We did it this year!! Our FIRST time ever listening to this song, AND it’s a day before Thanksgiving, let’s GOOOO!! 🔥🔥🔥

Arlo's dad basically invented modern protest folk music and was a huge inspiration to guys like Bob Dylan. Though Woody Guthrie's music did have a lot of humor, Arlo ran with it and perfected that comedy/social commentary thing. I remember a live recording of Arlo and his band performing Elvis Presley's "I Can't Help Falling In Love" somewhere in Europe with Pete Seeger (another folk music legend) and he starts telling a story about how many years before right after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the USSR they had performed that same song with Pete on a whim at some other festival in a country that had been up to that point part of the Socialist Block and how they were amazed at how this little song Elvis made famous easily bridged the political, historical, cultural and age gaps along with the language barrier and everybody there sang it. It's reminiscent of what he does in "Alice's Restaurant" because it's about something serious and important but he does inject a lot of humor into his story as he's telling it. He's really skilled at doing that.

Arlo's version of "City of New Orleans" is my favorite Arlo song. One of my favorite songs to play on guitar. You should check that one out.

At 80, Alice Brock from this song remains in Provincetown, where she’s lived for 40 years. Now, she’s battling serious health issues, including COPD and heart disease, and relies on an oxygen tank. And after a recent hospital stay, the medical bills are piling up. Lamot and Davis organized a GoFundMe campaign to assist their longtime friend. The goal was to help her pay for rent on her small cottage and pay down some of her health-related bills. Since launching the fundraiser at the end of September, they’ve raised around $180,000 for her. She was an artist until her health got bad. She helped everybody, including Arlo her whole life, especially the dying aids patients gathering in Provincetown during that time. It is great that people came together to help her with her bills and rent so she can stay in her beloved Provincetown.

His father, Woody Guthrie, was a legendary activist. He traveled to migrant worker camps and used his music to promote unionization to improve worker conditions and pay. His father wrote, "This Land Is Our Land", a folk classic.

Arlo Guthrie's father Woodie wrote "This land is your land this Land is my Land" and was a American icon himself. Great reaction. Happy Thanksgiving to all!! 🦃 🦃

Woody Guthrie’s guitar had scribbled on it, “This machine kills fascists.”

This song is actually a real story and there are even newspaper clippings to support most of this. By the way the finger picking in this song is pretty complicated. i learned the entire song when I was in my teens note by note and to keep the chord progressions going for 17 minutes is a minor accomplishment. I was asked to perform this often in college (the Viet Nam war was still fresh in everyone's mind). You brought a big smile to my face today and some fond memories of some friends who are no longer with us, except in my memories. Have a great Thanksgiving.!! PS his other songs, Riding on the City of New Orleans, Coming into Los Angles (bringing in a couple of keys), and the Motorcycle Song.

Keep in mind, he's playing an incredibly complex finger picking pattern, while telling an 18 minute story. Arlo was quite talented.

Arlo's father was the GREAT Woody Guthrie. The man is an American legend. If you don't know that name you def need to look him up.

Arlo’s father was the legendary Woody Guthrie. A major influence in American music. Arlo’s most popular song was THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS. I don’t think you should leave this planet without hearing that song. GOBBLE GOBBLE PEACE

Arlo holds an annual "Garbage Trail Walk" fundraiser each May to help families suffering from Huntingtons Disease, the genetic illness that took his father Woodie Gutherie. It following the route of his (true) Thanksgiving adventure from the Church( he runs as a community center) to the Dump, & into town past the police station and finishing at Alice's. It's a beautiful, Fun walk thru rural Western Mass. Arlo is a kind generous man who, true to the convictions of his youth, runs many community and cultural programs out of the (converted) Church in the story. They finish the day with a Thanksgiving dinner that unites, folks and families with Huntingtons with, health care workers and researchers that work with and on the dreaded disease. And a Guthrie family concert. He is a special person. Worthy of Thanksgiving. Cheers Arlo. Thanks gents.

