual Thanksgiving event at the church in Stockbridge, MA. Perhaps he'll still perform this at that event on the anniversaries.
I saw him for the 50th movie anniversary a few years back. I can check it off my bucket list to hear Arlo sing this live. I have been to the Guthrie Center and heard a local band there and hanging out in the parking lot across the street, you just have to start singing while looking at the tracks the song's refrain. His daughters are quite the singers also.
@@maruad7577 ... I don't want a pickle I just want to ride on my mo-tor sickle And I... don't want to die I just want to ride on my Mo-tor CY... cle. For me, his next best after Alice's Restaurant is Spirit of New Orleans. Even my son on the autism spectrum recognized that one, due to the coffee commercials. Good morning America How are ya Well don'tcha know me I'm your native son...
@@IllumeEltanin It's a great song. I like the original by Goodman just a tiny bit better but both versions are good. I rode the City of New Orleans in 1988 to attend the world SF convention there. It was the roughest train ride I have endured because heat wave that summer had warped all the tracks.
I always listen to this song either before or after Thanksgiving. I can’t remember to play it safe my life. I did empty a bar years ago by playing this song & “I don’t want a Pickle" back to back. The next time I went to the bar they had taken both songs off the jukebox.😊
I got to see Arlo live in 1981, and he played his version of Steve Goodman’s song City of New Orleans (one of my favorite songs of all time). Goodman was supposed to be on tour with him, but he passed away a few weeks before the show. Arlo formally retired from touring in 2020. By the way, Arlo also played at Woodstock.
'84, not '81. I saw that tour too. Goodman's beloved Cubs finally made the playoffs, but Steve had died 2 weeks before. In classic Cubs form they took the first two games, then lost 3 straight and the 5-game series. One of the games was happening during the concert, & Arlo occasionally updated the Peoria crowd with thew score.
Arlo is such a blast in concert. Has little stories before each song, but certain songs, like this, he’ll go off in tangent, seemingly way off somewhere in left field, but somehow finds his way back, while playing his song. You’ll leave his concerts with a sore face from laughing and smiling so much.
My dad has an old ski song that we've always loved and is the only song I've ever heard that is nearly as long as "Alice's Restaurant" I grew up with both of them...love them!
Alice's Restaurant was a movie too, and a really good one, believe it or not. It wasn't about the song and it was more drama than comedy. One of the real curiosities of the 60s and we'll worth checking out.
@@peterstilla8733 Yeah, you nailed it. The director took time for the audience to grasp the meaning of the shot which was poignant and beautiful at the same time.
I used to work with a guy who could recite every word of this song. Once a year is perfect for me, and this year I heard it on your channel after which we had a "Thanksgiving dinner that couldn't be beat".
Right now my life sucks awfully hard. A&A is one of the things I'm thankful for. I don't have the money for your Patreon, but I'm thankful that three times a week I get to visit you anyway. You've helped me through some tough times. Thank you.
Gregg, know that we care about you, Our Father loves you beyond measure. I know what it's like to be in your shoes, and I can tell you bad times don't last. There is always something better waiting. Love and peace in Christ to you.
So happy you listened to this. My college buddy showed this to me about 25 years ago and I've listened to it off and on for years. The last few years I've made it a point to listen at Thanksgiving. I don't talk to my college buddy anymore which saddens me but this song takes me back to fun times in the mid 90s. Happy Thanksgiving guys and A&A family!
This made my day. I had a similar experience in 1972, and as it happens only 2 weeks after Thanksgiving. My draft lottery number was 73, and I got the "Greetings" letter from Uncle Sam, went for the draft physical, got the psychological questioning, the whole nine yards. But the war was winding down quickly then, and I suspect that none of us at that draft physical ever got selected or inducted - as it turned out, the Peace Accords were signed only 7 weeks later. But this song brought me back to those times, that culture.
YAY!! So glad you did this song. It's a tradition in my home at 12 noon on Thanksgiving Day. The folkie, mountain top vibe here is a direct influence from his dad, Woodie Guthrie, one of America's pre-eminent folk singers. And yes, comedy, music and anti war sentiment kiss here and it works so well. (Check out Coming Into Los Angeles.) Happy Thanksgiving to both of you!
I just want to thank you so much for doing this song. Here in Cleveland, Ohio radio station 98.5 plays this at noon and 6 pm every Thanksgiving. I love this so much . Have a Happy Turkey Day. Now go get stuffed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Arlo even turned into a movie which is cool as well. I LOVE HIS other music. He is a great folk music musician.
Arlo's father is Woodie Guthrie who was a folk singer and activist. One of his songs that you may know is "This Land is Your Land, this Land is my Land.".
A great Thanksgiving tradition! I'm glad you "got" this song. It's a cool meandering story within the song with impactful points made. Thanks for doing it.
I have Loved this song since it came out, and I am 62! And yes I am a patreon! Happy Thanksgiving to my favorite music reactors! Just remember, no littering or you will never be drafted. LOL
First time I've heard this song since student days back in the mid 1970's. Brings back many memories of late nights drinking and chilling out. A classic of its kind.
This is only the second time in my entire life I have listened to the whole thing. Actually got a lot more out of it all these years later! Enjoy your Thanksgiving A & A.
