Arlo Guthrie Motorcycle Significance Of The Pickle Song
Arlo Guthrie, the son of legendary folk singer Woody Guthrie, is an American singer-songwriter and storyteller. He is best known for his 1967 hit song "Alice's Restaurant Massacree" and his role in the 1969 film adaptation of the song. However, another one of his songs, "The Motorcycle Song," also known as "The Significance of the Pickle," has become a cult classic among motorcycle enthusiasts and fans of Guthrie's quirky sense of humor.
The Story Behind The Song
"The Motorcycle Song" was released on Guthrie's 1967 album "Alice's Restaurant." The song is a humorous tribute to the joys of riding a motorcycle and the freedom it brings. However, it is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of wearing a helmet.
In the song, Guthrie recounts a conversation he had with a motorcycle cop who pulled him over for speeding. The cop, impressed by Guthrie's Harley-Davidson motorcycle, asks him if he knows "what the penalty is for driving a motorcycle without a helmet." Guthrie responds, "No, I don't, and I don't give a damn!" The cop then tells him the penalty is "a jug of wine or a loaf of bread." Guthrie, amused by the cop's answer, goes on to sing about the joys of riding his motorcycle, including the wind in his hair and the bugs in his teeth.
The Significance Of The Pickle
The second part of the song is where the title "The Significance of the Pickle" comes from. Guthrie sings about a group of Hell's Angels who invite him to a party at their clubhouse. At the party, he is offered a pickle, which he accepts. However, he soon realizes that the pickle is not just any pickle, but a "motorcycle pickle," a term used by the Hell's Angels to describe a pickle that has been passed around the room and touched by everyone's dirty hands.
Guthrie's use of the pickle as a metaphor for the dangers of reckless behavior and the importance of personal responsibility has made the song a favorite among motorcycle enthusiasts and fans of Guthrie's unique sense of humor.
The Legacy Of The Song
Over the years, "The Motorcycle Song" has become a cult classic among motorcycle enthusiasts and fans of Guthrie's quirky sense of humor. The song has been covered by several artists, including The Beach Boys and The Kingston Trio, and has been featured in several movies and TV shows, including "Easy Rider" and "The Simpsons."
Today, the song continues to be a beloved anthem for motorcycle riders and a reminder of the importance of safe and responsible riding.
Conclusion
Arlo Guthrie's "The Motorcycle Song," also known as "The Significance of the Pickle," is a humorous tribute to the joys of riding a motorcycle and a cautionary tale about the dangers of reckless behavior. The song has become a cult classic among motorcycle enthusiasts and fans of Guthrie's unique sense of humor and continues to be a beloved anthem for motorcycle riders today.
