Arlo Guthrie talks about his most famous song

[@JLH1956]

Thanksgiving is not Thanksgiving without the entire long version of Alice's Restaurant. It's been that way since 1967 and it will stay that way. "You can get anything you want, at Alice's Restaurant..."

[@DasDutchman56]

(Excepting Alice)

[@notsure9079]

@@DasDutchman56 of course

[@randymasonpeterson2435]

We were both jumping up and down on the psychiatrists couch yelling kill, kill, KILL, KILL, KILL ! !

[@fredhartwell2840]

Just walk right in, it's around the back!

[@Doomted90]

Just a half a mile from the railroad track!

[@ttroskeproductions]

My dad used to play it on his reel-to-reel and I was born in '61, and I remember listening to it with him... not sure if I was 4 or 6 or 8 when I first recall but I was young. He passed away in 2019. I just listened to it and it brought back memories of us listening to it together.

[@mosescordovero8163]

my favorite song of his by far is actually his City of New Orleans. i can listen to that song forever without ever getting tired of listening to it

[@ffjsb]

Mine too, His is the BEST version of that song. But the thing about Alice that makes it so good is that it's just funny as hell.

[@matthiasbreithaupt1391]

The City of New Orleans was a Steve Goodman song. I didn’t know that until I went to a Steve Martin concert in college, and Steve Goodman was the opening act. When he closed with New Orleans, he thanked Arlo for making it a hit. Then he stayed on stage when Steve Martin came out, who brought his banjo, and they treated us to a bluegrass jam before Martin’s comedy set. Good stuff.

[@AliceNaquin]

My name is Alice. I was 7 when this song came out. for the rest of my life, i have had people meet me, then begin to sing this song. especially the years that I was waitressing my way through college. thanks Arlo, for more attention than I ever wanted.

[@benkrom2737]

I believe it was 1984 my town had hired Arlo to play the town festival. It was stated that he would not play Alice's Restaurant. But when he saw all of us sitting on blankets on the green with are kids running around having a good time Alro finished a song then started talking about what he was looking at . He said we reminded him of a concert from the 60s and that he had a song he wanted to play . Then he played Alice's Restaurant and it was awesome. When I went to work and said the concert was great and that Arlo had done Alice's Restaurant, I was called a liar till I brought my town's paper in stating what I had said my coworkers went nuts that they hadn't gone. Keep on keeping on Arlo !

[@tjmb]

I read this in Arlo’s voice, almost feels like another song.

[@bryanlint9327]

I can't believe it's been 55 years. I remember when it first came out. It's part of our culture.

[@SuperBajafresh]

I concur, let's order. I'll have corn pancakes 🥞, bacon and eggs over easy.

[@JusticeAlways]

I still play Alice's Restaurant today...on Thanksgiving...😊

[@tomcloud54]

"Alice? Remember Alice? There's a song about Alice..."

[@neilforbes416]

@Tom Cloud: Were you living next door to Alice? Who the F&$K is Alice? LOL

[@gyrgrls]

After 24 years of living next door - are you kidding???

[@davidvincent1093]

I don't know when this story was done, but, I am glad to hear and see he is the same 'ol hippie we came to love and relate to. We have lost so many of the great singers over the last few years all I can say is Keep it up Arlo your fans will always have a spot in our heart for you

[@mikelheron20]

If you listen - no I mean REALLY listen to what he says you'll find subtle clues that answer your question: the song came out in 1967 and when the interview was recorded it was the 50th anniversary - almost to the day. Does that help at all?

[@jamesjacocks6221]

Where was his question? I detected no interrogative. Pretty neat smug shutoff all the same.@@mikelheron20

[@bossfan49]

@@mikelheron20 '67 plus 50 = 2017. but this video was posted in Oct. 2015. So as you say "if you REALLY listen" he does state that he began writing the song in 1965...so it's the 50th anniv if its creation, not it's release.

[@ffggddss]

"We have lost so many of the great singers over the last few years..." Add to that, when his dad Woody came down with Huntington's, the genetic disease that took him out at 55, at about to the time Arlo was debuting Alice's Restaurant, there was a real worry that Arlo could well have inherited Huntington's, and go the same sad way. Luckily, this seems not to be the case. Fred

[@dougmanatt4317]

Arlo is amazing. Thanks for this piece!