I honestly thought about singing a bar of Alice’s Restaurant when it was my turn to show up for the draft. Fortunately for me, my draft number was so high they wouldn’t have called me until North Vietnam was storming the beaches of California! That coupled with a student deferment kept me out of that horrific hell on earth. I knew plenty of guys that weren’t as lucky. Arlo deserves a lot of credit for advancing the protest movement against the war.
one of those tunes that once heard, Never forgot. I love it & still grin after many listening's, I would get friends to relax, & listen to the whole thing, in silence, most loved it. There is evidence that says this actually happened to Arlo. Of course his dad Woody is a folk legend.
What a blast to listen to this with y’all! Arlo Guthrie, as many have mentioned, is Americana/Folk royalty, being the son of Woody Guthrie (This Land Is Your Land). He is also a gifted musician. His song “Coming into Los Angeles” is finger-picking heaven. Since Andy brought up Randy Newman, I thought it was worth mentioning that Randy Newman wrote many songs for other artists, including Three Dog Night’s “Mama Told Me (Not to Come).”
What a fantastic Classic. Yes, Every Thanksgiving this song was played, as an Anthem. I remember several stations playing in multiple times.. [ haven’t heard it in years] Great React. 📻😁
It has been a radio thanksgiving tradition since he first released it. Mark Close was with KSHE radio in St. Louis mo in the late 70’s early 80’s. Mark made it part of his Thanksgiving holiday rotation. I own the CD, I only listen to it during the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Used to hear this on local radio every Thanksgiving Eve when I worked nights in the 90’s. Doubt I’ve listened to the whole thing since then. Thanks for the memory!
What a great commentary for the times. I was 17 when this song came out and most stations would not play it because it was so long. I first heard it from a friend who had the album. Great job guys.
Having lived through that period worrying about being drafted (I graduated High School in 1976), Alice's Restaurant was a source of comfort. It's not every day playlist, but every now and then it is a balm. You should also check out Arlo's songs City of New Orleans or Coming Into Los Angeles. ETA: I was worried from Middle School (1970) on, because of the parade of protesters and body bags on the daily news. And yeah, the draft ended in 1973, but that didn't make all my worries go away.
@@qthat-is-the-question5824 You must have been raised in a bubble. I remember watching the draft lottery on TV when I was in Jr High and thinking in a few years this could be me watching this and that could be my number. Did you not know that we had been drafting men to fight in Vietnam since 1964? There were no guarantees that the war would have ended in 1973. I suppose you never thought twice about the bomb as well.. Not saying you are telling untruths about your age, but you talk like a person that didn't live through that time..... Have a great day. Here's a youtube of the draft lottery. 1969. ua-cam.com/video/-p5X1FjyD_g/v-deo.html
@@qthat-is-the-question5824 - Yeah, I was worrying about it for years, and didn't hear immediately (surprisingly) in 1973 that it had ended. When I did learn it had ended, I was relieved. But the parade of body bags were on the news for years, and I was thinking about it a lot for years.
We did it this year!! Our FIRST time ever listening to this song, AND it’s a day before Thanksgiving, let’s GOOOO!! 🔥🔥🔥
His best song in City of New Orleans imo
And it’s a banger
An important, tongue in cheek, serious commentary on our society during the Vietnam war. Still rings true today. Arlo has a way of telling his stories. I listen to this every Thanksgiving. Thanks for doing this, this year, so I could also enjoy your response. It was needed then. Follow this by watching the film of the musical "Hair". Worth it. You'll never know, hopefully, what it was like then. But you can get an idea... have a great day and Happy Thanksgiving, guys!
Whoo hoo! 🦃 Now watch the epic motion picture "Alice's Restaurant" 1969 for visuals and added depth to things you may have missed from the song. Must see anti war film. ☮✌
Vietnam hadn't gotten to its worst for awhile yet.
Husband father was folk music legend Woody Guthrie. Without Woody, there's no Bob Dylan. Woody wrote "This Land Is Your Land."
Glad you liked Arlo's little Thanksgiving story. It's tradition.🦃 Happy Thanksgiving!!
Arlo's version of "City of New Orleans" is my favorite Arlo song. One of my favorite songs to play on guitar. You should check that one out.
Seconded! One of my all-time favorite songs.
"This train's got the disappearin' railroad blues"
No one ever reacts to this classic...
I hope they do someday.
Absolutely!!!
LOVE that one.
At 80, Alice Brock from this song remains in Provincetown, where she’s lived for 40 years. Now, she’s battling serious health issues, including COPD and heart disease, and relies on an oxygen tank. And after a recent hospital stay, the medical bills are piling up.
Lamot and Davis organized a GoFundMe campaign to assist their longtime friend. The goal was to help her pay for rent on her small cottage and pay down some of her health-related bills.
Since launching the fundraiser at the end of September, they’ve raised around $180,000 for her. She was an artist until her health got bad. She helped everybody, including Arlo her whole life, especially the dying aids patients gathering in Provincetown during that time. It is great that people came together to help her with her bills and rent so she can stay in her beloved Provincetown.
I met her many years ago - she was a talented artist and was hosting an exhibit of her work near at a gallery near my hometown. She offered her vacation rental in Provincetown to me - wish I’d taken her up on the offer and stayed there!
