Arlo Guthrie Performs Thanksgiving Classic, Alice’s Restaurant
“Alice’s Restaurant Massacree,” often simply referred to as “Alice’s Restaurant,” is a satirical folk song by singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie. The song, which was released on Guthrie’s 1967 album of the same name, is based on real-life events and stands as one of his most famous works.
Alice’s Restaurant recounts a series of comical and surreal events that lead to Guthrie’s arrest and conviction for littering. The song, known for its lengthy anecdotes and humorous storytelling, serves as a commentary on the absurdity of the Vietnam War draft and the arbitrary nature of authority.
“…and off the side of the side road, there was another fifteen-foot cliff and at the bottom of the cliff, there was another pile of garbage. And we decided that one big pile is better than two little piles, and rather than bring that one up we decided to throw our’s down.”
Later that day, Arlo is arrested by Officer Obie, a local policeman who seems more interested in harassing Arlo’s long hair and unconventional lifestyle than in addressing the littering offense. Arlo and Officer Obie engage in a series of comical exchanges, with Arlo’s wit and sarcasm clashing against Obie’s stern authority.
Arlo is eventually taken to the police station, where he is confronted with a barrage of paperwork and legal jargon. The overwhelming bureaucracy and the absurdity of the situation leave Arlo feeling powerless and disillusioned.
“Now friends, there was only one or two things that Obie coulda done at the police station, and the first was he could have given us a medal for being so brave and honest on the telephone, which wasn’t very likely, and we didn’t expect it, and the other thing was he could have bawled us out and told us never to be seen driving garbage around the vicinity again, which is what we expected, but when we got to the police officer’s station there was a third possibility that we hadn’t even counted upon, and we was both immediately arrested. Handcuffed. And I said, “Obie, I don’t think I can pick up the garbage with these handcuffs on.”
He said, “Shut up, kid. Get in the back of the patrol car.”
In court, Arlo’s case is presided over by a stern-faced judge who seems determined to punish him, regardless of the minor nature of the offense. Arlo’s attempt to defend himself with humor and logic falls on deaf ears, and he is ultimately found guilty and sentenced to a fine.
“Obie came in with the twenty-seven eight-by-ten color glossy pictures with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one…”
Throughout the song, Guthrie’s storytelling style is characterized by a blend of humor, irony, and social commentary. “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree” has become a Thanksgiving classic, with radio stations across the country playing all 18 minutes and 27 seconds each and every year.
Popular Articles About Thanksgiving, and Music
Originally published November 05, 2024
Author(s):
