The Meaning Behind The Song: Coming into Los Angeles by Arlo Guthrie
Arlo Guthrie’s memorable performance at the Woodstock Music and Arts Festival in August 1969 included his song “Coming into Los Angeles.” The song was written specifically for his performance at the festival and went on to become a classic that captured the essence of the moment. The song’s message and lyrics have been debated and dissected over the years. In this article, we will delve deeper into the meaning behind “Coming into Los Angeles” and explore its significance and impact.
Table of Contents
The Context and Story Behind the Song
Before exploring the song’s meaning, let’s review the context and story behind it. In August 1969, the Woodstock Music and Arts Festival was a massive event and a defining moment for the counterculture movement. Arlo Guthrie’s performance was delayed due to weather and logistics issues, but he eventually took the stage early on Monday morning. Guthrie’s set included “Coming into Los Angeles,” a new song he had written for the festival.
The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, “Coming into Los Angeles, bringing in a couple of keys,” immediately endeared it to the peace-loving festival-goers. The song’s subversive lyrics, however, hinted at a less innocent message. Guthrie cleverly used drug references and metaphors to skewer the establishment and its strict drug laws. The song became a favorite among the youth and a symbol of rebellion.
The Meaning and Interpretation
The song’s meaning has been debated and interpreted in various ways over the years. Some see it as a simple ode to the pleasures of traveling and experiencing new things. Others view it as an indictment of the war on drugs and government oppression. The song’s juxtaposition of innocent and sinister imagery has made it challenging to pin down.
The chorus, “Coming into Los Angeles, bringing in a couple of keys,” is a clear drug reference. The “keys” referred to in the song are believed to be quantities of marijuana smuggled across the border from Mexico. Guthrie’s message was clear – the youth of America wanted to explore new experiences and use drugs to expand their minds and explore new horizons, even if it meant breaking the law. The song’s refrain, “Don’t touch my bags if you please, Mr. Customs Man,” spoke directly to the government’s drug policy, which was seen as oppressive and useless.
FAQs
1) Was “Coming into Los Angeles” actually written for Woodstock?
Yes, the song was written specifically for Arlo Guthrie’s performance at the Woodstock Music and Arts Festival in August 1969.
2) What inspired Arlo Guthrie to write the song?
Guthrie was inspired by the atmosphere of the festival and the antiestablishment sentiment that prevailed among the youth of America.
3) What is the meaning of the phrase “couple of keys” in the chorus?
The “keys” referred to in the song are believed to be quantities of marijuana smuggled across the border from Mexico.
4) What was the significance of the song for the counterculture movement?
The song became an instant hit among the youth and a symbol of rebellion against the establishment and its strict drug laws.
5) What is the message and theme of the song?
The song’s message is a critique of the government’s war on drugs and its oppressive policies. The theme is one of rebellion and defiance against the status quo.
6) What is the significance of the lyrics “Don’t touch my bags if you please, Mr. Customs Man”?
The lyrics are a direct challenge to the government’s drug policy and its attempts to control the youth culture.
7) What are the metaphors used in the song?
The song uses various drug references and metaphors to capture the essence of the counterculture movement and its desire for freedom and self-expression.
8) What is the tone and mood of the song?
The song has an upbeat tempo and catchy melody, but its message is subversive and cynical. The overall tone is one of rebellion and defiance.
9) What is the song’s legacy?
The song has become a classic and a symbol of the counterculture movement. It has been covered by various artists and featured in numerous films and television shows.
10) What was the reaction to the song at the time of its release?
The song was an instant hit among the youth and a favorite at the Woodstock Music and Arts Festival. However, it also drew criticism from some who saw it as promoting drug use.
11) What impact did the song have on Arlo Guthrie’s career?
The song helped establish Guthrie’s reputation as a political and social commentator and cemented his place in the counterculture movement.
12) What is the message and significance of the song for today?
The song’s message of rebellion and defiance against oppression is still relevant today, particularly in the ongoing debate over drug policy and the role of the government in regulating personal behavior and freedom of expression.