Alice Brock passed on November 21, 2024 in hospice. Rest well, Alice.
Arlo's dad basically invented modern protest folk music and was a huge inspiration to guys like Bob Dylan. Though Woody Guthrie's music did have a lot of humor, Arlo ran with it and perfected that comedy/social commentary thing. I remember a live recording of Arlo and his band performing Elvis Presley's "I Can't Help Falling In Love" somewhere in Europe with Pete Seeger (another folk music legend) and he starts telling a story about how many years before right after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the USSR they had performed that same song with Pete on a whim at some other festival in a country that had been up to that point part of the Socialist Block and how they were amazed at how this little song Elvis made famous easily bridged the political, historical, cultural and age gaps along with the language barrier and everybody there sang it. It's reminiscent of what he does in "Alice's Restaurant" because it's about something serious and important but he does inject a lot of humor into his story as he's telling it. He's really skilled at doing that.
fantastic performance!
YESSIR! "This Land Is Your Land" should be the National Anthem
@@thecliffdweller1212 Absolutely! For one thing, people can actually sing it!
Can't forget Pete Seeger's contributions.
Sadly Our bands mentor "David Grover"(Arlo's guitarist and musical director) just passed away several weeks ago. He was a wonderful guy. His band Shenandoah(recruited by Arlo) was the house band at Woodstock(2nd stage). We went to school in West Stockbridge where this songs, story takes place. Arlo's drummer Terrence Hall aka Terry A La berry is a brilliant drummer hilarious character. Look him up!!A&A should now check the film based on this song titled "Alice's Restaurant" all based in the very location "Stockbridge Ma, where the song is based. BTW Arlo was born in 47. He was only 20 when he recorded this!! Lastly this reminds Alex of Toy Story because Randy Newman was partially influenced by the folk storytellers, like Arlo, his Dad , Pete Seeger etc.
This song is actually a real story and there are even newspaper clippings to support most of this. By the way the finger picking in this song is pretty complicated. i learned the entire song when I was in my teens note by note and to keep the chord progressions going for 17 minutes is a minor accomplishment. I was asked to perform this often in college (the Viet Nam war was still fresh in everyone's mind). You brought a big smile to my face today and some fond memories of some friends who are no longer with us, except in my memories. Have a great Thanksgiving.!!
PS his other songs, Riding on the City of New Orleans, Coming into Los Angles (bringing in a couple of keys), and the Motorcycle Song.
True but some of the facts are fiction
It happened in Stockbridge Ma. The restaurant not there anymore but the church is.The irony of the story is he wasn't allowed into the army to fight in Vietnam because he was a convicted litterbug.
Arlo has a tendency to start a song, stop in the middle, tell a story, then come back and finish the song, as he does here. He does that with "Comin' Into Los Angeles", with "The Motorcycle Song, and does a great Live version of "The Garden Song". Any of those might be good to react to, if you want to do more. .
I can't forget I didn't mention in my comment coming into Los Angeles.
Back when I was in college in 1969 I also learned this finger pick and was never able to make my mouth do the story at the same time. So, my brother learned the whole "song" and we used to play it for friends. Keeping the guitar pick going for that long took some effort but it was a lot of fun doing the show.
Arlo Guthrie's father Woodie wrote "This land is your land this Land is my Land" and was a American icon himself. Great reaction. Happy Thanksgiving to all!! 🦃 🦃
And a lot of people who know that song don't realize it's a protest song about how destitute farmers who lost everything in the dust bowl were being blocked by state troopers from entering California and other states.
A great movie about Woody is Bound For Glory. I must have watched it 10 times when it was on HBO back in the day.
Arlo's father Woodie was an American folk legend. Check him out!
@@izzonj I know. Whenever I hear that song I think about the Grapes of Wrath with Henry Fonda.
@@aileenturrietta7553 exactly! Knowing that totally changes the song, doesn't it!
His father, Woody Guthrie, was a legendary activist. He traveled to migrant worker camps and used his music to promote unionization to improve worker conditions and pay. His father wrote, "This Land Is Our Land", a folk classic.
Yes, ironic how Woody’s song is used now, when it was a protest song at the time, asserting that the land belongs to everyone, not just the wealthy.
ROOTS!
Woody was blacklisted after refusing to name names for the HUAC hearings, and survived for years by playing at campuses and coffee houses, before becoming more acceptable again.
@@JHN12x12 lots of people were blacklisted and John Wayne was notorious for helping run the Blacklist. Some people even died thanks to his efforts.
whoops! I confused Woody and Pete Seeger! Woody wasn't called in front of HUAC, I think he was hospitalized by then.
Understandable, considering how close Arlo and Pete have been over the years.
Arlo's father was the GREAT Woody Guthrie. The man is an American legend. If you don't know that name you def need to look him up.
Yes, Woody wrote many great songs, including my favorite... This Land is Your Land!
“This machine kills fascists" We could use Woody today.
Woody's music is in the Smithsonian.
I was gonna say that. Arlo made a movie based on this song. Woody appears in it (bed ridden tho)
@@massimosaffioti8798 The original version is quite biting and not the version we sing today.
It's called the Talking Blues. It's an awesome style of music and story-telling that few musicians can do as well as Arlo Guthrie. It's good to see younger people enjoying Arlo!!!
