I dont understand this song...it isnt really a "song" it isn't catchy, it isnt' funny, and it is extremely long....but people love it....What is the point? Moral? Anyone tell me!!!
2006-07-20 08:30:49 · 9 answers · asked by rjax79 1 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
back then we were all stoned and everything was funny
2006-07-20 08:34:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's about a true experience that typified the ridiculous way "the man" and "the public" reacted to long haired hippy weirdo types (anyone under 30 who didn't have a crew cut when the song was recorded). Arlo Guthrie is a song-storyteller like his father, and he told the story of how it happened - watch the video of the film, perhaps you'll understand. But if you didn't live through the '60s as a teenager and young person (or free thinking person over 30) you may never "get it" ... sorry, man, you had to be there ... or at least born then.
2006-07-20 15:39:28 · answer #2 · answered by BluesMutha 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm interested to hear people still listen to it. I haven't heard it for a long time myself.
Firstly, it's an antiwar song, but a very gentle one. It doesn't really attack anyone, it just gently ridicules the military and military types like police officers. This makes it appealing in times of unpopular wars, like the present.
Secondly, its written and sung by Arlo Guthrie, son of Woody Guthrie, the writer and composer of "This land is your land", one of the real classics of American folk music. This tends to give it a certain cult status by association.
Thirdly, it's rather unique, by virtue of its length. It's closer to being an epic poem than to being a song, and this makes it a rather unique experience to listen to. Novelty is appealing, in itself.
Fourthly, and most importantly, the incidents it describes are harmless and essentially pleasant. Not particularly funny, but comforting and enjoyable. The overall effect is soothing, and that is its intention. It is intended to be, at all levels, a representation that "Peace" -- Alice's Restaurant -- is preferable to War.
2006-07-20 15:46:07 · answer #3 · answered by jkraus_1999 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kill kill kill!!!
I don't even know how to explain why it's funny. It just is. Very much of it's time/hippie, but I still think it's funny even though I am not a part of the generation that spawned it. It's just silly. If you don't like it, that's fine.
2006-07-20 15:35:00 · answer #4 · answered by slipstreamer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a counter-culture song that describes a movement away from establishment values. You can break away from the establishment and still "get anything you want..."
2006-07-20 15:34:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wish I could tell ya. I heard about it for many years and how great it was. Finally the day came when I got to sit down and listen to it in ideal conditions---loud with no interruptions.
I failed to see its appeal. :(
2006-07-20 15:38:46 · answer #6 · answered by Coo coo achoo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was a silly tale that reflected the discontent of the times.
2006-07-20 15:33:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"You can get anything you want - at Alice's restaurant..."
Always thought it was about drugs and other vices - like "White Rabbit."
2006-07-20 15:36:34 · answer #8 · answered by Holiday Magic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it's fun to play on guitar? My uncle seems to think so...
2006-07-20 15:35:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