Tom T. Hall - Pay No Attention To Alice (She's Drunk All The Time)

"Alice put your ashes in that ash tray, I swear woman, you're gonna burn down the house" - "Pay No Attention To Alice" by Tom T. Hall. Complete lyrics below.
Vocals: Tom T. Hall
Words and Music: Tom T. Hall
Original Album: For The People In The Last Hard Town (Mercury Records - 1973
Lyrics:
Spoken: I went to see an old army buddy of mine to do some drinking
And his wife had become an alcoholic and I wrote a song about it...
Pay no attention to Alice she's drunk all the time
Hooked on that wine, bunches of it and it ruined her mind
Pay no attention to Alice they say she's a sot, sane she is not
But she loves it and it's all she's got
She made that apple pie from a memory
Made them biscuits from a recollection that she had
She cooked that chicken too long but she don't know that
Oh what the hell it ain't too bad
Pay no attention to Alice she's drunk all the time
Hooked on that wine, bunches of it and it ruined her mind
Pay no attention to Alice they say she's a sot, sane she is not
But she loves it and it's all she's got
Don't talk about the war I was a coward
Talk about fishing and all the good times raising hell
Empty that one down we'll get another
It's gettin' late, we might as well
Well we ran your car into a ditch man don't sweat it
I know Ben down at the Shell Station and he'll get it out
Alice put your ashes in that ashtray
I swear woman you're gonna burn down the house
Pay no attention to Alice she's drunk all the time...

[@batticusmanacleas510]

The subtle message that Alice isn't the only alcoholic, that sometimes it's easier to see the problems in others than your own, is top-tier writing.

[@richardnamber813]

I read in forum that is actually the army buddy that's the drunk, listen to the lyrics. He's ragging on her, if you listen to lyrics him and his buddy are the drunker, but I am as well

[@LaneBarnett-py1rm]

Wow, you are correct.. i didnt pick that up but that you much.

[@LaneBarnett-py1rm]

@gregnormal5101 yeah I'm a fan..

[@zuzuspetals29]

This song's not about Alice at all-- it's about her husband, the war vet who felt guilty. He's the one who runs the car into the ditch, & is on first name basis with the local mechanic. He's got the problem that he's avoiding acknowledging, so he's projecting it onto his wife, and just pretending in front of his visiting friend. And his friend, who sees thru this performance, knows the real truth-- & God love her, so does Alice. Tom T. Hall is a master.

[@frankkelch4553]

I think you're somewhat confused.I

[@mouseman6942]

zuzuspetals29 That's the biggest crop of crap I've ever heard. The song is just about guy he used to know in the army, went to visit and the man's wife was drunk as always. This is just a conversation between the two old army buddies, one of which has a wife that is a sot. You are just trying to read too much into this tune......

[@melaniedaniels7298]

zuzuspetals29 Exactly ....I know so many people, who I've introduced Tom to, who just don't get it. If you point the finger at someone else people might not see your problems.....I spent all night at the bar then wrecked the car but Alice burned that dam chicken.

[@mouseman6942]

Melanie: It's just a song about two old friends doing what they did years ago, drinking a beer or two and talking about the war. Alice is just someone with a problem that she can't control. Now, her husband might have caused the problem, but nothing more than that. You need to quit name dropping and just let people enjoy the song....

[@derrickphillips4026]

The song has double-edged irony. Alice may have a drinking problem, but so does her husband ("Empty that one down,we'll have another"), but he is in denial about his own. Tom T. is a master of such irony. There's a reason why he's been called the Ernest Hemingway of country music.

[@mycatslistentome]

Mr. Hall's words don't always line up and that is what is special about his songs. He could take a scoop of broken glass, put it in a bag, shake it and pour out new marbles.

[@williamwinslow4409]

One of the best country songs ever written, especially for a listener who has or had an alcoholic in his or her family; make that one of the best songs in any genre!

[@votkalemon2276]

You've hit the nail on the head William, I hope you are doing well all these years later.. not all of today's generation has forgotten about real country music.. 21 here and I'm drunk all the time, since about 16 - 17..

[@PapaFixit]

You don't have to suffer, you don't have to do it alone. AA helped me, they can help you too. One day at a time.

[@CAROLUSPRIMA]

Someone has already implied this, but T is absolutely the most fearless songwriter I've ever known or been aware of. I have written with him and saw early on that he doesn't have this little critical voice whispering in his ear that has kept many a song from being written. Sometimes I think all it takes to be a songwriter is just being able to make that irritating voice just shut up. But it won't. It's right there telling you that the rhyme isn't close enough, that the song sounds too worked over, that the first two lines are too weak, that the title is too long, that the idea is overused . . . it just won't hush. T just gets in down on a piece of paper, throws it at you and says "There it is; it's just a song. Not to be compared with any other song just as a novel is not to be compared with another novel. It's its own thing and it's finished because I said so."