Arlo’s father was the legendary Woody Guthrie. A major influence in American music. Arlo’s most popular song was THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS. I don’t think you should leave this planet without hearing that song. GOBBLE GOBBLE PEACE
Woody Guthrie is an all time American treasure. And City of New Orleans is gorgeous.
Steve Goodman wrote City of New Orleans. I do like both versions, though.
@@gailjordan9170 Willie Nelson does a nice rendition of it also,
I've ridden The City of New Orleans many times, once from Chicago TO New Orleans. ✌️
Growing up in the 60's watching the war on the six o'clock evening news, seeing one of my cousins come home in a metal box, seeing the protests and getting my notice to register with selective services gives me a prescriptive on the song that probably can't be completely understood unless you lived though it yourself
Need to hit Arlo’s song Coming Into Los Angeles, which I believe is his best song!
...bringin' in a couple of keys...
@@gravyjohn Exactly!
Woodstock live
@@gravyjohn don't check my bags if you please....
'don't check my bags if you please, mr. customs man.' :) love that song!
This song hit such a chord with the times that they made a movie around the whole plot with Arlo starring in it. The scene in the movie recreating the induction center where all the draftees had to go was incredible. I had to report to the center in Chicago and the building was identical to the one in the movie. The experience of walking around in your underwear and standing in long lines was the most realistic recreation of that process I’ve ever seen in any Vietnam era movie, and this was a comedy.
Such a good film.. must watch it again
I went through the Chicago induction center in 1971, on my way to Hell. The vibe from the song and the movie is perfect.
God save our nation from politicians who use our military to serve their political agendas.
@@novaculus I went through there in 1969. I chose to join the Air Force for 4 years to keep myself out of the Army draft. I think I made the right decision, especially after seeing what some of those draftees went through. They were lined up in the induction center and a Marine went through them looking for “a few good men” to draft into the Marine Corps. That would have a mind blowing experience.
"....eat dead burnt bodies, VEINS IN MY TEETH. I wanna kill...."
I went through the induction center in the Charleston navy yard just outside of Boston. It was the same as the one in the movie. One kid jumped out the second-floor window to prove he was too crazy to be drafted. There was a third floor but he wasn't that crazy
Woody Guthrie’s guitar had scribbled on it, “This machine kills fascists.”
I had forgot that.
It would be busy these days.
Seems like fascism is on the rise again.
Donovan copied it .
@@ajschroetlin2196 Lock downs, and mandatory vaccinations, "Green passes", free speech being canceled blocked and deleted.... Like this comment will probably be...
Was that Pete Seegar?
Arlo holds an annual "Garbage Trail Walk" fundraiser each May to help families suffering from Huntingtons Disease, the genetic illness that took his father Woodie Gutherie. It following the route of his (true) Thanksgiving adventure from the Church( he runs as a community center) to the Dump, & into town past the police station and finishing at Alice's.
It's a beautiful, Fun walk thru rural Western Mass. Arlo is a kind generous man who, true to the convictions of his youth, runs many community and cultural programs out of the (converted) Church in the story.
They finish the day with a Thanksgiving dinner that unites, folks and families with Huntingtons with, health care workers and researchers that work with and on the dreaded disease. And a Guthrie family concert.
He is a special person. Worthy of Thanksgiving.
Cheers Arlo.
Thanks gents.
I didn't know this. How awesome! Thanks for sharing.
@@neekerbreeker you are welcome. Glad to share his good work.
I saw him once & got the t-shirt!
My high school had a talent show, which limited each performer's time to fifteen minutes. I played the back half of this solo with my acoustic guitar and had 500 kids in the auditorium singing it with me. My senior years: 1974.
15 minutes is a long slot! sounds like a blast.
You're my sister's age. She had this record and I had learned it well by junior high. I was a 1980 graduate.
Gave me goosebumps, reading your story....
/salute to another 74 grad.
Keep in mind, he's playing an incredibly complex finger picking pattern, while telling an 18 minute story. Arlo was quite talented.
He still is.
Yes indeed. We enjoyed one of his live performances not long before the pandemic lockdown.
That 18 minute story became a movie in 1967
I wouldn't say incredibly complex. It's not all that hard. Rather the stamina is what makes it impressive.
Big time memories with this vibe. One of the first songs I learned on guitar. It was a crowd fav to play at pot parties in 1973. Everyone sang. Believe it or not most college students knew all the words to this song back in the day when prompted.
We saw Arlo perform this live a few years back, too. He mentioned how people would ask him if he knew it would become the big hit it was. He said, “no, if I’d known that, I’d have made it a lot shorter!”
A great Thanksgiving tradition for over 50 years now. A local DJ is coming back from retirement tomorrow just to continue his tradition of playing it for us. It means a lot more to those of us who lived under the shadow of getting drafted but I am glad you two got the drift and enjoyed the song.
I am so glad you listened to this song. It was a classic and Arlo's humor came through as well as his opposition to the war. For kids my age at the time, this song represented the counterculture, as people described us. Draftees were dying for nothing in Vietnam and there seemed to be no end to it. Not to mention that huge toll it took on the Vietnamese. Hearing Arlo wisecrack his way through encounters with the cops and the draft board people was hilarious to us.