[@MsMurph78]

Love you arlo

[@ffggddss]

I'm Arlo's age, give or take a few months, and I remember learning this song in college. The album came out about a year into my learning to play, so it was quite a challenge, but so damn fun! Fred

[@jerryjanik480]

My dad has this album and we would listen to it every Thanksgiving still do but now it's on KZbin can we have our we have now have my niece and nephew listening to it fathers in the 60s myself and my siblings are in our 30s we still love this song become a family tradition to listen to the song on Thanksgiving become my tradition to listen to this on November 1st

[@DasDutchman56]

Daaaaaaang, I was 13 when this song came out. I bought the Album, learned to play the song and made all my friends laugh. Thanks Arlo !

[@HTJB60]

I've been listening to this for 50 year's ?????????? WOW, can I really be that old. A true story teller and an enjoyable 20 min's every listen..... Anyone who's not seen the film..... Find it & watch it..... Fantastic and as good as the song.

[@Handleviz]

Phenomenal man that genuinely cares about people and his fans. Love the man. Much respect.

[@fastwheels195]

I'm retired military and from when I was a kid I've listened to this every year no matter where I was around the world. So many times I had to buy the tape again because I wore out the old one. I also watch the movie every year. Love Arlo he is an amazing artist with all his music

[@BHAKTIBROPHY]

Yes, thank you for this interview. Not only the song, but the movie: funny and brilliant!

[@Jotinko]

HUGE case of irony. I first heard this song while driving to the Dump with my Dad to throw away some of some spoiled food from my Grandma's pantry on Thanksgiving weekend 2015 (50 year anniversary of the story). HOW?!?!!?!?!?!?!?! haven't I discovered it sooner.

[@francesschatz3131]

ConvictedAshes Q

[@AlexanderSpear]

My mother bought Alice's Restaurant (My Place) from Alice, and used to play the song every night.

[@bethb7965]

I grew up with this music. My Dad and I used to sing and play guitar together. He loved playing City of New Orleans and Alice's Restaurant. I feel fortunate to have grown up with folk music of the 60's!!! No other music like it.

[@guthriesfirstson2630]

Hello Beth B, Compliments of the season to you. I thank you for just being an amazing fan - over the years and following my music. Seriously - I’m so grateful to be able to share my music 🎶 to the world ♥️

[@RemiPut]

Coming into Los Angeles is my favorite song !

[@rickbutler1058]

Alice restaurant also

[@gearoiddom]

Yeah beats Alice for me too. Both great though. I've a lot of time for Arlo. Grade A live show. He is a man with stories and he can pick a guitar.

[@darlenesmith943]

Bringin in a couple keys!

[@nancysherburne7445]

I feel so lucky to be able to see Arlo Guthrie in concert. I had moved to Tucson in 1972, but I have no recollection of the year I took the Greyhound bus to Phoenix to see him. I couldn't believe it when he sang Alice's Restaurant, Deportees, the 1812 Massacre, Reuben Clamzo and His Daughter in the Key of A, and so many more of his hit songs. I may not be able to recall the concert itself, but I was thrilled to be a part of the audience.

[@ColonelMarcellus]

I had forgotten this song for years, until one day I was driving in town on a Thanksgiving afternoon and heard the whole dayum long version.

[@janicmuirhead7210]

MarcellusTheGreen

[@ffggddss]

(Entire Massacree) Fred

[@susiewheeler8197]

God Bless you my mom was working in a shop in Sebastian .Fl and your mom and daughter came in and she said she'd waited on them-how do I explain Alices Resturant?

[@mikephillips6453]

The Woody Guthrie Grammy museum is in Tulsa and there is currently an Arlo Guthrie exhibit on display. He was here last month and spoke about Alice's Restaurant and growing up with his father, Pete Seeger and Ramblin' Jack Elliott.

[@coldlakealta4043]

In 2022 my grandchildren refer to a time out as going to the Group W bench. I'm very proud of that!

[@amyjohns8640]

he's still amazing

[@angelofanella7860]

Arlo has such a nice attitude. So positive. And upbeat

[@mikedooly7288]

I saw him in the Seattle Opera house. That man had everyone on their feet singing. It was incredible. See him if you can.

