Alice's Restaurant Massacree - Arlo Guthrie | College Students' React

[@Cheshirecat-nx9zn]

It’s not Thanksgiving without playing this song.

[@cclapew]

I remember when it wasn't thanksgiving if you didn't watch the movie....

[@jimbrown1303]

Arlo created such a diversion to the entire Vietnam draft, it was pure genius. The times were so somber to us 18 year old's waiting to see if we won the draft lottery, that this song brought a smile to many of us. Obviously, the impact was greater during that time but it provides a good memory for that generation. So glad that newer generations like it as well

[@jimmcevers9443]

As a Vietnam era veteran this has been a Thanksgiving tradition for me since its release. Especially dear to me is the recounting of the pre-induction physical narrative. As a juvenile offender I also had to undergo the grilling required in order to determine if I could become a trained killer! Brings back memories each time I hear it!

[@seanbrock]

Thank you sir

[@58BURST]

Thank you, and happy Thanksgiving Sir.

[@rundoetx]

I bought this album when it was first released. I still have it. Saw the movie in the theater and now own the blu-ray. Its been a tradition at my house to listen to the album or watch the movie, on Thanksgiving, every Thankgiving. Thanks for posting.

[@michaelgallagher3640]

Thx Brother

[@rundoetx]

@@michaelgallagher3640 and Thank You for your service. May you have many more Blessed Thanksgivings ahead. (With Arlo, lol)

[@bobschenkel7921]

Arlo Guthrie, Woody's son, is now an American Legend, because of this song, and some others like "City Of New Orleans", and "Coming Into Los Angeles", and others. This song was so successful that they later mad a movie out of it, starring Arlo and Ralph Waite, who played the father on The Waltons. The song is a classic, the movie is a little darker than the song, but still worth a watch. Seen Arlo Guthrie three times in concert, but he only played Alice's Restaurant one of those times, but all three shows were great. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

[@wallacegrommet9343]

James Broderick was the male lead actor, not Waite. Broderick starred later as the dad in the tv show “Family”. Those dad tv actors getting everybody mixed up!

[@philipdickey6460]

I like some of the other songs on this album, The Motorcycle Song, Ring Around The Rosie Rag

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

Even if it wasn't Ralph Waite, there's still a Waltons connection - Will Geer, who played Grandpa Walton, toured the US with Woody Guthrie and his music and acting troupe during the 1930s.

[@bobschenkel7921]

@@wallacegrommet9343 You got me. i stand corrected. It is James Broderick, I have the damn DVD, should have checked before I posted.

[@bobschenkel7921]

@@jamesdignanmusic2765 Thanks James.

[@IrishKack]

I grew up with this song. I’m 62 now, and it’s still not getting old.

[@DiannaBarbee]

hey guys, I am 67 and I raised my kids on this song every Thanksgiving. Today, I am not with them and my son reminded not to forget! So happy yall did this!! Made my memories come alive again!

[@cynthiawhite9830]

Happy Thanksgiving to you, Dianna!

[@DiannaBarbee]

@@cynthiawhite9830 Happy Thanksgiving to you too!!

[@karenj3611]

Me too, same age, same tradition every year

[@DiannaBarbee]

@@karenj3611 That's awesome!

[@lisarainbow9703]

Happy Thanksgiving from the Group W Bench!!✌

[@hilarywilliams1909]

Arlo was the son of the great Woody Guthrie, one of the most significant figures in American folk music who for example wrote "This Land Is Your Land". Arlo followed this tradition, and a few of his songs I recommend are :"The Motorcycle Song", "Coming into Los Angeles", and "City of New Orleans". He was performing up until 2020 when health issues forced he to stop. Either of their wikipedia pages is interesting reading.

[@loosilu]

Rock solid recommendations!