Arlo Guthrie is so much fun! Love The Motorcycle Song. It's also known as Pickle or Significance of the Pickle. When you hear it, you'll understand why people call it those names.
There's a stoo-action animated short called "No No Pickle" that's based on that song. I remember watching it at one of the International Tournees of Animation back in the early eighties. I think it can still be found on UA-cam.
It’s a must hear, alright!
THis is my favorite Arlo Guthrie song.
But...... I don't want a pickle...
@@lisarainbow9703 I jus wanna ride on my motor cikle......I don't wanna tickle, I jus wanna ride on my motor cikle......I don't wanna die, I jus wanna ride on my motor.....cy.....cle ~ LOL, good 'ol days!!!
"City of New Orleans" paints a awesome picture of a dying breed of railroad locomotive engines.
To ppl of my generation this song is iconic. It's social commentary at it's purest and bravest. That's why we still celebrate it every Thanksgiving.
To All, I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!
Yes....my generation too! Happy Thanksgiving to our American neighbours - from Canada.
THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH!! I was 18 in 1967. I felt this song. That was an incredible feeling to hear it again and you guys totally got everything about the song. The comedy, the social commentary, the amazing skill Arlo has at telling a story, the musicality (Arlo comes form a musical tradition and he's a great musician) the length of the song is one of its strongest points. But you totally got something culturally ripped from the past and heard it the way I first did way back in the 60's. Yes it was indeed a NEEDED song. Oh. And there really was an Alice's Restaurant.
I cant believe u did this! This is the coolest thing u have ever done!
That song is so of-the-time, I thought it might lose something in the translation, you guys got it, which is excellent. I was two years younger than the draft but had friends and neighbors who were selected, scary times it was the satire and dark comedy that was needed and Arlo delivered. Respect to all who served. Happy Thanksgiving.
The draft nabbed me right out of college, but hey...Im still around at 74 and smiling. Peace.
Arlo Guthrie is a legend. I have seen him in concert and he is a funny man as well as a great singer and musician. Have a listen to 'City of New Orleans' a great story song not written by him but a great version. I still love this song nearly 50 years later. Also his Dad Woody had a great influence over Bob Dylan
flying into los angeleeeese bringing in a couple Kis
@@sgholt he wrote the greatest country and western song evr written lol
@@bretthardin9239 Keys. As in kilos of weed.
@@michaelgray4964 uh ki kilo add an s cause its plural kis
"Alice's Restaurant" is the "It's A Wonderful Life" of alternative music.
When my oldest daughter was a Senior in HS, we had to drive 90 minutes to get to an Amtrak station and I put this album on. She laughed her ass off. It became one of her favorites, so she shared it with her friends.
I played it for a friend while we drove to the Everglades. I said you have to hear it at least once.
@@vincentschmitt7597 Definitely a rite of passage song.
This was a family tradition with my family until my dad passed away. Miss him so much, especially this time of year.
Stockbridge is a beautiful little town in the Berkshire mountains in western Mass. I visited there in 2017 looking to see where artist Norman Rockwell lived and worked. His first studio was in an old building above the Stockbridge General Store. While looking around I discovered down an alley next to this building was a small restaurant called Theresa's Stockbridge Café. On the sign it said "formerly Alice's Restaurant." I did some research and found that this was the actual location of the Alice's restaurant from the Arlo Guthrie song and that the song is a true story. I learned that Officer Obie from the song was William Obenhein, who once modeled for Norman Rockwell for a couple of paintings. I also located and visited the church that Alice lived in with her husband. It is now owned by Arlo Guthrie and known as the Guthrie Center, a non-denominational church. I learned that Alice became an artist and moved to Provincetown, Mass. where as of 2017 she still lived. I also found that James Taylor, a resident of the area, once checked in to a psychiatric hospital in Stockbridge at some point. There is even a line in "Sweet Baby James" that Taylor mentions Stockbridge. Who knew that Stockbridge had such history. And that is just the tip of the iceberg.
The most adorable anti war protest songs ever. When every 18 year old was dreading that frickin notice and so many of our kids never came back - physically or mentally. It’s a classic you’re right we needed this song we would laugh . Check out his Dad Woodie Guthrie. A national hero
His dad was legendary
When I was a young girl, my mom and I would drive on Thanksgiving day just to listen to this on the radio. She has passed on and I’m 62 and I still listen to this every Thanksgiving, sweet memories of my precious mom. Thanks for always making my day! Happy Thanksgiving 🦃
Don't forget, it's all true!!!! The entire story. Crazy, epic, hilarious ol' Arlo is a treasure!
I've met Arlo..one of the coolest storytellers ever!
Check out Arlo's "Coming Into Los Angeles" a classic.
My local radio station, 101 the Fox, plays Alice's Restaurant at noon on every Thanksgiving. It's a tradition to listen to, even though I've had this on CD for ages. It's great. =)
Yes!!!!! My favorite Thanksgiving tradition, I listen to the song and watch the movie back to back every night leading up to Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to all
Welcome to the Group W bench boys!!
I named my dog Arlo three years ago when my husband found him lying in garbage by his office a week before Thanksgiving!
If you ever get a chance to see Arlo Guthrie live, do so!!! Great storytelling and songs. He was very young when recorded this and he’s still performing.