[@disqusmacabre6246]

I've see both artist separately but the show I would **love** to see would be Arlo and Jphn Sebastion. Sebastion is so comfortable and at home telling stories to his audience. In addition, Sebastion is a great harmonica player and could blend right in with Arlo. Saw Sebadtion last year with David Bromberg. Great show but I'm convinced that an Arlo / Sebastian show would be even better.

[@caseyjoanz]

Disqus Macabre - Yep! Catskills Blues is real, they know their audience (Dylan’s first muse, Suze Rotolo, used to be there) and they know their craft and always deliver. I miss David Bromberg!

[@kimquinn7728]

Saw him i 1980 at UMASS Performing Arts Center, Amherst MA with Pete Seeger. Absolutely fantastic. They wanted you to participate and become involved. The very young and folks 70ish were there. Priceless. And....we sang these songs we love with them.

[@jago76]

Best song: The City of New Orleans, the best railroad song ever!

[@ibleebinU]

Agree with you!

[@michaeldavis5775]

I always liked that song. Willie Nelson does a good job on it too.

[@georgelayton6641]

Arlo made that popular, Steve Goodman wrote it. I remember in one of Arlo's renditions, leading up to the song, he says, "Here's a song i stole from Steve Goodman." or something on those lines. He was kidding about stealing it and really just giving a nod out to Steve.

[@excavatoree]

@@georgelayton6641 The story of Steve Goodman buying Arlo a beer is classic.

[@moebeddah2288]

@excavatoree " ...one of the better beers of my life"

[@skavies2351]

He was my first concert, and probably will be my last one when he comes to Tuhill college next year. I was roughly 3 years old, so of course I don't remember it at all, but I do remember camping on the sidewalk in a tent for the tickets and mooching lots of those packets of crackers with the spreadable cheese and red plastic sticks from a nearby tent. I was later told by my mother who took me (and isn't a reliable source of information, since she was a complete pothead) that we got tickets in one of the back corners. Arlo started the concert with "Hello (Berkeley?) not sure what city it was in, but it was the San Francisco bay area. The crowd of course replied in unison Hello Arlo, and on que which only a stupid little kid could manage, in the pause that followed, I shout out Hewo Arwo. Arlo leaned over to one of the guys on stage, and a minute later, we were escorted to a front centerish table. (table seating in some sort of club, not a theater). I wish I could remember something other than mooching cheese and crackers, but that was 45ish years ago. So I plan on getting baked and not remembering this concert either.

[@janetownley]

Skavies Great story, thanks

[@alyoshakaramazov8469]

I'm 70. I've lived and traveled all over the world. But 35 years ago when we lived in Boston, Massachusetts, I would load my family in the station wagon and we would drive out to and around Eastern Massachusetts "looking for Alice's Restaurant." We never did find it. But we found a lot of other things, I guess, so it was ok enough. Yeah, LBJ crocked up the Viet Nam thing, but as Arlo said, "You can't have a light without a dark to stick it in." Alice's Restaurant was one light from my youth that I have shared with my children and now I'm playing it on the guitar for my grandchildren.

[@dougmillett8622]

Outstanding 🎉

[@tomshiba51]

He looks and sounds pretty good now. His philosophy of knowing nothing but his music is actually a very stable way to live. He left himself no choice but to continue on course through storms and sunny skies, and he is still underway.

[@tylerhurd9569]

@@RatedArggg they just need a little tickle.

[@kimwatson7463]

My daughter and I saw you in Colorado Springs! We both religiously listen Alice together on Thanksgiving! It was so special for us. It was the extra long version with Nixon and the missing minutes of tape! Thanks for singing this song for 50 years! As a 68 year old woman it has made every Thanksgiving sooooo special! ❤

[@sjtom57]

Wow, Arlo got old. Geez, so did I.

[@steppenwolf408]

we are have grown old. We were born the 1950's and drafted in the 60's Now my hair hat was once red is now gray

[@Tull1996]

But the cool thing with Arlo (as far as I know, anyway) is that he didn't go the "dye your hair, wear a toupee and get plastic surgery to look young" route that so many other celebs have.....he seems to have embraced the journey, rather than hide it.

