Mooses Come Walking
Arlo Guthrie & Pete Seeger Lyrics


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Mooses come walking over the hill
Mooses come walking, they rarely stand still
When mooses come walking they go where they will
When mooses come walking over the hill


Mooses look into your window at night
They look to the left and they look to the right
The mooses are smiling, they think it’s a zoo
And that’s why the mooses like looking at you


So if you see mooses while lying in bed
It’s best just to stay there pretending you’re dead




The mooses will leave and you’ll get the thrill
Of seeing the mooses go over the hill

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Mooses Come Walking" by Arlo Guthrie and Pete Seeger portray a whimsical and imaginative world where mooses (the plural form of moose) wander freely and unpredictably. The song uses poetic license to create a playful narrative about these majestic creatures and their interactions with humans.


The first verse of the song introduces the idea of mooses appearing on the scene. The phrase "Mooses come walking over the hill" conveys the idea that mooses are wandering across the landscape, entering the picture from a distance. It suggests that mooses move at their leisure, without any particular destination in mind. The repetition of the word "mooses" emphasizes their abundance and presence in the world.


The second verse adds a touch of magic to the mooses' behavior. It describes mooses peeking into people's windows at night, almost as if they are curious spectators. The line "They look to the left and they look to the right" suggests that mooses are observant creatures, taking in their surroundings with great interest. The lyrics also express the idea that mooses find enjoyment in watching humans, perhaps mistaking the human world for a zoo.


The third verse offers a humorous piece of advice. It suggests that if you happen to find mooses peering into your window while lying in bed, it's best to pretend that you're dead. This playful line gives a comical twist to the situation, suggesting that mooses might lose interest and leave if they think you're no longer alive. It adds to the lighthearted nature of the song and the whimsy of the mooses' interactions with humans.


The final lines of the song bring a sense of excitement and thrill. They imply that if you stay still and play dead as the mooses watch you, they will eventually move on, offering the thrill of seeing them continue their journey over the hill. This creates an element of adventure and anticipation, painting a picture of the mooses as elusive and transient beings.


Overall, the lyrics to "Mooses Come Walking" capture the imagination and playfulness of Arlo Guthrie and Pete Seeger. Through their words, they invite listeners into a world where mooses roam freely, easily taking on human-like attributes. The song's whimsical tone and imaginative imagery make it a delightful and entertaining piece.


Line by Line Meaning

Mooses come walking over the hill
Unexpected events or changes arise in life


Mooses come walking, they rarely stand still
Constant movement and exploration is inherent to these situations


When mooses come walking they go where they will
Unpredictability and lack of control over the outcomes


When mooses come walking over the hill
Events approaching, bringing their unique presence


Mooses look into your window at night
Observation and curious involvement in personal lives


They look to the left and they look to the right
Vigilant exploration of the surroundings


The mooses are smiling, they think it’s a zoo
Taking amusement in observing human behavior


And that’s why the mooses like looking at you
Finding interest and entertainment in human presence


So if you see mooses while lying in bed
Encountering unexpected situations while being vulnerable


It’s best just to stay there pretending you’re dead
Advising to remain still and unnoticeable, avoiding interference


The mooses will leave and you’ll get the thrill
Eventually, the unusual will pass and excitement arises


Of seeing the mooses go over the hill
Witnessing the departure and return to normalcy




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Arlo Guthrie

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@patriley9449

Unlike most current singers he was a truly caring man who never let his celebrity status go to his head. A lovely man.

@flacan2020

AMEN!

@Section5_CdnIntelService

Pete Seeger was a rare human treasure loved all over the world.

@unclepewter4161

I had the GREAT privilege and honor to have met Pete as a teenager in Beacon NY. He was the nicest man I have ever met, he was humble and was willing to teach a 15 yr old boy that he didn't even know how to finger pick a guitar. I was sitting there on the porch practicing the first time I saw him and had no idea who this great man was. Those who say he was anti-American are blind, he stood for EXACTLY what it means to be American. To speak out with out having to fear for your life when you see a wrong, to follow what you believe in.

@boonimama

Exactly Peter.

@WJack97224

+peter travis  You can see, you are not blind. I only wish people could appreciate Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks rather than complain; she voiced her opinion freely about war, which freedom of speech (1st Amendment) ostensibly the troops were fighting to protect. Rather than criticize her, people should respect her. That said, have always liked Peter and Arlo and Woodie and respect them.

War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today. ~ John F. Kennedy

If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity. ~ John F. Kennedy [so I respect the people who respect the Confederate Flag and the freedom of choice that those southern people only asked for just as their colonial forebears had sought.]

@annettehonickman4994

My husband knew Pete Seeger at summer camp....told me about him. He had his records, played them for me. Pete Seeger made the world a better place. We love listening to his music! Annette & Sid Honickman

@robertlytle9752

Pete Seeger served in the Army in WWII. I think he was about as American as you can be. He was also called before the House Un-American Committee because of his views. If I was in front of that committee like him I would have told all those senators that I served my country and until they can produce a DD214 they have not earned the right to question my patriotism. USMC69-71

@kennydobbins1345

Thank you for your service.

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@joannehack7588

I knew I heard Arlo’s unmistakable, mellifluous voice in there💟

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