Arlo Guthrie - Alice's Restaurant (Live at Farm Aid 2005)

Arlo Guthrie performs "Alice's Restaurant" live at Farm Aid 2005 at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, Illinois on September 18, 2005. Get this concert on DVD at: FarmAid.org/2005DVD
Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp founded Farm Aid in 1985 and serve on the board of directors. The three agreed that family farmers were in dire need of assistance and decided to plan a concert for America.
Dave Matthews joined Farm Aid's Board of Directors in 2001 to help further Farm Aid's mission of keeping family farmers on their land.
For more, visit FarmAid.org/youtube

[@TheCream14]

As a seasoned guitar player, I can tell you that playing that tune flawlessly while singing an expanded story is no easy feat.

[@c.j.colbert6656]

I don’t even play but I was thinking the same thing.

[@paulreedsmith22]

He’s playing C F G A shapes w a capo, how is that no easy feat. Same position, I enjoy the song, respect the man, but as a seasoned guitarist myself it’s well done.

[@TheGreatGig73]

That's nice that you can recognize the chords. He is singing a song that is not even close to being in time with the music. No easy to remember, repeating verse or chorus. Try it.

[@paulreedsmith22]

@@TheGreatGig73 I said he did well done, no hate sir. As you pointed out I do know the chords, but I meant no ill will, I enjoyed the performance, i listen to it every thanksgiving for over 4 decades.

[@paulreedsmith22]

@@TheGreatGig73 I liked your comment. But I wanted to point out to the people that they too can achieve it. The original comment felt like it was some magic. If you have written a song you know that it naturally flows w your rhythm, and since the muscle memory was clear, and his talk/singing was perfect, but not Mount Everest. And again I love the song.

[@NctsfeAlpha]

If you’re here on thanksgiving for a little tradition you’re my kind of people! Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

[@pamelajordan5948]

Happy Thanksgiving

[@terryjohnson4704]

33rd Thanksgiving and trying to pass it on to my kids now

[@terryjohnson4704]

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

[@jljensen7102]

I'll second that, we actually saw the movie when it opened.

[@jandw0011]

Happy Thanksgiving Matt! Always listen to this one on Thanksgiving. Great tradition!

[@kensmith4143]

I always played this in the car on Thanksgiving on my way to mom and dad's for dinner. My 40 year old daughter still listens to this on Thanksgiving. My work here is finished. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

[@danielhansen9614]

My father always played it at home on thanksgiving and even though I’m in college I play it every Thanksgiving morning. Very happy about this tradition!

[@javiercastro6747]

It's a tradition!

[@hettbeans]

I learned to play the chorus on the ukulele this year. Been listening to it every Thanksgiving thanks to my mom. I'm 35 now.

[@floydkendall2703]

What a wonderful tradition! I believe ( if it’s okay with you) my family will follow your example and share your tradition. -Terri ❤️

[@kensmith4143]

@@floydkendall2703 Absolutely fine with me. Enjoy your new tradition.

[@stephaniesadie832]

Only fellow muscians appreciate the awesome achievement of playing this riff, continuously , withut error, for 15 minutes whilst narrating a long story. Unbelievable. Try it. THIS is hard to do.

[@redsnailer]

Stephanie Sadie I have played on and off for ten years and I am barely able to smoothly play the riff.

[@DaveButler2000]

The original was 25 mins

[@herbleaming2597]

You're right. Learning that song years ago also opened the door for me to lots of little ragtime and blue tunes in that vein.

[@noidentity2801]

I was waiting to hear about the VW micro-bus.

[@michaelkerr8987]

My dear late friend Brett Hamilton, could play this absolutely perfectly, we all miss Brett so much Such an individual , god bless Brett.

[@Queenie-the-genie]

I listened to Arlo sing this so many times. 💛 I was so young then. It’s 2022 now I’m 77. Thank you!

[@ericstarvogault2484]

With Arlo retired, it's unfortunate a new generation won't be able to feel the joy of a live Arlo Guthrie performance. Everyone leaves with a smile.