[@corvus1374]

Woody wrote "Old Man Trump", about Donald's father and his mistreatment of the people who rented from him. "I suppose Old Man Trump knows Just how much Racial Hate He stirred up In the bloodpot of human hearts When he drawed That color line Here at his Beach Haven family project"

[@sjw5797]

Ever see "No No Pickle", a short piece of stop-motion created in the 1980s as an accompaniment to "The Mororcycle Song"? I think it's still on KZbin.

[@jimd7260]

He's back on tour! Just not singing.

[@susieq9801]

His dad died of Huntington's. A dreadful disease that can be inherited.

[@robrain4330]

I have listened to this every year .Im 70.I can relate. The draft,Vietnam war and small towns and long hair.It was a special time. Thanks guys

[@bobkessler937]

A tradition that dates back to 102.7 WNEW-FM (New York), which would broadcast the entire song at noon on Thanksgiving. My wife and I would always be listening as we drove to whichever family gathering we were attending that year.

[@1jamyc]

...and then i the 80s & 90s Pete Fornatale playing other versions on his shows on the Saturday of Tgiving weekend...

[@martinl8574]

A cultural phenomenon by a legendary artist. It's impact is just as strong today with us who remember those times. A concert recording that captured a moment in time, more than any history book ever will!

[@LadyIarConnacht]

Listening to this makes me miss the times when the biggest crime in a small town was littering :P

[@russellegge9840]

As I sit here alone in my loft, this song brought back so many great memories of Thanksgiving in the past. Enjoy the day people.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

MUST HEAR Classics,, Arlo Guthrie "City Of New Orleans" & "The Guitar Song"

[@jackhaskell694]

It’s worth looking up Arlo’s dad, Woody and his influence on American music and the labor movement. The movie Bound for Glory is about Woody Guthrie.

[@steveullrich7737]

Also it's worth mentioning that Woody was one of the strongest influences on Bob Dylan's early music.

[@lauraallen55]

Arlo sure did change over the years. I don't think his dad would be too happy at the changes.

[@ZionForman]

@@lauraallen55 why not?

[@lauraallen55]

@@ZionForman He was known for songs about social injustice as was his dad. He identified strongly with left-leaning politics. In the 2000s sometime he changed his views to be more right-leaning. Saying his dad wouldn't have been too happy was maybe not the best way for me to put it. It certainly would have given him pause though.

[@ZionForman]

@@lauraallen55 well, this could make for an interesting and lengthy discussion, but who is to say Woody’s politics would not have changed, you know had he lived longer, or maybe it was the politics that changed and the people are same as always

[@surlechapeau]

Arlo does a nice cover of "City Of New Orleans" and his "Massachusetts" is their state folk song.

[@gryphonvert]

I think it's fair to say that Arlo's is the most popular version of "City of New Orleans".

[@tylermarshguitar]

Great tradition! You guys should hear the 8-minute version of “The Motorcycle Song” from Arlo’s 1968 album “Arlo”

[@jimd7260]

Time to check out Arlo singing "City of New Orleans". A truly great song.

[@unndunn1]

There’s a head shop (psychedelic funky smoke shop type place) in New Haven, Connecticut called Group W Bench. I never knew why it was called that until I heard this song years ago

[@willasacco9898]

I am alone today and hearing this epic piece , for the first time in a few years. Thanks guys for the happy thoughts and making my day. Stay well👍

[@jameskirschling7887]

Thank you again Andy & Alex for playing this again. My Thanksgiving so far has been great and this made it better. I hope you guys are having a great day as well. My daughter's Thanksgiving didn't start out well. Her Step-dad found out this morning He has COVID so my daughter had to make dinner. She told me she was listening to Alice's Restaurant while she dealt with the problem. This is my 48th straight year of listening to the song and my daughter's 24th year.

[@loosilu]

wishing all the best to your daughter and her step dad!

[@jameskirschling7887]

@@loosilu thank you.

[@pinballman1]

Here's the one you need to watch next year: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6a4lad3npergaM&t

[@jameskirschling7887]

@@pinballman1 I'm going to send the link to my daughter and suggest she watch this next year. The movie by the way is much better this way. Thanks for the suggestion and video.