[@chrisknight9682]

@@Tull1996 well he obviously hasn't gone with the enhancements 😊 maybe this was further advice, like his mom's, that had to be avoided , or just left until later, if needed .

[@Tull1996]

I just checked that out....that was pretty cool....I wasn't familiar with Brockett.....good call..

[@Juliamiller56]

Yes we've all gotten older, some of us fatter but that's what happens if you KEEP LIVING. His hair is GLORIOUS, wish mine was that pretty!

[@giovannidemedicidallebande3822]

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ITALY 😘🍾❤🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹

[@janetownley]

GIOVANNI DE MEDICI 1962 Dalle Bande Nere - Merry Christmas Italy! Ciao 😁🙏🏻

[@giovannidemedicidallebande3822]

@@janetownley Ciaoooooo ...from Milan

[@fredhartwell2840]

I memorized and use to recite this back in 68 when I was on guard duty!

[@randymasonpeterson2435]

You served in the forces? I guess you never had to sit on the group W bench then?

[@kd7mvs]

My introduction to this song was when my Social Studies teacher played it in class, back in 5th grade? Probably the 1969/1970 school year. He also read Judith Merrill's The Pushcart War to us.

[@lancesoterion435]

I read the "Pushcart War" on my own when I was in fifth grade. Long live Morris the Florist! Now I drive a truck.

[@jimearnest4342]

I don't want a pickle,I just wanna ride on my motorcycle. And I don't wanna die,I just wanna ride on my motorbike.

[@alpha-omega2362]

wrong: its motorcickle........motorcie....

[@burtderrick3501]

Nope, “and I don’t wanna die, just wanna ride on my motor--cyyyy====kle (On one verse anyway. The other is motorcikle}

[@anonymike8280]

Incompatible objectives.

[@festival5920]

If I want to annoy my wife, all I have to do is sing that chorus.

[@johnneedy3164]

There was a restaurant in Vietnam, Chu Chi ,and the name was " Alice's restaurant 👋👋👋✌✌✌🖖🖖🖖I was there in 1970👋

[@johnrunion7258]

Yeah,it had a VC trap door in the kitchen,lol.'68-'69,glad you made it home,bro.

[@baronsaturday2103]

Just saw the DVD (Film, ALICE'S RESTAURANT - 1969) a couple of weeks ago, love it very much, great era, etc... Love ya, Arlo! Greetings from Holland ;)

[@ruthlewis6678]

I know folk music never really went away but it has been bubbling under the surface and I think it is time for it to break the surface. We need it now.

[@philipatoz]

He's morphed into Grandpa Walton!

[@amageingrace]

That is so funny that you say that! Did you know that Grandpa Walton was played by Will Geer who was one of Woody Guthrie's closest friends? He and Pete Seeger and Woody sang together as organizers in migrant labor camps when they were young men!

[@bossfan49]

I'd say his most famous song is "City of New Orleans".

[@charlespeterson348]

I was told he stole that song

[@bossfan49]

@@charlespeterson348 it was written by Steve Goodman but the Arlo Guthrie recording is the famous one.

[@janetownley]

Micheal Mccann - Woody Guthrie was awesome

[@philochristos]

I wish he'd do a KZbin tutorial on how to play it.

[@kingrobert1st]

I can teach you...

[@2tycade]

I've always liked Arlo because he is a good person, has his own singing style and sound, puts on a good show, and is down to earth and makes good sense in trying to please the fans. He's a great entertainer and you always get your money's worth.

[@bobhairgrove312]

Life would not have been half as fun without Alice's Restaurant "the Movie" a classic without high tech scenes and a great satiric story about the Moronic establishment we had to live under.

[@TrucksNRats]

the man the myth the legend

[@williamdaniels6943]

city of new orleans! THE BEST!

[@alpha-omega2362]

actually, if you ever hear his version of Shenandoah, you might be surprised. I think it's the best out there....

[@bossfan49]

.but Arlo didn't write it.

[@williamdaniels6943]

@@bossfan49 who did?

[@bossfan49]

@@williamdaniels6943 Steve Goodman, who also co-wrote David Allan Coe's "You Never Even Called Me By My Name" with John Prine.