[@pawznplay2772]

Pretty sure there'd be that "offended" group! Lol

[@user-sy2yo5en3l]

A time when we once counted our Values and protested a broken System. The wars and a lot of pincel Pushers on no heart.the new ones Lost.but we sang and laughed. And protested.see ccrsongs related. Itt shook the man

[@piacastro9190]

I was at university,I watched the film " Alice'restaurant" and I discovered this extraordinary singer...

[@Billytomtom18]

I consider this Iconic Tune a National Treasure, Thanks Arlo for making Thanksgiving Day even more Enjoyable 👍👍 ☮

[@jjhpor]

I saw him sing this at the Troubador in Hollywood in 1967. This version, slightly expurgated, is remarkably close to the original in voice and energy. I was fresh out of the Army then, the war in Viet Nam was raging and the song had a truly special meaning. He was only 19 years old at the time and already famous for this and more. For something like 40 years, when my family had big Thankgiving dinners with relatives and friends we always played a recording of Alice's Restaurant at some time during the day.

[@caroldavison9622]

We still play it every thanksgiving!!

[@MegaBait1616]

Every Thanksgiving 👍👍..........

[@marlenelariviere7303]

It isn't Thanksgiving without listening to Alice's Restaurant !!!🥰🌺😇🌿🤩🌿🌈✨🌛🤩

[@mta4562]

not thanksgiving until i hear arlo...

[@JROrg2009]

I remember hearing Alice's Restaurant back in 1968 in High School...and 45 years later... it never really goes out of style...and thank God that Arlo is still with us.

[@johncastro9860]

You bet. & Amen

[@DooDooMcPoopin]

53 now

[@davidlake6242]

Amen

[@edwardambrose8704]

Far Out ! ☮️ 🇺🇸

[@unclewilbur8976]

Every time I hear Alice's Restaurant, I just keep smiling 😃!!!!! And I've heard it hundreds of times 'cause I'm old😅!!!!

[@jrbaeronz9840]

First time I heard this song, we were having a small party round a fire on a beach around 1968, when a guy we didn't know turned up in a Landrover 4x4, drove down the beach and parked by our fire. He got out with a guitar and asked if we'd like a song, we said why not, and he sat down and played the entire song perfectly, had a beer and left. We never knew who he was and never saw him again, but I went out and bought the album the next day. Still have the LP and have recently converted it to modern medium. A song I think you never forget as it was something totally different back then.

[@user-kk5kj8xr2f]

He drove in, sang the whole of Alice's Restaurant, and drove off again?

[@jrbaeronz9840]

@@user-kk5kj8xr2f Yup, pretty much like the song. Great memory.

[@Whatsinanameanyway13]

I had the pleasure of working with Arlo on a show years ago. I grew up listening to his music on vinyl from my Dad's collection, and was not prepared for how moving he was live. Just him and a guitar headlining a show in a ~1000 seat outdoor venue, he had everybody's complete attention from beginning to end. He was one of the most laid back but professional artists I've worked with in 20 years in the audio business, even called feedback frequencies himself during soundcheck. We have a great picture on the wall of our office from that show, a daily reminder of why we do what we do.

[@davidstaudohar6733]

W😎 W great experience 👍👍👍👍‼️

[@kathleenferguson3296]

I Still listen to him on my vinyl!

[@Hank5861]

I listen to this song every Thanksgiving

[@lolasmom116]

I have been listening to this song on Thanksgiving every year since 1974. I raised my son to listen on Thanksgiving, no matter where we were. This year he is living in NJ & I'm in NC. So we listened on KZbin. Thanks Arlo for such an important song. The younger generation may not appreciate the anti-war sentiment, but, it still stands today. Wishing everyone a blessed, peaceful and lovely Thanksgiving.

[@deanallen927]

Thank you for your service, Arlo. Not a joke - you served this country and it's people well by writing this song and singing it for so many years. THANK YOU!!!