This song hit such a chord with the times that they made a movie around the whole plot with Arlo starring in it. The scene in the movie recreating the induction center where all the draftees had to go was incredible. I had to report to the center in Chicago and the building was identical to the one in the movie. The experience of walking around in your underwear and standing in long lines was the most realistic recreation of that process I’ve ever seen in any Vietnam era movie, and this was a comedy.

My high school had a talent show, which limited each performer's time to fifteen minutes. I played the back half of this solo with my acoustic guitar and had 500 kids in the auditorium singing it with me. My senior years: 1974.

Need to hit Arlo’s song Coming Into Los Angeles, which I believe is his best song!

"Alice's Restaurant" is the "It's A Wonderful Life" of alternative music.

I am so glad you listened to this song. It was a classic and Arlo's humor came through as well as his opposition to the war. For kids my age at the time, this song represented the counterculture, as people described us. Draftees were dying for nothing in Vietnam and there seemed to be no end to it. Not to mention that huge toll it took on the Vietnamese. Hearing Arlo wisecrack his way through encounters with the cops and the draft board people was hilarious to us.

Arlo Guthrie is so much fun! Love The Motorcycle Song. It's also known as Pickle or Significance of the Pickle. When you hear it, you'll understand why people call it those names.

When my oldest daughter was a Senior in HS, we had to drive 90 minutes to get to an Amtrak station and I put this album on. She laughed her ass off. It became one of her favorites, so she shared it with her friends.

We saw Arlo perform this live a few years back, too. He mentioned how people would ask him if he knew it would become the big hit it was. He said, “no, if I’d known that, I’d have made it a lot shorter!”

That song is so of-the-time, I thought it might lose something in the translation, you guys got it, which is excellent. I was two years younger than the draft but had friends and neighbors who were selected, scary times it was the satire and dark comedy that was needed and Arlo delivered. Respect to all who served. Happy Thanksgiving.

It's not about the music or singing. It's all about the story. Which is freaking hilarious 🤣

A great Thanksgiving tradition for over 50 years now. A local DJ is coming back from retirement tomorrow just to continue his tradition of playing it for us. It means a lot more to those of us who lived under the shadow of getting drafted but I am glad you two got the drift and enjoyed the song.

Right now my life sucks awfully hard. A&A is one of the things I'm thankful for. I don't have the money for your Patreon, but I'm thankful that three times a week I get to visit you anyway. You've helped me through some tough times. Thank you.

THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH!! I was 18 in 1967. I felt this song. That was an incredible feeling to hear it again and you guys totally got everything about the song. The comedy, the social commentary, the amazing skill Arlo has at telling a story, the musicality (Arlo comes form a musical tradition and he's a great musician) the length of the song is one of its strongest points. But you totally got something culturally ripped from the past and heard it the way I first did way back in the 60's. Yes it was indeed a NEEDED song. Oh. And there really was an Alice's Restaurant.

To ppl of my generation this song is iconic. It's social commentary at it's purest and bravest. That's why we still celebrate it every Thanksgiving. To All, I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!

Don't forget, it's all true!!!! The entire story. Crazy, epic, hilarious ol' Arlo is a treasure!

It's called the Talking Blues. It's an awesome style of music and story-telling that few musicians can do as well as Arlo Guthrie. It's good to see younger people enjoying Arlo!!!

When I was a young girl, my mom and I would drive on Thanksgiving day just to listen to this on the radio. She has passed on and I’m 62 and I still listen to this every Thanksgiving, sweet memories of my precious mom. Thanks for always making my day! Happy Thanksgiving 🦃

I cant believe u did this! This is the coolest thing u have ever done!

Big time memories with this vibe. One of the first songs I learned on guitar. It was a crowd fav to play at pot parties in 1973. Everyone sang. Believe it or not most college students knew all the words to this song back in the day when prompted.

The humor was a way of facing down the horror that was the Vietnam War. I'm glad you guys liked it.