This SUCH an American classic. Been to Alice’s a few times over the years, it’s a real place!
haha, me too
@@SabineThinkerbellum another New Englander?
Me too
And last I recall you can still meet Alice, as she has an art studio and shop in Provincetown.
@@Mannahnin oh yeah, that’s right, I think. I’ll have to ask a friend who has a place there. Another artist, small community.
In my family, if someone says ' I want to show you something" - the standard response is " twenty-seven 8x10 color glossy photographs with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one?" Happy Thanksgiving & keep up the great reactions!
It's not about the music or singing. It's all about the story. Which is freaking hilarious 🤣
The humor was a way of facing down the horror that was the Vietnam War. I'm glad you guys liked it.
Well done grasping the significance of the historical context. The draft was a serious issue for us during the Viet Nam era.
I was born in 1967 and I've heard about this song my whole life. I finally understand all the love for it 👍🎶 Happy Thanksgiving, Andy and Alex! 😊🦃 I'm VERY thankful for this channel!! ❤️
This was a nice surprise! It's the first time I've heard this in probably 50 yrs. He played in my hometown in 2015 and sold out before I even knew about it. It's a major regret that I didn't get to see him live. He's a talented and good man who had a huge impact back in those days when the draft loomed over the heads of all young men.
One of my life's best music experiences was seeing Arlo live & doing Alice's Restaurant. It was like hearing it for the first time. Arlo isn't crazy at all. He's just got a great imagination. The guitar is one of my favorite parts of it. Having Woodie Guthrie for a father helps too. Thanks for doing this great song.
His father is Woody Guthrie the great folk singer who was Bob Dylan's Idol.
His dad was a social reform GIANT... Bob Dylan's inspiration
Thanks for reacting to this song! It means a lot to me, my dad always played this song every year on Thanksgiving. I miss him, he died about 15 years ago from serving 2 tours in Vietnam and suffering from cancer due to Agent orange. Keep rocking guys.
That song has been a Thanksgiving tradition of mine for over 40 years. Never miss playing it
Arlo was practically a family member in our household, he was so beloved. Mom and dad met him, great guy to this day. The whole Guthrie family, multiple generations are in music. We even had a cat named Arlo after him.
I tore up my knee playing high school football in 1967. Lost my student deferment and had a relatively low draft number. Sent the draft board a letter from my knee surgeon in November 1970. I heard nothing from the draft board for all of 1971. I didn't know if they forgot about me, if I should call, or just do nothing. I got home from work in February 1972 and there was a letter from the draft board. I set it on the coffee table, stared at it for an hour or so, had a couple of drinks to work up the courage to open it. I finally did and there was my new draft card, saying I was classified as 4-F, unfit for military duty. I never had to take a physical or be examined by the military doctors. I have had 6 surgeries on that knee and had it replaced in 2001, so I guess they might have been right.
My older brother's best friend died of cancer from Agent Orange. Be thankful you weren't sent over. His mother fought for years for the Federal Government to own up to it.
@@vincentschmitt7597 I am grateful.
Good to hear you didn't have to go. Ironic but That knee may have saved your life
My neighbor didn't come back
Kid...I'm glad you liked this great piece of anti-war music.
I have loved this song since I heard it age age 14 in 1971.
It sure shaped my feelings about war; and what a fantastic and powerful way to do that... with humour.
Thanks for taking the time to listen without interrupting and in silence...kid.
Bravo 👏!
Alice is a real person and my parents knew her. My mom had the Alice's Restaurant Cookbook! And they would go and visit her. You have done a mighty good deed! Happy Thanksgiving 🦃
To anyone struggling emotionally this holiday season know you matter, you're wanted and the world needs you.
You were right on, Andy, when you said we needed this song then. We did.
His old man (Woody) was a working mans hero, very involved in bringing to light the plight of the working man and their efforts to organize unions to bring about better pay and working conditions.
"City of New Orleans" - Arlo Guthrie. An inspiring song about a train, the railroad, and America. Goose pimplelee
Let's not forget, written by the exquisitely talented Steve Goodman, may he RIP.
@@rorystorm4284 Yes... Chicago's own. I like Arlo's version though... Although Willie Nelson does a pretty good version also.
Love that song. Pure poetry.
@@carolynschmidt7672 Iconic.
This is another favorite of
college DJ’s to put on the turntable when they needed to go to the bathroom. Arlo is cool!
I was fortunate enough to see Arlo perform live four times. The first time I was looking forward to hearing this, because I didn't know Arlo only performed this on its anniversary every 10 years, due to its length. The second time was also not on an anniversary, but I wanted to introduce some friends to Arlo live, as his shows were just cool, laid back story telling performances.
The third time was for the 50th anniversary of the album, aand the last was for the 50th anniversary of the movie, so I did get to hear Arlo perform this live twice. And yes, while the basic story remains the same, he updated the relevance each time as why the Alice's Restaurant Massacree movement needs to be sung loud and proud.
It's a shame Arlo has retired from touring due to health reasons. I believe he is still hosting his annual Thanksgiving event at the church in Stockbridge, MA. Perhaps he'll still perform this at that event on the anniversaries.