[@jamesgriego1089]

I like the poetic song, Catch The Wind.

[@bryanlint9327]

His father was a famous song writer from the 1930's. His music modeled the Great Depression.

[@samdill36]

i remember exactly where i was when i first heard alice's restaurant, the whole scene, laughing, relating to the stoned country hippie vibe that was in the air....very interesting times

[@michaelknapp8961]

I met him in 1997 in Vermont. What a nice nice guy!!! Very approachable very friendly.

[@rosario508]

I had the pleasure of seeing him twice. My favorite song is Coming Into Los Angeles.

[@janetownley]

Ross Cicero Yes!!

[@kenvandevoort7820]

I first heard Alice when I was in the Air Force. Like he said, I probably bought my album at the BX.

[@livefree6455]

Graduating high school in 1967 with a draft card (no lottery) this song really spoke to me and my best friend. Six months later I was in the Navy and Jim the Marines. We beat the draft! Jim spent a year as a helo gunner and I spent a couple of years trapsing between Danang, Vong Tau, and Carm Rahn bay. But we are still here and beat the draft. I play Alices Restuarant whenever I can for my boys.

[@357HFC]

Arlo may not be Famous/Wealthy etc, but HE was successful, says this Aussie.

[@KarenYPauly]

He is famous and has endless wealth by living his life - his way. He seems to honor his family in all he does. Owns multiple properties, etc.. I love him!

[@douglasharp2278]

Arlo and his renowned father Woodie are national treasures.

[@marybarry2230]

Nothing great is ever easy! Arlo is a national treasure.

[@guthriesfirstson2630]

Hello Mary Barry, Compliments of the season to you. I thank you for just being an amazing fan - over the years and following my music. Seriously - I’m so grateful to be able to share my music 🎶 to the world ♥️

[@exthomes]

Your the best Arlo.

[@barbarahering484]

I listened to this every time we went to my in-laws house for thanksgiving. It was on the radio every year for years.

[@guthriesfirstson2630]

Hello Barbara Hering, Compliments of the season to you. I thank you for just being an amazing fan - over the years and following my music. Seriously - I’m so grateful to be able to share my music 🎶 to the world ♥️

[@neilforbes416]

Not many people will remember, but there was an actual movie made, based on the song, "Alice's Restaurant". Arlo Guthrie starred in it, as himself, and there was a scene in the movie where Arlo visited his father, Woody Guthrie in hospital(Woody succumbed to Huntington's Disease not long after).

[@susanrotella7647]

I used to see him and David Bromberg at Westbury music fair back in the 70's.Loved evey minute.

[@bpkmm3048]

I saw Arlo at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium back in probably the last 70's. He said at the beginning of the show he wasn't going play it. Awww. At one point, he worked the melody into a song for a bar or 2. Everyone erupted, but that was it.

[@Skorpio420]

I saw Arlo Guthrie in 1996. He didn’t sing “Alice’s Restaurant.” I didn’t have a problem with it.

[@bobmarlowe3390]

I don't want a pickle...

[@baltsosser]

I know him best for the Pickle song but I do appreciate this one.

[@ffggddss]

Yeah, _The Motorcycle Song._ It, too, is on his first album, _Alice's Restaurant._ My own favorite on that album was _Highway in the Wind._ I found that it works quite nicely in the tuning, E A C# F# B E (middle 2 strings down 1 semitone), in the key of A. Fred

[@paulbrasier372]

Was blessed to spend an hour with Arlo after a show in 83 talking about his dad Woody who i was a big fan of.

[@rmarty550]

One of my first albums, I wore it out.

[@mikehowell2779]

I'm wondering does he still have the old mecadies convertible that was restored in central Illinois

[@anthonyfoutch3152]

Arlo has retired but remember you can get anything you like at Alice's restaurant. What was the name of Alice's Restaurant?

[@terriecotham1567]

I remember seeing the movie Bound for Glory were David Kardean ? Spelling play woodey And I fell in love with the sound track as well. If you have never seen it do as it seems to speak of hard times and good people

[@hanserikkratholmrasmussen6623]

I wish I´d done the same. I was foolish enough to learn to do something else, and this something else turned out being my faith for many years. Being a senior citizen though, I have the pleasure to focus on my music again, wich gives me a meaningful life now.