Growing up in the 60's watching the war on the six o'clock evening news, seeing one of my cousins come home in a metal box, seeing the protests and getting my notice to register with selective services gives me a prescriptive on the song that probably can't be completely understood unless you lived though it yourself

His dad was a social reform GIANT... Bob Dylan's inspiration

This SUCH an American classic. Been to Alice’s a few times over the years, it’s a real place!

In my family, if someone says ' I want to show you something" - the standard response is " twenty-seven 8x10 color glossy photographs with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one?" Happy Thanksgiving & keep up the great reactions!

This was a nice surprise! It's the first time I've heard this in probably 50 yrs. He played in my hometown in 2015 and sold out before I even knew about it. It's a major regret that I didn't get to see him live. He's a talented and good man who had a huge impact back in those days when the draft loomed over the heads of all young men.

Arlo Guthrie is a legend. I have seen him in concert and he is a funny man as well as a great singer and musician. Have a listen to 'City of New Orleans' a great story song not written by him but a great version. I still love this song nearly 50 years later. Also his Dad Woody had a great influence over Bob Dylan

It's not so much a Thanksgiving song as it is a protest song. Arlo is, after all, Woody Guthrie's son

His old man (Woody) was a working mans hero, very involved in bringing to light the plight of the working man and their efforts to organize unions to bring about better pay and working conditions.

Kid...I'm glad you liked this great piece of anti-war music. I have loved this song since I heard it age age 14 in 1971. It sure shaped my feelings about war; and what a fantastic and powerful way to do that... with humour. Thanks for taking the time to listen without interrupting and in silence...kid.

"City of New Orleans" - Arlo Guthrie. An inspiring song about a train, the railroad, and America. Goose pimplelee

Yes!!!!! My favorite Thanksgiving tradition, I listen to the song and watch the movie back to back every night leading up to Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to all

Thanks for reacting to this song! It means a lot to me, my dad always played this song every year on Thanksgiving. I miss him, he died about 15 years ago from serving 2 tours in Vietnam and suffering from cancer due to Agent orange. Keep rocking guys.

I think this was my favorite reaction from Alex and Andy. They had fun listening to the great Arlo Guthrie. Just pure enjoyment. Loved it

One of my life's best music experiences was seeing Arlo live & doing Alice's Restaurant. It was like hearing it for the first time. Arlo isn't crazy at all. He's just got a great imagination. The guitar is one of my favorite parts of it. Having Woodie Guthrie for a father helps too. Thanks for doing this great song.

Check out Arlo's "Coming Into Los Angeles" a classic.

Arlo was practically a family member in our household, he was so beloved. Mom and dad met him, great guy to this day. The whole Guthrie family, multiple generations are in music. We even had a cat named Arlo after him.

Welcome to the Group W bench boys!! I named my dog Arlo three years ago when my husband found him lying in garbage by his office a week before Thanksgiving! If you ever get a chance to see Arlo Guthrie live, do so!!! Great storytelling and songs. He was very young when recorded this and he’s still performing.

"if you wanna end the war and stuff you gotta sing louder" That's Woody's kid "Bound For Glory" / "All You Fascists Bound To Lose"

You were right on, Andy, when you said we needed this song then. We did.

My local radio station, 101 the Fox, plays Alice's Restaurant at noon on every Thanksgiving. It's a tradition to listen to, even though I've had this on CD for ages. It's great. =)

one of those tunes that once heard, Never forgot. I love it & still grin after many listening's, I would get friends to relax, & listen to the whole thing, in silence, most loved it. There is evidence that says this actually happened to Arlo. Of course his dad Woody is a folk legend.

Alice's Restaurant was a movie too, and a really good one, believe it or not. It wasn't about the song and it was more drama than comedy. One of the real curiosities of the 60s and we'll worth checking out.