[@horsehide3039]

Well said, brother. I read his song writing book and been a fan for years and believe you are right.

[@horsehide3039]

Jay Motensen Ha, didn't mean to be insulting, I see your name may be Carol, no offense intended. No editing of comments on this format. Apologies.

[@CAROLUSPRIMA]

Jay Motensen I know what it's like to be insulted on this medium and rest assured, were I a female your statement does not begin to rise to the level of an insult. But I'm not. Here's a hint should you encounter a similar situation - which you most assuredly will not: Latin names ending in "us" are male; names ending in "ia" are female and generally are a derivative of the father's name. For example Julius Caesar's daughter was named Julia. In Roman times my daughter would be named Carolia. Actually Ceasar's name would be spelled ILIVS and his daughter would be spelled IVLIA. There were no Js and Us in the Latin language. Now that I've written a mini-treatise I'll thank you for your kind words. I'll pass them along to T. He hears about his songs all the time but I sense that he truly wanted to be an author of books so he'll appreciate this.

[@edwinbalch2069]

AMEN

[@mandograssable]

Great comment, I'm going start using the phrase, "It's it's own thing and it's finished because I said so", on all my own songwriting.

[@billcbren]

Compassion is what I hear from Tom T. Hall.

[@lincolnmaceachern2410]

That, in my opinion, was John Prine's greatest strength, too.

[@eltorojoe]

one of the best and underrated country stars of all time

[@markrush5013]

he is under rated? where have you been?

[@jonsmith7667]

Drink, .....Big T is not and never was underated

[@5112Levi5112]

"She made that apple pie from a memory, made them biscuits from a recollection that she had....."

[@wilfredheggart647]

swell hello colon my friend

[@johnmackenzie8573]

We all need an Alice. God bless you girl. Tom T nails life again.

[@64fairlane305]

yup, an intelligent man with a big heart

[@harveyhyland2191]

TomT.Hall and Bobby Bare have been friends for years, TomT wrote songs Bare made famous I think the world of both of them.

[@mouseman6942]

Harvey Hyland Which songs of Tom T's did Bare do? I don't recall a hit that Bare had on any Tom T song..

[@StevenSpolar]

+mouse man - Bare had a hit with "Margie's At The Lincoln Park Inn" that peaked at #4 on Billboard in 1969 and "That's How I Got To Memphis" that made it to #4 on the Billboard charts.

[@mouseman6942]

Steven Spolar Didn't know about "Margie's", but I just forgot about "That's How I Got to Memphis"... Thanks for shaking my brain. Mouse Man

[@ronaldsims6247]

Tom gets it right with all his music by keeping it simple telling us a story of every day life a man of rare talent

[@deseanjackson1987]

Best line in the song-Alice put your ashes in the ashtray i swear woman youre gonna burn down the house

[@lesleybryant7557]

Farewell Tom, you have left us with some awesome music to cherish R.I.P.

[@jayjaynella4539]

And so much of it never made its way onto radio airplay or even into his concerts.

[@John-l5i5q]

Top dog here, not a fake outlaw like cash, Chris, Willie ,Waylon. RIP TOM.

[@billwhite7099]

Tom T's greatness is so dang unassuming. GREAT SONG

[@FarleyHillBilly]

Back when people wrote songs.

[@thegmen5757]

All three of 'em are drunks. Listen to the opening line: " I went to see an old army buddy of mine to do some drinking. . . "

[@jayjaynella4539]

Now that you mention it, it is not just about Alice.

[@RickfromFresno1]

Wow, I read through some of the comments. It amazes me how people try to pick it apart and understand it's meaning. About 1972, I was around 8 yrs old. We were stationed in Baumholder, Germany. I remember my Dad got the album at the PX and played it on his console stereo. Told my Mom, " This song is for you"....My Mom drank with him but neither we're alcoholic. They had other couples that came over on a Friday/Saturday night. Cards, drinks, always country music on the stereo. It was a different time and a much different generation. A simpler time. Domestic vilance was more so in the home...and times change. Like has been posted, each of us interprets differently. Personally, for years I felt the song was a poke fun at Alice but as I grow older and remember my own past, everyone drank.....

[@ericfreeman2663]

The song is not about Alice having a problem. It is his war buddy with the problem, Tom, brilliantly tells the story in first person and the empathy flows...can't you just see his eyes meet Alice's and how awkward it may have been...(obvious)-Brilliant song!

[@mouseman6942]

Eric Freeman Apparently you didn't listen to the intro to the song. "I went to see an old army buddy of mine to do some drinking and his wife had become an alcoholic and I wrote a song about it". Can't get much plainer than that!! Some of you folk's driveway doesn't go all the way to the street!!