[@pinballman1]

@@jameskirschling7887 Yeah, I figured I would enjoy it more if I could watch the movie too, but I never have 2 hour. Why not share. Take care my friend, Pinballman1

[@LyndaHill]

I was in my mid teens when this came out. Going to protest marches here in Australia. I haven't heard this in decades and yet I remembered it almost word for word. What enormous fun - and so much nostalgia. Loved it, thanks guys.

[@realmusic962]

The song is based on his own personal story. He bought the church and his music business office is located there. We were mutual clients: I manufactured many of his tapes/CD's and his label carried one of my instrumental CD's. My all-time fav from him was children's songs he recorded that his Dad (Woody) wrote.

[@blanetalk]

You gentlemen could make this a tradition every year and that would be A-okay with me! Happy Thanksgiving to you and all the A&A audience!

[@jossoaktree]

Thanks for carrying on the tradition. Thankful for y'all and this community. Happy Thanksgiving !!

[@loosilu]

Strongly recommend Arlo's Motorsickle Song, which is kind of like this one.

[@stevenroetzel4470]

To truly understand the Motorcycle Song you must understand "The Significance Of The Pickle"!!!

[@lisarainbow9703]

But.....I don't want a pickle...

[@loosilu]

@@stevenroetzel4470 At that moment I knew for SURE I did not want a pickle

[@danieledlefsen940]

Woody Guthrie was his dad. He grew up around famous musicians.

[@richardcranium5048]

This is a thing you just can't look away from. His story telling, the delivery the voice, the cadence is almost beyond belief

[@AP-gb3eh]

This is THE THANKSGIVING SONG Thank for playing it, it is tradition. Thank you to all the kids who went into the service and put your lives in the hands of our government. I wish you peace and love. Happy Thanksgiving to all ☮️

[@ivylady13]

This has been our tradition, (listen and sing along with 'Alice's Restaurant) since, well, forever. Every year. So much fun!

[@jjmalaprop9968]

I was going to mention something last week, but I didn’t want to be THAT GUY, imposing traditions on the next generation. Glad to see your patrons (finally 😊) led you in the right direction. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@estacadarocks3446]

Thats ok I was " That Guy" last week. I have no shame. Lol

[@loosilu]

i was obviously that lady!

[@jjmalaprop9968]

@@loosilu I was there during the livestream when A&A mentioned it. Thank you 🤗

[@emilyflotilla931]

For more Arlo, "Coming Into Los Angeles" and definitely "City of New Orleans," an American folk song for many of us in his father Woody's style

[@marcbla]

But city of new orleans was not written by arlo or his dad...

[@jamessweet5341]

Arlo Guthrie is the son of famed folk singer Woodie Guthrie. He's a quite talented story teller and a fair musician. This song was a big part of my college years. Vietnam loomed over every man and this kinda encapsulated our attitude. Alice's Restaurant also spawned a movie with Arlo as the lead character. Not a bad way to spend a an hour too.

[@EskWIRED]

You two are great. I hope you never change.

[@Dr3amtime]

I can remember listening to this song in the living room with my family in Dallas shortly after it came out; I would have been 5 or 6. My parents were fairly conservative members of the military industrial complex community, and that they loved the song enough to share it with us is a testament to how effectively Arlo (like the Beatles, Smothers Brothers, and Laugh In) managed to subvert the mainstream culture of the time. I saw Arlo perform once in the 70's and once in the 80's and loved both shows. Man's a master entertainer. He wanted to give my infant son a harmonica, but he'd left them all in his trailer. Too bad, would have made a wonderful heirloom.