[@billyprice342]

I think that he could sing the a.b.c. and it would be great. He's got to be a a American icon. I did get lp in 67.

[@markgigiel2722]

Being a very old toker, we are finally doing the right things with MJ albeit slowly. Comin' into Los Angeles was our anthem back in the day. Long Live Arlo. He still owns the church from Alice's Restaurant and does great things there.

[@leewarry8641]

I remember going to the pictures to see the movie when I was a teen .best movie of the day .

[@jaredf921]

18.5 mins, babe.

[@johnholcombe6505]

+Jared M. Feldschreiber 18min 20 secs :)

[@Goodroosters]

the revisted one is about 22 minutes and 30 seconds now.

[@ob1kenob738]

Just about the time it takes to eat Thanksgiving dinner.

[@RatedArggg]

I heard him sing this in concert. He stopped halfway through and said, "This is a LONG song."

[@janetandrews1306]

Great 👍🏼 song

[@guthriesfirstson2630]

Hello Janet Andrews, Compliments of the season to you. I thank you for just being an amazing fan - over the years and following my music. Seriously - I’m so grateful to be able to share my music 🎶 to the world ♥️

[@jameswilliamjohnson]

He played at the University of South Carolina in the late 1980s. We all hollered for the song but he wouldn't play it. What a bummer!

[@anonymike8280]

Hey, what did the song say? You can get whatever you want, at Alice's restaurant. Except Alice.

[@jerryjanik480]

Myself my brother and my sister and my father listen to Alice's Restaurant every Thanksgiving since my siblings were in Middle School we have passed that tradition down to my niece and nephew we are in are thirties now my dad 60s my mom cannot stand the song my mom knows this we got to listen to this before the Lions play

[@susanrotella7647]

I used to see him and David Bromberg at Westbury music fair back in the ,70's and it was more than awesome.

[@guthriesfirstson2630]

Hello Susan Rotella, Compliments of the season to you. I thank you for just being an amazing fan - over the years and following my music. Seriously - I’m so grateful to be able to share my music 🎶 to the world ♥️

[@MichaelMcCausland-pg6qs]

Come play Arlo at Alice’s restaurant on La Honda and skyline Boulevard near half Moon Bay California

[@joekurtz8303]

Dont touch my bags if you please Mr Customs man.......

[@sharonsheehy3128]

Love his music 🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@halbiggiam3320]

'' I Don't Want A Pickle'' is my mantra every Spring. The signifigance of the pickle is so important . Long live Arlo.

[@jintzie1950jth]

My sister loved Arlo Guthrie so much!

[@martinpope3835]

AND NOBODY MENTIONED "PERCY'S SONG"...here in phx, in '70 that song played hourly on the radio.

[@scottthomas7916]

Great interview

[@johnrunion7258]

I've always thought of Arlo as the Norman Rockwell of Folk-rock.He is a genius at composition and presentation of his story lyric.It would be really awesome to be around the campfire with this guy.

[@davidblanchard7730]

I had dinner at Alice's Restaurant two months ago.

[@radamson1]

I don't want to pickle just wanta ride my motorcycle

[@ssmt2]

I must have lucked out. I saw him in concert in 85 or 86 and the last song that he did was "Alice's Restaurant".

[@GunCollector007]

Where did time go? 50 years!

[@gidgetrose9251]

Love that song and the movie!

[@FistandFootMartialArts]

I saw him in a medium sized club in Omaha, in the mid-90s. He didn't do Alice, "... and we didn't really expect it..." It was STILL a great show! Someone did call it out, but either he didn't hear it, or just acted like he didn't. It was pretty funny either way.

[@catlynnearkin8825]

I love Arlo👍❤️

[@Buddha-of8fk]

We listen to it every Thanksgiving.

[@gooshnpupp]

Ask him about the pickle!!!!

[@discnmandoe9667]

20 yrs ago my dad gave me a book about Woodie Guthrie, wow that opened my mind about America

[@ronaldharris7639]

Saw Alice’s Restaurant when it first came out.didnt know what to expect.came away with a grin

[@markrush5013]

i saw Arlo do the song in Nashville ....in awe!