[@jollyrodger5319]

💯 truth

[@lyndafaye6748]

Haven't had such a good laugh since they turned the TRAGEDY of flying aspects into the COMEDY "Airplane!"what a clever way to make one's point , yes ? God blessed this man with such great story-telling and musical abilities. ! LyndaFayeSmusic@Gmail. " A Wretch Like Me"

[@isabeldioneda1195]

@@lyndafaye6748 Need

[@isabeldioneda1195]

@@lyndafaye6748 .,he's mj

[@lonibowers7653]

😍

[@anthonymarrone6868]

It’s not thanksgiving without listening to this classic.

[@martenselabs3212]

What impresses me about Arlo Guthrie is his adaptability.

[@hzv7242]

Playing the full version of this song was an absolute tradition every Thanksgiving on Philadelphia FM radio.

[@lyndafaye6748]

Some "songs" just ring out, when the POETRY bounces the words back and forth! When I want to wake up, I put on the City of New Orleans; when I need a good laugh, I put on Alice's Restaurant again!Haven't had such a good laugh since they turned the TRAGEDY of flying aspects into the COMEDY "Airplane!"what a clever way to make one's point , yes ? God blessed this man with such great story-telling and musical abilities. ! LyndaFayeSmusic@Gmail. " A Wretch Like Me"

[@normanjones7490]

It's crackin song played ont gitar ( you can always add a few diminished & bounce couple frts + back

[@lifesavid]

From Australia. This is my youth. I’m now 64 years old. Thank you Arlo for the memories.

[@stringup5829]

Arlo is such a gifted performer. Such incredible talent. If anyone thinks it's easy to play this song with no mistakes, along with the singing, and the story telling vocals all at the same time, just try it, with no mistakes, not easy my friends, lol.

[@jollyrodger5319]

He's an awesome musician one of the best concerts I ever went to I'm 50 now nothing came close since

[@ZZSmithReal]

And he learned from Pete Seeger how to sing songs twice at the same time. LOL

[@Peter-zw9lu]

Yes easy to play but it's all about the story

[@Peter-zw9lu]

And somehow he makes sense

[@Peter-zw9lu]

Like anything you do for 50+ years. That's a lot of practice he better be good

[@ribbonlace98]

If you remember this song & all the lyrics....you just might be a hard-case hippie! ENJOY!!!!

[@ilatskili2939]

I guess that makes me a hard-case hippie

[@carolmcgovern284]

Laura Jessica Wopp-Hulin I also have played this song on Thanksgiving for 40 yrs!!

[@spmqqse5621]

humph...i was mostly called a ''dirty hippy freak''.

[@dust1956]

I do!!

[@aaronslaughter4984]

Not all, again lost few brain cells over 40+ yrs our Thanksgiving carol came out, but relate more as a Willy Nelson hippie vs commune type

[@judymattea]

I remember the absolute genius of Alice’s Restaurant as I graduated from high school in 1969. Arlo Guthrie … you are the best musician EVER!!!

[@jbizzle7616]

It is absolutely not Thanksgiving until this song is played for the family to hear, and the neighbors.

[@roserinder3775]

This is a fun and memorable anti war song, which Arlo wrote and performed during the Vietnam War. It is a treasure. He kept the tradition by singing it again and again, and I am eager to introduce my grandchildren to it. Bravo, Arlo Guthrie. It's great to see on KZbin.

[@tinknal6449]

But look what he created....

[@jjhpor]

As I recall it is based on his personal experience

[@roserinder3775]

@@jjhpor Yes, I think it may have been a true story. All the more funny. He was a lucky young man to have gone through that.

[@chuck8974]

This is one song that will never go out of style; just like good taste, it will last go on forever.

[@pitsnipe5559]

While sitting at anchor in Naples harbor in 1971, (I made it past the Group W bench) my shipmate started stumming this tune on his guitar. I then proceeded to recite the entire Alices Resturant from memory. Very existential experience.

[@jamesochoa3022]

Anyone that pick and tell a story without missing a lick has got my total respect !