The most adorable anti war protest songs ever. When every 18 year old was dreading that frickin notice and so many of our kids never came back - physically or mentally. It’s a classic you’re right we needed this song we would laugh . Check out his Dad Woodie Guthrie. A national hero

Such a great example of one aspect of the Vietnam Era anti-war movement. And folk singers, like Arlo’s father Woody Guthrie and his contemporaries (who Arlo grew up with) were an essential part of many important social movements, like labor organizing, standing up for migrant workers rights and early environmental issues. So having grown up in that environment it would be natural for Arlo to apply the same ideas with his music to the antiwar movement. And now I have to share my particular Arlo Guthrie experience with you. I worked for the Ruth Eckerd performing arts center when it first opened up in Clearwater, FL in the early 80s. At this time Arlo Guthrie regularly toured with the folk singer Pete Seeger. And they played at Ruth Eckerd Hall. So my friends and I who worked there got to meet Arlo and Pete backstage and I got Arlo to autograph my copy of the Alice’s Restaurant album. One of my friends had made the arrangements for Arlo and Pete’s accommodations, so we all knew where they were staying on Clearwater Beach. So after the show we went down to the bar of that hotel and sure enough Arlo eventually came down to the bar. And he was nice enough to tolerate the bunch of us kids in our early twenties who invited him over to sit down and have a beer with us. The poor guy was probably just trying to get a little peace and quiet and here we all were. He was very gracious and talked to us for a bit, but didn’t stay terribly long. This wasn’t something that we typically did with the performers and I’m not quite sure why we were so inspired to do it in this particular instance. But it is a memory I will never forget. A few years later I got rid of all my vinyl albums, with the exception of my autographed copy of Alice’s Restaurant, which still has a place of pride on my bookshelf. And I agree with other commentors who suggested you check out Arlo’s cover of The City of New Orleans!

I've listened to this every Thanksgiving since I was a kid in the 70's, good to see it still being appreciated

I was born in 1967 and I've heard about this song my whole life. I finally understand all the love for it 👍🎶 Happy Thanksgiving, Andy and Alex! 😊🦃 I'm VERY thankful for this channel!! ❤️

I tore up my knee playing high school football in 1967. Lost my student deferment and had a relatively low draft number. Sent the draft board a letter from my knee surgeon in November 1970. I heard nothing from the draft board for all of 1971. I didn't know if they forgot about me, if I should call, or just do nothing. I got home from work in February 1972 and there was a letter from the draft board. I set it on the coffee table, stared at it for an hour or so, had a couple of drinks to work up the courage to open it. I finally did and there was my new draft card, saying I was classified as 4-F, unfit for military duty. I never had to take a physical or be examined by the military doctors. I have had 6 surgeries on that knee and had it replaced in 2001, so I guess they might have been right.

His father, Woody Guthrie wrote the song, "This Land is Your Land." Woody Guthrie at times, performed with Pete Seeger who's son you have reacted to numerous times. Adding in "City of New Orleans," and "Coming Into Los Angeles" which he performed at Woodstock are both must do's.

Finally someone who is giving Arlo Guthrie his due first heard this in 69 and have to listen to it about 3 or 4 times a year thanks guys you have made an old hippie's day

That song has been a Thanksgiving tradition of mine for over 40 years. Never miss playing it

I will echo the request for Arlo’s “Coming into Los Angeles” BUT do the live version from Woodstock!!!

This is only the second time in my entire life I have listened to the whole thing. Actually got a lot more out of it all these years later! Enjoy your Thanksgiving A & A.

City of New Orleans is just fantastic, definitely need to hear it.

Bravo 👏! Alice is a real person and my parents knew her. My mom had the Alice's Restaurant Cookbook! And they would go and visit her. You have done a mighty good deed! Happy Thanksgiving 🦃

I got to see Arlo live in 1981, and he played his version of Steve Goodman’s song City of New Orleans (one of my favorite songs of all time). Goodman was supposed to be on tour with him, but he passed away a few weeks before the show. Arlo formally retired from touring in 2020. By the way, Arlo also played at Woodstock.