[@StevenSpolar]

+mouse man - The song is open to interpretation, as Tom T. is the vehicle that brings to us the facts of the story and we are left to decide for ourselves what it's all about and that is the beauty of every Tom T. Hall song. He never judges, embellishes or clouds the stories he tells. These people can be you, me, your neighbor, PTA President, Lady Preacher or the man who shot himself down the street. I believe that somewhere in all the comments of those attempting to interpret this song, is the truth. This is the reason Tom's songs are timeless and relevant. Personally, I enjoy hearing everybody's input on Tom T's songs and I never grow tired of listening to his music because, as I grow older and experience life, I develop more of an understanding of its context. In a Tom T. Hall song, less is definitely more and those who wish to add their input should not be silenced, as life is not that simple.

[@mouseman6942]

+Steven Spolar Not sure what all that crap means, but I've lived in this town and have been playing music for over 30 years and I have talked to a lot of writers. Believe me when I tell you and whoever else is reading this, that being philosophic is not the intent when most writers sit down to pen a tune. They have an idea and most of the time a "hook" and that's it. From that point they just try to be clever, not cute and make it as tight a possible. Most songs that are written here in Nashville are for the money not the message. The message must make money or it will never get cut...All that stuff you say sounds good, but remember, a lot of the best songs NEVER get cut, NEVER!!

[@StevenSpolar]

mouse man - You obviously know nothing about Tom T. Hall - If it was all about the money for him, he wouldn't have bothered to cut any songs. You are correct in one aspect of the business and that aspect fits what Nashville and its current songwriters are mostly about today. This is why there is so much crap on the radio and why I , and hoards of others, choose not to listen to or buy "today's country. There is a Tom T. Hall song you should listen to and it's called "Country Cabin-Itis". I uploaded it on KZbin and if you listen you'll hear the line, "I am not concerned with money,I am not concerned with toys, didn't they tell you Jesus was a country boy". That song was written by Tom T. Hall and it contradicts what you think you know about the man. You say you are a writer, but you "don't know what all that crap means"? Good luck sir.

[@StevenSpolar]

+mouse man - kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2m2cndqdtaIbrc

[@RichardMcCarthy]

Mr Tom T Hall Was One Of The Best Singers That Ever Lived

[@kevvy1908]

This song made me cry - the tears just rolled down my cheeks.

[@wilfredheggart647]

i care kevin you werent a coward

[@jessehudson7113]

Me to it made me think of my sister Gay Lynn...

[@johnnygoolie2451]

He will do it I think we all know an Alice

[@hirdy6]

Love you Tom, made me cry again.

[@jmtv1963]

My heart breaks for Alice.

[@John-l5i5q]

My favorite line, she made that apple pie from a memorie

[@austin1fiddler]

Just could have been a John Prine song. Uncanny

[@mycatslistentome]

People have relatives, friends, spouses that have obvious addictions. Often the problems are ignored whether it is because of love of dependency or fear of embarrassment. Perhaps the song is about someone putting up with an alcoholic and being unable to do anything about it. Sometimes the house has to burn down before anybody tries to help that person. This is just my opinion and not meant to change anyone's minds..

[@larryalfred4246]

Tom T had an amazing memory. I saw him perform once at the Smithsonian in DC, He sang the Clayton Delaney song, and mentioned that the place Delaney played at was near New Paris, Ohio. I grew up very close to there and talked my way backstage after the show to talk to him. I asked him if he remembered the name of the bar. Tom T thought for a few seconds, ignored my incorrect suggestions, and pulled the name "Buckeye Gardens" from his memory. There had indeed been a place by that name near New Paris. Must have been a rough place since I knew a kid whose father had tended bar there and had his throat cut there one night and died. Tom T remembered the name of that place over 30 years later.

[@lesslisilverman]

jeez, thanks for the memories.

[@jayjaynella4539]

Great writers have great memories. Wonderful story there.

[@walterkersting1362]

Don't talk about the war, I was a coward...

[@GreatgramaMcCormick]

Oh. MOM! Ha, ha. She was so worried, for so long! So she did get on a roll for a few months. But I never noticed approaching 1/3 bottle ot wine gone. I wasn't spying. I'm Just the quantifying corner-of-my-eye type And, . She no doubt burned it off. Always full time work. Then. Keeping a loving rapport with her 10 kids. And.. sometimes.. Hypomania. Like --> 😜 Oh yeah. Dad's Leash 🤣

[@joluttringer4450]

Thanks for upload AND BIG THANKS FOR ALL COMMENTS on this page. From France : Jo Luttringer

[@makeupqueen27]

❤

[@lindadustin9975]

I'm liken Tom T and Donald J wish um both the best.

