His most famous work is Alice's Restaurant, a talking blues song that lasts eighteen minutes and twenty seconds (in its original recorded version; Guthrie has been known to spin the story out to forty-five minutes in concert). The song, a bitingly satirical protest against the Vietnam War draft, is based on a true incident. In the song, Guthrie was called up for a draft examination, and rejected as unfit for military service as a result of a criminal record consisting in its entirety of a single arrest, court appearance, fine and clean-up order for littering. In reality, Guthrie, though a carrier of the genetically inherited disease Huntington's chorea, was classified as fit (1A); however, his draft-lottery number did not come up.
Children of Abraham
Arlo Guthrie Lyrics
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Killing each other for a piece of land
Children of Abraham, this ain't glory
You've got to walk together hand in hand
Take down the flags that just separate the people
Take down the wire on the boundary
Take back the words that were spoken in anger
Children of Abraham,I must be dreaming
Rivers of blood running through your hands
Children crying, mothers screaming
It just wasn't looking like the Promised Land
The lyrics to Arlo Guthrie's song "Children of Abraham" touch upon the ongoing conflicts and violence between different religious groups, specifically referencing the strife between those who identify as the descendants of Abraham. The song begins by questioning the motivations behind the violence and division, urging the "Children of Abraham" to reflect on their actions.
The lyrics suggest that the killings and clashes over land are not honorable or glorious, but rather a tragic waste of human potential. The song emphasizes the need for unity and harmony, urging the different groups to come together, hand in hand. It calls for the removal of flags and the dismantling of physical boundaries that separate people, as well as the need to let go of the harsh words spoken in anger.
The lyrics emphasize the sense of shared heritage and common ancestry as "Children of Abraham," suggesting that this shared identity should promote compassion and understanding. The reference to the Promised Land, a deeply significant concept in Abrahamic religions, highlights the disappointment and despair resulting from the lack of peace and fulfillment in the region.
Overall, Guthrie's lyrics convey a plea for peace, unity, and empathy among the "Children of Abraham," urging them to overcome their differences and strive toward a more harmonious existence.
Line by Line Meaning
Children of Abraham, what's your story?
Hey, descendants of Abraham, tell me about your history and experiences.
Killing each other for a piece of land
Engaging in violent conflicts over a small portion of territory.
Children of Abraham, this ain't glory
Hey, descendants of Abraham, this violence and division is not something to be proud of.
You've got to walk together hand in hand
It is essential for all of you to unite and work together closely.
Take down the flags that just separate the people
Remove the flags that only create divisions among the people.
Take down the wire on the boundary
Remove the barriers and fences that divide you.
Take back the words that were spoken in anger
Reclaim the hurtful words uttered in moments of anger and hostility.
You've got to live just like a family
It's important to live together harmoniously, just like members of a family.
Children of Abraham, I must be dreaming
It feels unbelievable that the descendants of Abraham are facing such conflicts.
Rivers of blood running through your hands
Metaphorically, the violence and bloodshed are causing immense pain and suffering.
Children crying, mothers screaming
The innocent children are crying, and their mothers are distressed due to the situation.
It just wasn't looking like the Promised Land
The current state of affairs is far from the ideal and prosperous future that was promised.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: CLAIRE LYNCH, LARRY LYNCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lewiespearman
Amen, Arlo.