[@faithnyou1732]

LOVE that you all re-visited this! This song was released in 1967, so it was about protesting the draft and the Vietnam war. Arlo also performed at Woodstock in 1969. He is the son of legendary folk artist Woodie Guthrie, and now Arlo is now also a legend by all rights. I was a single Mom, and my Son, who is now 40, and I have had a lifelong tradition of listening to this song multiple times on Thanksgiving Day. I was thrilled that he fell in love with this song the first time he heard it at the age of 10, because I loved it so much. He still plays it every Thanksgiving. My husband and I finally got to see Arlo during the Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays in 2017 for his 50th Anniversary tour of Alice's Restaurant. So many great memories are wrapped up in this song. Happy Thanksgiving, guys! Thanks again for the reaction and for replaying it this year! 💙✌

[@davidschecter5247]

Thanks for reminding us we need to listen to this at least once a year. Happy Thanksgiving to both of you guys, and we really appreciate all the joy you've been bringing us for so long! Here's to a great 2023 for you!

[@jimcole9751]

The story actually happened . Which makes it even better. Arlo played at Woodstock and has a number of very good albums. And his dad is Woody Guthrie the American folk legend......

[@wfj50]

Thank you, guys, for playing this again for Thanksgiving. I've been listening to this every year since it first came out. You've made an old man happy. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@dkmarts]

So #thankful for this song and Arlo! Imparting an important message still! 💝💝💝 Thanks for making this Thanksgiving even better!

[@tbmike23]

I fondly remember, on many a Thanksgiving, driving to the grandparents house, and this would be on the radio every year. I love how his plan to act crazy in front of the shrink backfired, because the shrink just wanted to kill, too.

[@suzymckinney9678]

Every year in Indy they play this song on Thanksgiving Day at 12 noon. I love that you guys did this, Thank You I love your channel.

[@jamnets13]

In the early 70's my father,a WWII veteran,absolutely loved this song and Arlo. In fact he took my mom to see Arlo in concert! Now it's a family tradition to play this song every Thanksgiving,thank-you for keeping the tradition going!

[@jlcutright0723]

This has been a family tradition since I was a kid, and I'm 60. My 30 year old kids can quote it, as can my 20-somethings. There's just something about Arlo's cadence that makes this tale a classic. My dad was a singer and guitarist, so we also grew up listening to his renditions of "The Motorcycle Song" from the flipside. Another lifelong favorite from Arlo Guthrie is his rendition of "City of New Orleans". Definitely worth a listen.

[@seiraeiramasil2302]

Man, as a tradition, it's always played on the radio were I live, I thought I'd missed it. but then I happened to see that it's here on KZbin, yay!

[@REDJR22]

Both years for me. Thanks for sharing. I don’t think you guys have joined in the singing yet. Next year!!

[@seiraeiramasil2302]

I don't know if anyone knows this but, there's a movie titled "Alice's Restaurant" and Arlo Guthrie stars in it, it came out in 1969. I think I'll see if I can find it online and watch it.

[@bazzer124]

After the ordeal..... I think pretty much anybody with long hair in the 60s and early 70s, myself included, was into this song enough to make it a Thanksgiving tradition right along with green bean casserole and pumpkin pie. Most "classic rock" stations feature this song at least once on the holiday. I can't remember the last time I didn't hear this tune on Thanksgiving. Love it! Cheers....

[@scotttretten8020]

Arlo Guthrie's video of him covering Elvis's I Can't Help Falling In Love With You is a great example of how music and humor can be used to say alot

[@foxandscout]

I just turned 15 in May ’69 and finished 10th grade. The film Alice’s Restaurant (Arlo Guthrie plays himself) was released 8/20/69, two days after the 3-day Woodstock concert. The film Easy Rider was released 7/14/69. Last Summer (an X-rated coming-of-age film about adolescent sexuality with Barbara Hershey, Bruce Davison and Richard Thomas) was released 6/19/69; and 3x Academy Award-winning film (also x-rated) Midnight Cowboy (with Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight) was released 5/19/69. Easy Rider! Midnight Cowboy! Last Summer: these films are required 😅😊 Also Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid;; Putney Swope; Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice . . . 1969! What a year!