[@erichnussbaum]

It's so great to see Arlo Guthrie still alive and well! I had to join the Army in Switzeland in 1971. Switzerland didn't have a war since 1945, I was a pacifist. Arlo Guthrie was a great inspiration. At that time, we had to go to prison or join the civil defense, if we weren't serving in the army. I served as a civil defense employee

[@jjhpor]

What war was Switzerland involved with in 1945? It wasn't the one in Europe.

[@erichnussbaum]

@@jjhpor Switzerland was not involved in the war, we were neutral. Nevertheless, our army was ready to defend the country. There were also Swiss who wanted to join Hitler's Germany. The war did not leave Switzerland unscathed.

[@MrMoelbach]

I just love this song. Heard it and sang it 40 years ago. Still love it

[@nukleon4808]

As someone who’s taken it upon himself to memorize Alice’s Restaurant Massacre with full orchestration and five-part harmony, it’s FASCINATING to see how Arlo changed the story or even cleaned it up which revealed where he “messed up” in the original recording.

[@jjhpor]

I like that line about five part harmony but when I saw him do this live in 1967 it was just him and the guitar.

[@jannekehall2180]

The one and only..Arlo! Listened to this as my get-to-sleep music..every night some 40 years ago. Love it!

[@TesIaNews2024]

My dad just sent me this link for thanksgiving. Happy turkey day for everybody here cuz of this tradition.

[@cygnus53]

I've got so much respect for musicians. I'm amazed at how effortless he makes it look, but then he's only been playing the song for 50+ years. But to sit there and tell a story all the while keeping the tune going without looking at his hands is incredible. Same with piano players doing two different things with their hands and singing at the same time.

[@debranixon9913]

I'm a closet hippie, & I'm about 59 or 60, one of the luckiest generations , to have an appreciation for the hard work of the pioneers of rock and roll.

[@lindsaythorne9450]

Been listening to this for 35 years - never gets old!

[@lbcharlie05]

I agree. My hearing, bones and bowels have aged, yet the song and movie memories keep me smiling as if I was 19 in 1968, again. Happy Thanksgiving is everyday, thanks to Arlo.

[@katherinea.rodgers8366]

Me too!

[@richardshultz1176]

It will never get old because it's still the most eloquent description of the culture vs counterculture conflict ever written. not to mention the funniest!!

[@chrisknight9682]

I bought my first copy 47years ago. It's part of our family perspective and today being Father's Day I get to play it to my teenage grandkids. I hope it takes, and my quips become a little less vague. 💚

[@donqlfzahnke8158]

So have i

[@nanbloom5082]

ahhh....every Thanksgiving for 40 years. Arlo, Alice and Ray SO ROCK. Thank you, Arlo

[@guthriesfirstson2630]

Hello Nan Bloom, This is my personal account where I get to speak with people that I find interesting on here, You caught my attention with your many adorable likes and it is very gratifying to receive your comment!

[@liseernie]

I wonder how many zillion times hes sung this... I hope he doesnt mind, no one in the audience ever gets tired of hearing it...

[@roberttaylor7064]

He stopped performing it not long after releasing it..he only does it every ten years..✌

[@jenniferbassfirstchannel]

Great song and great movie with him in it! Love Alice’s Restaurant!

[@guthriesfirstson2630]

Hello Jennifer B, This is my personal account where I get to speak with people that I find interesting on here, You caught my attention with your many adorable likes and it is very gratifying to receive your comment!

[@peggysadowski4026]

I love ARLO, what a talented guy. I fell for his relaxed persona in front of 1,000’s of fans and at 80 I’m still in awe.

[@mphillips01ify]

The older Arlo gets, the more he sounds like his dad, Woody. Couple of national treasures.

[@ericjohnson6665]

Wow, this song, and singer, have gotten way better with age! Still the Thanksgiving favorite! I still have the original album!