[@richardnamber813]

I read that it's actually his friend that's the boozer, but it's giving her hell in denial or something, it starts went to see a buddy to drink, you ran your car into a ditch, empty that 1 will get another ECT

[@paul-young]

My dad played this for his sister Alice. Ha. She wasnt a heavy drinker. He played it as a joke on her. Memories. I like Tom T. Not sure why he did what he did at the end.

[@mycatslistentome]

If it's about a scoop of broken glass it was the same thing to me as saying anything that Mr. Hall writes is gold and the words are so simple but the meaning/feeling is much more than those words. If it's not about that i'm just too dense to explain anything else to you.. Have a great day and a super moon

[@brad04970]

Thanks for up-loading this song by a Great Man. It was a Fine Time to listen to Country Music..

[@jeweldotson5280]

Came here for Pay No Attention To Alice, was amazed at the add just chilling

[@coolcarley100]

I here the music sounds like Tracy Lawrence --- Time Marches On.

[@dwanelong4873]

he.said it best.bout the old grey .black gentleman .he is the kindest .niest man I ever met in my life

[@dumb7890]

If you don't "Get it " that is most likley a good thing

[@jeandemaertelaere4375]

Great storyteller , and great song to

[@robertromine4507]

R.I.P.

[@nooriahmohdnor6504]

His voice and songs,are similar to Bobby Bare,what say you

[@zaaritha]

His lyrics is the best!

[@Contakum]

This song is kind of hard to take when you actually listen to the lyrics. It's depressing. A wife turns to alcoholism after her alcoholic husband disappoints her.

[@billcbren]

Life.

[@wilfredheggart647]

life is good with my woman sam i gotta go i am wasting cassette tape i am sams new man tonight is your own bad night for treating my woman the way you d for make my sam cry you should be ashamed of yourself

[@pistroliakrazies]

RIP Tom T Hall.

[@philgiesbrecht]

You are SO right, wright, write, or what ever

[@larmar]

Life is not as illustrated.

[@markrush5013]

tom t wrote more songs than you've had pisses.

[@7heavenlyvirtues]

Howdy!

[@david41686]

Pay no attention to Aliice. Just love her, remember her. Love this song.

[@timweiss896]

I just cant say anything. oh my god.

[@brendenshannon380]

Hits home to me. My image of an alcoholic is a woman not a wino in a dirty raincoat. Thank you for all your story telling.

[@richardnamber813]

If you listen it's his buddy that's the drunk really

[@jackshannonmusic7564]

Check out “Shoes and Dress Alice Wore”

[@scottandsue1]

The greatest song writer...Ever!!!

[@jackblack804]

cannot stop singing it just heard it.... ah the true story teller, God bless

[@timweiss896]

Man this is my life. From 6yrs to now

[@tangobango9653]

Saddest song ever about the cruelty of alcoholism. Unfortunately there are many Alices in this world.

[@blackladee87]

I love Tom. T Hall

[@johnnygoolie2451]

We all know an Alice

[@Travieso78702]

This song so reminds me of my partner who died two years ago. We were apart for so long during quarantine. I miss him so much.

[@johnnygoolie2451]

I think we all know an Alice

[@jackd.whiskey3685]

We all know an Alice

[@bobke114]

Wow....I have been a tom T fan since early 70s and never heard this.

[@paulinehurt617]

LOVE LOVE TOM. T HALL

[@hirdy6]

Wonderful video to accompany a truly magnificent song.

[@das8771]

Saw him live as a child, was my Dad's favourite. "The Storyteller"

[@markrush5013]

Tom T wrote more great songs than we've had pisses....

[@jennycooper5364]

eric thanks you have a good grasp of the obvious

[@jim09667]

you know he had some great interesting names in his songs , john henry , pamela brown , clayton delaeny, betty grable, ect , and by the way barbra walker lol ,

[@RemingtonRidersMusic]

I just got into Linda Bohannon.

[@jeandemaertelaere4375]

Yes there it is , it's just a ( great ) song

[@Lewisbawse]

Go well into that good night Tom 🕊RIP

[@AngelaSmitherman]

❤️♥️

[@whiteheadcm]

i don't get it

[@whiteheadcm]

but, my comment was obviously in reply to yours. i don't get what you're saying.

[@wilfredheggart647]

thank you ryan salmond i love you too

[@hirdy6]

Very well put.

[@danielkirk6471]

Great story teller!

[@jasongoodwin4535]

R.I. P

[@walterkersting9922]

Huh. Who writes like this?

[@mandograssable]

A song writing genius!

[@rufugenonprofit3591]

HOW THE HELL CAN I GET AUDIO ON MY DESKTOP?

[@wilfredheggart647]

lappy top now brand new threw that old huk of junk out when i urned it out i also han a good i pod gen 8 neither one for sale and

[@whiskeymoney3018]

She's going to burn down the house

[@ThePoobears]

1st time I heard this song quite the good song.