[@jjalanj7318]

A fantastic tradition! I actually re watched this last night because it made me so happy last year. So happy you posted again! Hope everyone in the Andy & Alex world had a great day.

[@larryg7126]

Arlo is a traditional great folk musician, a close friend of Jim Croce & Bob Dylan (who Idolized his father Woody Guthrie). I am a veteran of those times though I did not go to Vietnam, I was stationed in Okinawa. Arlo has a number of great tunes, his appearance at Woodstock was included on the Woodstock album, you need to listen to "Coming In From Los Angles". Another favorite is "Motorcycle Song". His cover of "City of New Orleans" is great.

[@loosilu]

I was trying to remember if he played Woodstock. Thanks!

[@dianegoldeneye7363]

Thanks guys ! Played this every year on the way to my parents home for thanksgiving. Happy thanksgiving to you both. ❤ now I play it at home.

[@enchantedwooddesigns3462]

My neighbor was playing this when I was a young kid in 70's and I have to hear it every year. I love Arlo Guthrie )

[@rogerhardin9511]

Did you know that Arlo Gutherie is the son of the great folk singer-songwriter Woody Gutherie? Woody travelled to California during the Great Depression and sang songs to earn money to send for his family. There was a movie made about him. The apple did not fall far from the tree with his son. Arlo wrote songs against war and social injustice, during the 60's & 70's. Alice's Restaurant was played on Rock radio stations throughout the US on Thanksgiving for decades. ;-) Cheryle

[@fairalways]

I'm another old fart who loves you guys who grew up with this song as a part of childhood and life. In the late sixties and early seventies, parents such as mine would sing folk songs with us kids such as "If I had a Hammer", "Where Have All the Flowers Gone", the hidden pot songs like "Puff the Magic Dragon" which our parents were clueless about, etc. etc.. Mixed in was our fill of all the rock you now know, the funk, Motown, the 50s doo-wop, all the old crooners of earlier times, musicals. Remember, no internet, only three major TV stations, and radio- lots of radio, and on Thanksgiving, the parade on TV and football. We grew up with a reverence for the protests of the sixties, and most of us had a cousin or uncle or brother who was a Vietnam vet. We gave book reports in school on MLK Jr. and Abraham Lincoln. So when you say, "this is legit", it was more than legit, it was central to so many Americans' Thanksgivings. The testaments of people here, and those you can read under the original YT video, should give some insight into how much more similar in experiences most Americans had back then. For better or worse. Love you guys. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@lambokarabeekian6192]

Great comment, really captures my experience too. Thanks!

[@BlackmoreVerified]

dive into more of his stuff. Coming into Los Angeles is great

[@Keith-if6zv]

Live from Woodstock version!!!

[@Cashcrop54]

I am overjoyed at hearing this today! I saw Arlo twice and everyone was laughing so hard. There were a few added verses each time. You can almost believe this actually happened to him. It's amazing how his guitar playing is as good as the lyrics. Thanks. And Happy Thanksgiving!! This should become a tradition!!

[@loosilu]

I think he could have been a great rapper.

[@Cashcrop54]

@@loosilu that's true. Never thought of that.

[@sharonstratis2846]

It is a true story. It was in the local Stockbridge paper.

[@Cashcrop54]

@@sharonstratis2846 Cool

[@frankiebowie6174]

Fantastic, unique. There is nothing else like this in the annals of recorded music. The construction, his delivery, the message, the humor… It was needed then and it’s still needed today.

[@rickeyjohnson9906]

This has been a tradition for me for decades, I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving

[@joonzville]

Thanks for playing this again. We used to listen to this every year because it was played on the radio. That tradition trailed off in the last 25 years.

[@sirslice7531]

Believe it or not, it is a TRUE story...from the son of the legendary Woodie Guthrie. Years later, it was turned into a movie for TV with the real officer Obie in it... with, of course, Arlo.