I saw him for the 50th movie anniversary a few years back. I can check it off my bucket list to hear Arlo sing this live. I have been to the Guthrie Center and heard a local band there and hanging out in the parking lot across the street, you just have to start singing while looking at the tracks the song's refrain. His daughters are quite the singers also.
When I saw him, he sang a song about pickles and motorcycles. Similar style though obviously not as powerful.
@@maruad7577 ...
I don't want a pickle
I just want to ride on my mo-tor sickle
And I... don't want to die
I just want to ride on my
Mo-tor CY...
cle.
For me, his next best after Alice's Restaurant is Spirit of New Orleans. Even my son on the autism spectrum recognized that one, due to the coffee commercials.
Good morning America
How are ya
Well don'tcha know me
I'm your native son...
@@IllumeEltanin It's a great song. I like the original by Goodman just a tiny bit better but both versions are good. I rode the City of New Orleans in 1988 to attend the world SF convention there. It was the roughest train ride I have endured because heat wave that summer had warped all the tracks.
@@maruad7577 Yes , He had a corny slideshow behind him while doing the pickle song.
I always listen to this song either before or after Thanksgiving. I can’t remember to play it safe my life. I did empty a bar years ago by playing this song & “I don’t want a Pickle" back to back. The next time I went to the bar they had taken both songs off the jukebox.😊
I got to see Arlo live in 1981, and he played his version of Steve Goodman’s song City of New Orleans (one of my favorite songs of all time). Goodman was supposed to be on tour with him, but he passed away a few weeks before the show. Arlo formally retired from touring in 2020. By the way, Arlo also played at Woodstock.
'84, not '81. I saw that tour too. Goodman's beloved Cubs finally made the playoffs, but Steve had died 2 weeks before. In classic Cubs form they took the first two games, then lost 3 straight and the 5-game series. One of the games was happening during the concert, & Arlo occasionally updated the Peoria crowd with thew score.
@@allenswanson2423 You're right. It was '84.
Arlo is such a blast in concert. Has little stories before each song, but certain songs, like this, he’ll go off in tangent, seemingly way off somewhere in left field, but somehow finds his way back, while playing his song. You’ll leave his concerts with a sore face from laughing and smiling so much.
I will echo the request for Arlo’s
“Coming into Los Angeles”
BUT do the live version from Woodstock!!!
My dad has an old ski song that we've always loved and is the only song I've ever heard that is nearly as long as "Alice's Restaurant" I grew up with both of them...love them!
Alice's Restaurant was a movie too, and a really good one, believe it or not. It wasn't about the song and it was more drama than comedy. One of the real curiosities of the 60s and we'll worth checking out.
I like the movie, but the storyline was really cornball with the bike racer guy.
But Arlo turned out to be a good actor.
The very last scene is superb.
@@johnbrowne3950 no kidding. The main character staring into space at her bleak life ahead.
@@peterstilla8733 Yeah, you nailed it. The director took time for the audience to grasp the meaning of the shot which was poignant and beautiful at the same time.
I used to work with a guy who could recite every word of this song. Once a year is perfect for me, and this year I heard it on your channel after which we had a "Thanksgiving dinner that couldn't be beat".
Right now my life sucks awfully hard. A&A is one of the things I'm thankful for. I don't have the money for your Patreon, but I'm thankful that three times a week I get to visit you anyway. You've helped me through some tough times. Thank you.
Hang in there bro, it will get better, just keep pushing.
@@TheWizardKs Thank you. I guess everybody goes through it at some point. This is just my time, that's all.
Gregg, know that we care about you, Our Father loves you beyond measure. I know what it's like to be in your shoes, and I can tell you bad times don't last. There is always something better waiting. Love and peace in Christ to you.
This song came out in 67 or 68. It was my coming of age summer. I'll never forget that summer. Thanks guys
So happy you listened to this. My college buddy showed this to me about 25 years ago and I've listened to it off and on for years.
The last few years I've made it a point to listen at Thanksgiving.
I don't talk to my college buddy anymore which saddens me but this song takes me back to fun times in the mid 90s.
Happy Thanksgiving guys and A&A family!
I've listened to this every Thanksgiving since I was a kid in the 70's, good to see it still being appreciated
my brother and i watched the movie every thanksgiving up until his death 3 years ago. now i wont watch it anymore. i tried but just couldnt do it.
This made my day. I had a similar experience in 1972, and as it happens only 2 weeks after Thanksgiving. My draft lottery number was 73, and I got the "Greetings" letter from Uncle Sam, went for the draft physical, got the psychological questioning, the whole nine yards. But the war was winding down quickly then, and I suspect that none of us at that draft physical ever got selected or inducted - as it turned out, the Peace Accords were signed only 7 weeks later. But this song brought me back to those times, that culture.
Back in the 70's all the rock radio stations played this song every thanksgiving, it was a tradition.
THANK YOU! I needed this ditty today. Can't help but smile!
Saw Arlo on a late Friday night or early Saturday morning at Woodstock. He did this and many other great songs.
YAY!! So glad you did this song. It's a tradition in my home at 12 noon on Thanksgiving Day. The folkie, mountain top vibe here is a direct influence from his dad, Woodie Guthrie, one of America's pre-eminent folk singers. And yes, comedy, music and anti war sentiment kiss here and it works so well. (Check out Coming Into Los Angeles.) Happy Thanksgiving to both of you!