[@ultfasfred]

Being raised in northern New Jersey this was a Thanksgiving rite of passage all my life. Bring us to today living in Billings Montana of coarse they have never heard of the tradition. So thank goodness for the internet. Happy Turkey Day folks......

[@drdylanman]

One of the things that I look forward to every Thanksgiving day is hearing the rock radio stations playing this a few times throughout the day, and I laugh just as hard every time!

[@joelgerman9621]

Thanksgiving 2020 and still listening since i was 4 years old and will be 49 on Nov. 28th. You do the math.. Haha Happy thanksgiving to one and all. See ya for breakfast at Alice's!!!

[@cathyneuschafer2449]

That song brings back so many memories. Ah, the old hippie days.

[@marthastephens2179]

It just would not be Thanksgiving without this song! Grateful for music today and every day!

[@alittlepale]

If only I could tell a story like this man. Not timeless, because I expect most folks under 50 don't get it. No matter-still timeless

[@JTrsqdiver]

I remember when I was in the military, stationed at Ft Devens, MA ... WAAF played this on the radio every Thanksgiving ... here I am, 26 years later keeping that tradition alive

[@donr5593]

Thank You for Your service. I live near by the base. WAAF is a all Christian music station now.

[@castocm1]

A few years ago, I had Thanksgiving dinner at a friend's house who also wanted to go thru a bag of my clothes before I brought it to Goodwill. So we sat down and ate a Thanksgiving dinner that couldn't be beat and after pie, I brought in the black bag filled with clothes and headed for home. About the same time I was walking thru my garage to go in the house, my friend was ripping open the bag next to her on the bed all excited to what treasures it contained. And to this day, we couldn't tell you who was more surprised...My friend? Who was staring at a bag filled with old vacuum bags and coffee filters, empty dog food cans and a variety of foul-smelling garbage. Or me....staring at the black bag in my garage with a note attached that said... "clothes for donation"

[@julietardos5044]

At least you got a good story out of it.

[@fenderjag114]

I'm watching this in 2019 and still know every word of the monologue off by heart. I realize this particular performance was 14 years ago, but I can't tell you how much it warms my heart to see Arlo still doing it so well. With feeling!

[@guthriesfirstson2630]

Hello fenderjag, This is my personal account where I get to speak with people that I find interesting on here, You caught my attention with your many adorable likes and it is very gratifying to receive your comment!

[@guthriesfirstson2630]

I thank you for just being an amazing fan - over the years and following my music even from so far away. Seriously - I’m so grateful

[@guthriesfirstson2630]

So tell me, what’s your favorite album yet huh 🎶

[@gaildavis2291]

Born '58 grew up 60's 70's. Grew up 😂 with...the best music of my my my ...the most of the icons Neil Young David Crosby, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, George no last name needed😊 🙏 ❤😢😊

[@robertreyes5109]

I've was fortunate to see Arlo perform on two occasions. A truly amazing and gifted storyteller.

[@cassandrasuzannelalonde4758]

Hearing this song is like finding an old friend. I know have an answer to a question I have often been asked, if you could have lunch with Anybody who would you want, my answer is...Arlo Guthie. Thank you Arlo for giving me a smile today.

[@Spurleyesque]

Timeless song that gets better with age. Arlo is an enduring hero of our time.

[@tedmiles2110]

This is a great piece of folk music!

[@hank1519]

I bet his father would be proud to hear his son perform this.

[@jerryc3240]

Kid, if you remember this it brings back a lot of great memories doesn't it

[@BritPopLivesOn72]

Arlo Guthrie such an incredible musician. His songs are so great and they all tell such a great story. I also love how when he performs, if the crowd isn't into it and singing along enough, he just stops playing guitar and rants some decent explanation of why everyone should sing along... and then resumes his song. Also, he is the son of a very iconic figure in the folk music world. However, he doesn't try to live in his father's shadow. I mean yea he covers one of his songs every here and there, but he really develops his own way of singing and perfroming. Stay great Arlo Guthrie

[@tammysigmon853]

Woody was great. I remember in second grade we had to sing This Land is Your Land.