[@EskWIRED]

Like you guys did with The Zombies, you could interview Arlo Guthrie. He's still around.

[@loosilu]

This is an AMAZING idea!

[@blackeyedlily]

Great idea! Although they should definitely check out more of his music and learn a bit about his history first.

[@dustylane2898]

It really is. He just recently stopped touring. I saw him and it was so fun with him noodling around on the guitar and telling stories between and during songs.

[@mysticeyes10000]

Thank you . Its a tradition in our family to play this song every Thanksgiving. 🦃

[@jgsrhythm100]

I went to school in West Stockbridge Arlos guitarist 🎸 David Grover(just passed last year) was our bands mentor and his drummer " Terry A La Berry my teacher!!

[@loosilu]

I think Arlo and JT still live there?

[@jgsrhythm100]

​@@loosiluArlo does for sure.

[@loosilu]

@@jgsrhythm100 I know he lost his beloved wife a few years ago. Hope he is doing welll!

[@bertarndt9953]

this has been my T-day song for 40 years.

[@dkmarts]

50 + for me! 👍😊

[@Newfie-zc7ug]

THANK YOU boys................keep doing this ! Peace & Love

[@arlenewesterlund158]

Thank you! One of the best reactions to this song that I have heard. First of all, you actually got what it was about. And, secondly, you got and appreciated the humor in it. Bravo!

[@chadheckman2693]

Now you need to react to his most played song: "The City of New Orleans". It's a song about a non-fiction passenger train called the City of New Orleans of the Illinois Central railroad line. It is an iconic folk song. A must listen.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

By the great Steve Goodman

[@chadheckman2693]

@@truckerkevthepaidtourist I didn't know that. Thank you.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

@@chadheckman2693 yes indeed 1984 taken from us after a battle of leukemia for years Jimmy Buffett John prine great friends together Jimmy buffett's covered many of Steve songs through the years.

[@cherinoelke]

Thank you for bringing back a fun part of Thanksgiving. There are so many layers to this tradition that are more than just the song. I remember it would come on the radio at a designated time, back then 1 radio station for a large population. We would feel connected to all the other stoners out there that were laughing along to it with us. I'm adding A&A to the things I'm grateful for this year, you make me laugh and I love sharing one of my passions, killer music with you and your banger community. HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL.......PEACE

[@tylerhackner9731]

It’s not thanksgiving without hearing this

[@tylerfields2654]

For Christmas you should check out his pause for Mr Claus it's like Alice's restaurant

[@ziggymarlowe5654]

On of our Thanksgiving tradition, ever since my Husband returned from Vietnam. The kids used to laugh and dance around when we played it; and, out of a horrible experience in life a fun one to look back on.

[@libsterella]

The "27 8x10 color glossy pictures" cracks me up every time!!! And "Shrink, I want to kill, I want to kill!...I mean kill!kill!kill!"

[@JD-fn7qf]

Thanks again for resurrecting this classic and sharing it with a new audience.

[@joelliebler5690]

Great idea and thank you. This brings great memories of many years listening to WNEW-FM radio in New York at noon!

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

This is a somewhat complicated song to play, especially while you are also reciting the story. I taught myself every note from a tabulature when I was a teenager and every year I play this song on my guitar just to see if I remember it. After 50 years I can still remember it so I guess it is like learning to ride a bike. Of course you also have to hear the Mototcycle song and Coming into Los Angeles (bringing in a couple of keys).

[@Shadowrider1872]

GOOOOOOOD MORNING A&A FAMILY!!! ☮️💟♾️

[@cynthiawhite9830]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@andyandalex]

Happy thanksgiving!! 🦃

[@lynne5322]

You two are awesome. I am thankful for you & for the music-loving A&A fam. 🎵 🦃♥️

[@mtpugh]

It should be mentioned, if someone hasn’t already, that this song was based on an actual incident, and was made into a movie with some of the actual participants starring in it. Officer Obie (William J. Obanhein) played himself in the film.