I just want to thank you so much for doing this song. Here in Cleveland, Ohio radio station 98.5 plays this at noon and 6 pm every Thanksgiving. I love this so much . Have a Happy Turkey Day. Now go get stuffed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Arlo even turned into a movie which is cool as well. I LOVE HIS other music. He is a great folk music musician.
The irony of this story is that so much of this is the way things were back in the day!
Arlo's father is Woodie Guthrie who was a folk singer and activist. One of his songs that you may know is "This Land is Your Land, this Land is my Land.".
"if you wanna end the war and stuff you gotta sing louder"
That's Woody's kid "Bound For Glory" / "All You Fascists Bound To Lose"
Arlo was and is a genius, I was there and this song is as fresh today as it was back then. Thanks
A great Thanksgiving tradition! I'm glad you "got" this song. It's a cool meandering story within the song with impactful points made. Thanks for doing it.
It is a great song, good reaction too. Love Arlo and his dad. Happy Thanksgiving from the UK.
I have Loved this song since it came out, and I am 62! And yes I am a patreon! Happy Thanksgiving to my favorite music reactors! Just remember, no littering or you will never be drafted. LOL
First time I've heard this song since student days back in the mid 1970's. Brings back many memories of late nights drinking and chilling out. A classic of its kind.
It's not so much a Thanksgiving song as it is a protest song. Arlo is, after all, Woody Guthrie's son
This is such an AWESOME song!! I’m so glad it’s come back around into the public conscience
What a warm and gracious holiday message you gave. Thanks for being good humans. And of course I love the song!
This is only the second time in my entire life I have listened to the whole thing. Actually got a lot more out of it all these years later! Enjoy your Thanksgiving A & A.
I honestly thought about singing a bar of Alice’s Restaurant when it was my turn to show up for the draft. Fortunately for me, my draft number was so high they wouldn’t have called me until North Vietnam was storming the beaches of California! That coupled with a student deferment kept me out of that horrific hell on earth. I knew plenty of guys that weren’t as lucky. Arlo deserves a lot of credit for advancing the protest movement against the war.
one of those tunes that once heard, Never forgot. I love it & still grin after many listening's, I would get friends to relax, & listen to the whole thing, in silence, most loved it. There is evidence that says this actually happened to Arlo. Of course his dad Woody is a folk legend.
What a blast to listen to this with y’all! Arlo Guthrie, as many have mentioned, is Americana/Folk royalty, being the son of Woody Guthrie (This Land Is Your Land). He is also a gifted musician. His song “Coming into Los Angeles” is finger-picking heaven. Since Andy brought up Randy Newman, I thought it was worth mentioning that Randy Newman wrote many songs for other artists, including Three Dog Night’s “Mama Told Me (Not to Come).”
It's been a family tradition for many years here in St. Louis, Mo. on K-SHE '95
What a fantastic Classic.
Yes, Every Thanksgiving this song was played, as an Anthem. I remember several stations playing in multiple times..
[ haven’t heard it in years]
Great React.
📻😁
You think they just put it on repeat and ducked out for a TG break?
XL102 here in Richmond was one of the stations that at least used to play the song all day back when it was a classic rock station.
@@itzel1735
📻🤣
It has been a radio thanksgiving tradition since he first released it.
Mark Close was with KSHE radio in St. Louis mo in the late 70’s early 80’s. Mark made it part of his Thanksgiving holiday rotation. I own the CD, I only listen to it during the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Used to hear this on local radio every Thanksgiving Eve when I worked nights in the 90’s. Doubt I’ve listened to the whole thing since then. Thanks for the memory!
What a great commentary for the times. I was 17 when this song came out and most stations would not play it because it was so long. I first heard it from a friend who had the album. Great job guys.
Having lived through that period worrying about being drafted (I graduated High School in 1976), Alice's Restaurant was a source of comfort. It's not every day playlist, but every now and then it is a balm. You should also check out Arlo's songs City of New Orleans or Coming Into Los Angeles.
ETA: I was worried from Middle School (1970) on, because of the parade of protesters and body bags on the daily news. And yeah, the draft ended in 1973, but that didn't make all my worries go away.
Me too. Class of '76.
Same here. Same worrying.
@@qthat-is-the-question5824 You must have been raised in a bubble. I remember watching the draft lottery on TV when I was in Jr High and thinking in a few years this could be me watching this and that could be my number. Did you not know that we had been drafting men to fight in Vietnam since 1964? There were no guarantees that the war would have ended in 1973. I suppose you never thought twice about the bomb as well.. Not saying you are telling untruths about your age, but you talk like a person that didn't live through that time..... Have a great day.
Here's a youtube of the draft lottery. 1969.
ua-cam.com/video/-p5X1FjyD_g/v-deo.html
@@andyman58 - Yep, I thought about the bomb a lot too.
@@qthat-is-the-question5824 - Yeah, I was worrying about it for years, and didn't hear immediately (surprisingly) in 1973 that it had ended. When I did learn it had ended, I was relieved. But the parade of body bags were on the news for years, and I was thinking about it a lot for years.
Thank you so, so, much for that flashback! That made my day on this Thanksgiving day! Been decades since I have heard that!