[@BritPopLivesOn72]

I remember that too lol

[@tinaohlrogge4685]

WOW!!!!!

[@robinmorris5416]

You know there's probably a thousand Christmas songs that play every year..Somehow, arlo wrote the only song that through the sheer force of radio, is celebrated every Thanksgiving, around noon time. Making this the only Thanksgiving song at least here in the united states. Now, that's a very unique way to take a 1 hit & turn it into a wonder. My Thanksgiving isn't complete without my dose of Alice's restraunt.

[@92jwiener]

You can get anything you want at Alice's restaurant! Happy thanksgiving y'all!

[@mikjanbubble]

Excepting Alice

[@oakbank1953]

excepting Alice...keep up...!

[@laurenhaharockon9192]

42jwiener So Great

[@robinmorris5416]

My x step brother in law, who was a genuine hippy turned me on to this song after a couple joints of some early 80s sensimilla in the year of our Lord in 1981. Been enjoying it once or twice a year since then forcibly no more than that to keep it as fresh as when I heard it the 1st time. The best narrative with guitar accompanying song ever written.

[@michelletziarkas2353]

One of my all time favourites.. a sound track from my life .. so much joy and happiness comes to me when I hear this song.

[@bartschwartz7217]

I was 8 in 1967 and am 62 now so 55 years now never gets old and so true

[@glenobrien894]

I enlisted at 17 in 1978 The local Radio Station outside the Army Base would play Alices Restaurant Every Sunday At 6.00pm . I would listen to Each and every Chance I got would blast it on my Stereo in the Barracks most of the time 😅 love this song

[@IndridCool54]

Love Arlo! I saw him perform once many years ago and he didn’t disappoint. His dad had my favorite motto on his guitar. “This Machine Kills Fascists”

[@secondhandwildflowers2315]

Fan of Dropkick Murphy’s too?

[@IndridCool54]

@@secondhandwildflowers2315 I had to google them, now I’ll have to have a listen. ✌🏼

[@secondhandwildflowers2315]

@@IndridCool54 they just did some work you may be a fan of 😊

[@kurteibell2885]

I walked in back 1984, sang a bar of "Alice's Restaurant" and they took me anyway.

[@contessaclara9277]

I recall the lyrics to most 50 60 70 80 songs. I used to listen to the radio when I was a wee lass and would write out the lyrics of all the songs I was grooving tooooo at the time and once a Lyric is in my mind, it's there forever including Alice's Restaurant!

[@patricksmokeyterrain7389]

Amazing, this song takes me back, and yes I agree only a fellow musician would appreciate how hard it is to play like that for so long and play it so well,

[@Katy-tj2rr]

Unbelievable talent! Always loved Arlo Guthrie, his music and all the memories that accompany those "hippie" years of great, talented musicians that created great music!!!

[@lyndafaye6748]

A NATIONAL TREASURE that went 'round the world !Some "songs" just ring out, when the POETRY bounces the words back and forth! When I want to wake up, I put on the City of New Orleans; when I need a good laugh, I put on Alice's Restaurant again!Haven't had such a good laugh since they turned the TRAGEDY of flying aspects into the COMEDY "Airplane!"what a clever way to make one's point , yes ? God blessed this man with such great story-telling and musical abilities. ! LyndaFayeSmusic@Gmail. " A Wretch Like Me"

[@suzanneswanson7528]

Gosh, I love this ! Takes me back to when I lived in Texas and while I was cooking Thanksgiving dinner we'd listening to Arlo sing this. When all my musician friends arrived for dinner we'd sit around after eating, have a jam, and sing it over and over again... laughing and cutting up... Thanks for a memory of sweet times and lots of good music. Happy Thanksgiving, Arlo, Willie and family ~

[@tammyholladay1388]

Sounds like some good times and food

[@matthewkatz3556]

Sheer poetry! I did my pre-induction physical at #2 Whitehall Street too. Only difference: 1) I had a clean legal record and 2) I had a pulse. Got drafted (1967), survived.