Thanks so much for doing this song! It brought back so many memories- even just seeing the album cover, lol. I first heard it when it was released & then saw the movie, which sticks pretty closely to the song. Had fun reading the comments- glad to know there are that many old hippies left - sometimes I feel alone like a dinosaur so this made me feel good!!! Man, just like yesterday & yet a lifetime ago...

Arlo's father is Woodie Guthrie who was a folk singer and activist. One of his songs that you may know is "This Land is Your Land, this Land is my Land.".

THANK YOU! I needed this ditty today. Can't help but smile!

This made my day. I had a similar experience in 1972, and as it happens only 2 weeks after Thanksgiving. My draft lottery number was 73, and I got the "Greetings" letter from Uncle Sam, went for the draft physical, got the psychological questioning, the whole nine yards. But the war was winding down quickly then, and I suspect that none of us at that draft physical ever got selected or inducted - as it turned out, the Peace Accords were signed only 7 weeks later. But this song brought me back to those times, that culture.

I was just a little disappointed that you guys didn't sing along at the end. I sure did! Hope you guys have a Thanksgiving dinner that can't be beat!😊🥰

Been a long time since I've listened to it. Great anti-war song. Probably means more to those of us who lived through the Vietnam era. The whole album is fun - "I don't want a pickle. I just wanna ride on my motorsickle".

The irony of this story is that so much of this is the way things were back in the day!

I was fortunate enough to see Arlo perform live four times. The first time I was looking forward to hearing this, because I didn't know Arlo only performed this on its anniversary every 10 years, due to its length. The second time was also not on an anniversary, but I wanted to introduce some friends to Arlo live, as his shows were just cool, laid back story telling performances. The third time was for the 50th anniversary of the album, aand the last was for the 50th anniversary of the movie, so I did get to hear Arlo perform this live twice. And yes, while the basic story remains the same, he updated the relevance each time as why the Alice's Restaurant Massacree movement needs to be sung loud and proud. It's a shame Arlo has retired from touring due to health reasons. I believe he is still hosting his annual Thanksgiving event at the church in Stockbridge, MA. Perhaps he'll still perform this at that event on the anniversaries.

First time I've heard this song since student days back in the mid 1970's. Brings back many memories of late nights drinking and chilling out. A classic of its kind.

Thank you for doing this one. So good! My friend of 35 yr, daughter is in labor right now. The baby's name will be Arlo. Going to be a great Thanksgiving. All the best to you guys. Keep up the good work 👍🦃🥰

Listening to this at thanksgiving is a requirement.

Best part of this song is that it is based on a true story! There literally was an Officer Obie!

This is such an AWESOME song!! I’m so glad it’s come back around into the public conscience

Born in 1964, and though I've heard much about the song and have heard bits and pieces, this is the first time listening all the way through. Was a bit young to get it back then, but this is pure folksy genius & THIS is lowkey how you start a movement

What a blast to listen to this with y’all! Arlo Guthrie, as many have mentioned, is Americana/Folk royalty, being the son of Woody Guthrie (This Land Is Your Land). He is also a gifted musician. His song “Coming into Los Angeles” is finger-picking heaven. Since Andy brought up Randy Newman, I thought it was worth mentioning that Randy Newman wrote many songs for other artists, including Three Dog Night’s “Mama Told Me (Not to Come).”

Arlo is such a blast in concert. Has little stories before each song, but certain songs, like this, he’ll go off in tangent, seemingly way off somewhere in left field, but somehow finds his way back, while playing his song. You’ll leave his concerts with a sore face from laughing and smiling so much.

"City of New Orleans" paints a awesome picture of a dying breed of railroad locomotive engines.

My brother has lived in the Berkshires (and was reporter there for a while) since the 1980s and he got to know Officer Obie personally. Said he had significantly mellowed since the Alice's Restaurant incident and it all kind of made him realize he was being an ass.

