Listen To Arlo Guthrie Alice's Restaurant Massacree
Listen To Arlo Guthrie Alice's Restaurant Massacree
Arlo Guthrie's "Alice's Restaurant Massacree" is a classic song that tells a story of a Thanksgiving Day in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The song is over 18 minutes long and it became an anti-war anthem in the 1960s.
The Story Behind "Alice's Restaurant Massacree"
The song starts with Guthrie's trip to the dump, where he attempts to deposit some garbage but finds out that it's closed for the holiday. He then remembers that his friend Alice Brock runs a restaurant in Stockbridge and decides to visit her.
At Alice's restaurant, Guthrie and his friend offer to help clean up the place and paint it, in exchange for a Thanksgiving dinner. While they are working, they notice a pile of garbage behind the restaurant and decide to drive it to the dump. However, they find out that it's still closed and they leave the garbage on the side of the road.
The next day, Guthrie is arrested and charged with littering. He is eventually sentenced to pick up the garbage and goes to the draft board for a physical examination. However, he fails the examination due to his criminal record and is not drafted into the Vietnam War.
The Message Behind "Alice's Restaurant Massacree"
The song became an anti-war anthem because of its message of civil disobedience and protest against the Vietnam War. Guthrie's experience of being arrested for a minor offense, being sentenced to do a task that he found ridiculous, and ultimately being rejected by the military draft is a reflection of the absurdity of the war and the government's policies.
The song's humor, sarcasm, and irony make it an engaging and memorable piece of art that encourages listeners to think critically and question authority. The phrase "I don't want to pickle, I just want to ride on my motorcycle" became a popular slogan for the counterculture movement and a symbol of rebellion.
The Legacy of "Alice's Restaurant Massacree"
"Alice's Restaurant Massacree" is not only a song but also a tradition. Every year, on Thanksgiving Day, many radio stations play the song in its entirety, without commercial interruptions. The song has also inspired a movie, a book, and a musical.
Arlo Guthrie has continued to perform the song live for over 50 years and has become a beloved figure in the folk music scene. His storytelling, humor, and social activism have earned him a loyal fan base and a place in the American cultural history.
Conclusion
"Alice's Restaurant Massacree" is a timeless masterpiece that captures the spirit of a generation and the essence of the American experience. Its message of freedom, justice, and compassion resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you listen to it on Thanksgiving Day or any other day of the year, the song will make you laugh, think, and feel.