[@timmyles314]

I never get tired of hearing this song. THANKS ARLO ! Lot's of memories.

[@lyndafaye6748]

Haven't had such a good laugh since they turned the TRAGEDY of flying aspects into the COMEDY "Airplane!"what a clever way to make one's point , yes ? God blessed this man with such great story-telling and musical abilities. ! LyndaFayeSmusic@Gmail. " A Wretch Like Me"

[@kt9166]

First time I ever heard this song was when one of our friends played it himself during a two week teenage Catholic summer camp in Colorado in 1970 or 71.. It was amazing! He knew it perfectly, as I found out when I heard the original recording later on that year. WOW! We loved this so much that we had him play it two more times during those wonderful two weeks. The whole fifteen minutes, and everyone at camp, counselors and all, gathered every time. One of the best memories of my wayward youth.

[@jerrycutler541]

Thank you, Arlo. We are the same age and I remember this song well!!❤️

[@michaelugan7824]

I was a guest of Willie nelson at this event. I had all access back stage pass.when I first stepped up back stage Arlo Guthrie was sitting on a wooden box pickens his guitar,I excused myself being polite in asking him for his autograph he said let me finish tuning my guitar and I'll come talk to you,was shocked that he was going to give me the time. Few minutes went buy he got up walked over signed the program I had with his picture in it said Thank you. We then had a 30 min conversation about motorcycle HD. Parted are ways. Later that evening my girlfriend and I went over to the chow tent( food fit for kings ) sat down to eat. And here comes Arlo Guthrie gets food and comes over sits down with us and we get back into good conversation again. This time when he got up to leave shakes my hand huged my girlfriend said it was a pleasure to meet us and hoped we could meet up again, there were many more artist we meet that night but Arlo stood out and gave us the best memories

[@terryjohnson4704]

This is my 33rd Thanksgiving in a row listening to this and God the memories it brings back are amazing

[@aprilfrye3782]

Listening to this song is my favorite Thanksgiving tradition. Glad my dad introduced me to it.

[@g7thnick]

This used to be my "party piece" when I was a kid.. All of it.. once emptied a student bar when they all came out to hear it.. Never expected to see my hero, Arlo, using a capo I would invent 30 years later!

[@dorothysnell9119]

The first time I heard this song I was truly AMAZED at how ARLO was able to remember the words since it was such a LONG song! I listened to it over & over UNTIL I learned the ALL the words! TO this day I CAN still sing along with ARLO! At 60 yrs old, that's a GOD DAM ACCOMPLISHMENT! ❤ ARLO ❤ THIS SONG!

[@guthriesfirstson2630]

Hello Dorothy Snell, This is my personal account where I get to speak with people that I find interesting on here, You caught my attention with your many adorable likes and it is very gratifying to receive your comment!

[@guthriesfirstson2630]

I thank you for just being an amazing fan - over the years and following my music ever so tenaciously😊🙌🏿🎶. Seriously - I’m so grateful

[@dorothysnell9119]

You're quite welcome! Awesome music deserves to be remembered and played as it was the first time "you heard it"!

[@davidlewis1680]

I remember this very well , never stopped singing this to my kids just swapped the names round “ you can get anything you want at Katy’s restaurant “ walk ride in it’s around the back just about a mile down the railroad track “ brilliant, thankyou for making my children like music .

[@LetArtsLive]

this is so damn good and he is still so good on PBS last night.I gotta hear this every thanks giving for the rest of my life.

[@riddz68]

Every Thanksgiving since I was a kid, my dad would be up about 6 am and start cooking for Thanksgiving. He'd put this CD on and crank up his stereo so the whole house would wake up to this song. How this song drove me nutts! He still does it.

[@mu5icphr3ak]

Has been The Thanksgiving Song in my Family for 50 years.

[@jerryfarmer5989]

Turkey day just isn't turkey day without Alices restaurant.

[@marthastephens2179]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. 2019 ..Timeless

[@246Goldie]

This song is as great today as it was 45 years ago. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

[@Cocobird5]

Such a pleasure to listen to this.