So happy you listened to this. My college buddy showed this to me about 25 years ago and I've listened to it off and on for years. The last few years I've made it a point to listen at Thanksgiving. I don't talk to my college buddy anymore which saddens me but this song takes me back to fun times in the mid 90s. Happy Thanksgiving guys and A&A family!

I haven't heard this song in 50 years. Maybe once or twice. I had to watch your reaction. I was lucky enough to be too young for Vietnam. I was 15 in 75,and living in Tampa. MacDill airforce base was an F4 base at the time,so most of my friend's dad's were airforce. Eventually, I moved to GA. Southern Military College History grad. I'm a sailor now,and look at this song in it's historical context. Just like our recently failed attempts at winning the unwinnable, I have more appreciation for the people that didn't want to participate. Historically, you can thank that conflict or "police action" for our current all volunteer services. Our choice to defend our country, as opposed to imposing our will on a sovereign country, should be a personal choice. If our country is threatened (9-11),or directly attacked, I'll stand shoulder to shoulder with ya. Happy Thanksgiving 😊 Capt.Bob, SV (Sailing Vessel) 27th Chance, Tampa Fl.

This is the great protest and singer Woody Guthrie’s son. His concerts are amongst the best I’ve ever been too. Arlo is a born storyteller and humorist.

I have Loved this song since it came out, and I am 62! And yes I am a patreon! Happy Thanksgiving to my favorite music reactors! Just remember, no littering or you will never be drafted. LOL

YAY!! So glad you did this song. It's a tradition in my home at 12 noon on Thanksgiving Day. The folkie, mountain top vibe here is a direct influence from his dad, Woodie Guthrie, one of America's pre-eminent folk singers. And yes, comedy, music and anti war sentiment kiss here and it works so well. (Check out Coming Into Los Angeles.) Happy Thanksgiving to both of you!

Can't believe you reacted to this, hahahah amazing, LOVE IT. Thanks for this and Happy Thanksgiving Andy & Alex and all! 🍗🥧🍻 😄

This song was made into a movie of the same name with Arlo playing himself, released in 1969, a few days after Arlo performed at Woodstock.

Then this song came out, I believe the cover was on the cover of Newsweek, the idea of an anti-war movement was almost unheard of, exotic. The Viet Nam war was ramping up. My brother-in-law was killed about eight months later, Every teen aged boy had the Sword of Democles hanging over his head. Arlo Guthrie was not, in any way, solely responsible for the anti-war movement that gathered steam in the next several years, leading to President Johnson not running for re-election, Richard Nixon winning the Presidency (vomit), and the war being drawn down over the next several years. But he played a significant role and, indirectly, led to you guys not having had to face the draft. Enjoy!

This song is not too far from the truth. Having been through the whole draft thing - it was not much different from this song. So glad you picked this song - it gives a great feel for what times were like back then.

Wow, someone finally reacted to this song. Been waiting over a year to find a decent reaction video for this. It's not a song you listen to often, but you have to experience it to join the culture of our country. Welcome...

What a great commentary for the times. I was 17 when this song came out and most stations would not play it because it was so long. I first heard it from a friend who had the album. Great job guys.

Listened to this EVERY Thanksgiving for the last 41 years!

I was wondering how you guys were going to rate this iconic song. You made the right choice.

Listening to this is my favorite holiday tradition. The NY AM radio station that my Mom used to listen to news and talk on would play this on repeat when I was a kid. I’ve made a point of playing it every year. On occasion, I’d watch the movie, too. I still have my VHS. (And I still have a VHS player.) If you can’t watch the movie, at least watch the video of the song that has some movie scenes in it. As others have said, Arlo retired from touring a few years back; and he also had a stroke in 2019. I never got to see him live, and I’m still kicking myself about it. Arlo is legendary. I highly recommend his version of “City of New Orleans”. It is a favorite of mine. 💜 Happy Thanksgiving, guys! 🦃

Great choice for the holiday. The Guthries ( Woody and Arlo ) are American music icons that reflect the country's history , in their songs, for most of the 20th century. Keep up the wonderful work guys, I look forward to watching!#