[@chrisvickers7928]

I can't remember the date I first heard this song. A live version was broadcast late night on the Seattle PBS station and I live in Victoria BC across the border and happened to catch it. I bought the album, and still have it, and watched the movie when it came out. Amazing song, I still love it.

[@kathleensaladin2078]

Haven't heard this in years thanks for playing this love Arlo he's the greatest

[@garyschill7923]

Loved it, thanks! Up next for a storytelling song try Arlo's "The Ballad Of Reuben Clamzo And His Strange Daughter in the Key Of A"

[@zapple1003]

When Officer Obie died, it made the front page of the New York Times.

[@randyhodges8782]

Thankful for you guys.

[@andyandalex]

Thankful for you 🤘🏼

[@Alsam]

Too funny. I just came in from outside, putting up Christmas lights and raking leaves listening to this in the front yard. Always a great song and love hearing at this time of year.

[@davidburton9136]

My nearly draft-aged brother bought me this album for my tenth Christmas. I don't think my conservative dad liked it very much, but it made me feel cool. My brother ended up dodging the draft himself by joining the Army but wasn't sent to Viet Nam. He has since passed though, and I still think about him every time I hear this. I used to even listen to the other side! Arlo had some catchy tunes!

[@randallphobia8698]

This was a Thanksgiving tradition for us from around 1986-1994 when my younger sister went off to college. (I lived at home to save money.) I still love that song!

[@katerailey524]

Thanksgiving isn't Thanksgiving without Alice's Restaurant!

[@MattJaissleFilms]

A bona fide holiday classic.

[@alclubb]

This song is based on true events. Arlo Guthrie and his friend did take Alice Brock's garbage and dump it off a cliff. The arrest and trial were written up in the newspaper.

[@johngriswold2213]

It took real genius to show the ridiculous side of such a bloody, horrible national crime, and the stark decision in front of so many of us at the time. Our fathers fought in WWII and Korea and all too often told us we had to go, to fight. We grew up on the glory and heroism of war, wanting to participate in a national effort as unifying and significant as theirs, and all too often didn't discover the mad meat grinder ahead until it was too late. Woody Guthrie taught and led a country in trouble and his son Arlo kept the tradition alive.

[@kevingdoyle]

I was eligible for the last two years of the draft. This song has a greater impact on you when you lived under the pressure of knowing that. A big reason I love listening to it every year.

[@ChicagoDB]

It’s one that few channel do…b cause of the length…but I have always loved it.

[@skipbellon2755]

I've listened to this every year on Thanksgiving since the mid 1970's when I heard it in Okinawa, while in the Navy. This year I listened with you... it was fun. Thanks and Happy Thanks.

[@theresacarmen9847]

It's been a long time since hearing this ---- still love it! Arlo is Woody Guthrie 's son and a member of the old folk music tradition.

[@davedenicola673]

I remember seeing the movie , before I had heard the songs as singles. I still have a copy....I consider it a treasure of my time growing up .

[@JC-rb3hj]

Thanks for this! I haven't heard this in a dog's age. Happy Thanksgiving

[@whoucisme]

They used to play this on radio stations at high noon so the DJ's could have a lunch break. :) Thank you for keeping the tradition alive

[@davecummings2424]

Happy Thanksgiving, A&A. Last month, I ran into the little sister of a gal I dated in high school, 50 years ago now. (Holy crap! 50 years) We spent a lovely summer afternoon catching up and telling stories to her husband. She said one of her favorite memories was of me being able to recite the full "Alice's Restaurant". Such a gentle and hilarious antiwar song. Group W is where they put you if you may not be moral enough to join the army after committing your particular crime.

[@cherylcottingham3029]

Glad you liked it. So much meaning really, first heard it in the 70s, and now after all these years..our local classic rock station has played it every year for a long time...🦃❤