[@ColbyThompsonShiftHappens]

How can 300 people not like this???

[@mikeglasgow9618]

Liberals.....lol

[@trishjaggers]

Of course, I'm here, listening to this, the day after Thanksgiving. Listened to the older version yesterday. My 8-y-o granddaughter said, "Everything he repeats is important, isn't it, Nanny?" I'm a poet, and I've taught her that repetition is a form of rhyme. If it's important enough to repeat, it's important. She learns fast. She really learns fast. ;)

[@eternalhalloween1]

Did you see him on "The Muppet Show?"

[@roxannemoser]

A future poet! Thank God! I know you're a proud Nanny!

[@davidosso1858]

Stay Zen.

[@lyndafaye6748]

Some "songs" just ring out, when the POETRY bounces the words back and forth, Trish! When I want to wake up, I put on the City of New Orleans; when I need a good laugh, I put on alice's Restaurant again!Haven't had such a good laugh since they turned the TRAGEDY of flying aspects into the COMEDY "Airplane!"what a clever way to make one's point , yes ? God blessed this man with such great story-telling and musical abilities. ! LyndaFayeSmusic@Gmail. " A Wretch Like Me"

[@willgillis4207]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!!

[@javiercastro6747]

How about while talking! Telling the story -a true folk tale. I love Arlo. What a humor -fine, fine talent.

[@jacklyn6253]

Just today I heard the most amazing interview of a Jew-'ish' 'expert' . He wouldn't answer any direct questions by the reporter. He kept spewing venom towards Arabs in general instead. The interviewer said something along the lines of; 'you are going to have to change up your narrative because the global public is seeing it as a lie. Or are you ignorant?'

[@johnward6555]

Love this song never get tired of listening to it !

[@1957Maureen1]

Whoever interpreted the English language really tore the lyrics up! Great song with a great message to this day!

[@alshotrodsandratrods8780]

"But that's not what I came here to talk about." One of my favorite lines.

[@phillipferrell4067]

I'm impressed that he can remember all that after 40 years.

[@redskindan78]

I sang this song when I was in a similar situation. It cheered me up when I was frightened. As Arlo hoped, he was part of an Alice's Restaurant Movement. About 200,000 guys violated the Selective Service Law during Vietnam. Some returned their draft cards to their draft boards, some tore their cards, some burned them. So just ignored their draft notices, some went to Canada, and some walked in and refused induction. Selective Service sent all 200,000 files to the Justice Department, demanding that the DOJ prosecute everyone. Justice gasped, and indicted about 20,000, eventually bringing about 2,000 guys to trial. That was all the system could prosecute. We didn't know it then, and the Wise Grown-ups told us that we were silly and ineffective, but the people making a documentary about draft resisters, called "The Boys Who Said No", hit the government with a Freedom of Information Act request that revealed the numbers. Counting those who didn't bother to acknowledge an induction notice, far more than 50 people a day joined Arlo's Alice's Restaurant Entire Massacree Movement. Right on, Arlo!

[@jamesparlane9289]

A song like that only comes together once in a lifetime.

[@thatssoironic]

Thanksgiving 2021 and this is only my 7th year doing it, (thanks to my then girlfriend, now wife, Leslie, who showed me this wonderful tradition), and now we’ve got two boys and they’ve heard it every year of their lives so this will be an ongoing tradition with us going forward. This song is as powerful now as it ever was, and imo is a piece of American history, as well as a priceless art piece. Thanks Arlo, you’re an American treasure!

[@jamescooley7849]

Been my family tradition to listen to this for 42 years on Thanksgiving and still counting!

[@sueadoherty]

"You want to end war and stuff, you got to learn to sing loud ALL the time so people can hear you." Perfectly said, especially during the current war on Gaza where so much efoort is going into trying to silence voices for peace, humanity, and freedom for Palestinians. 🇵🇸 Love this live version of this iconic antiwar song.