I love this song so much and am so interested in finding out its history or anything that is known about it. I wondered if Woody wrote it to protest the Vietnam War. For that matter, when did he write it, and when did Arlo write the music?

I wasn't sure where to post this question, or any other "history" related questions I have about Arlo. One other question is if there are any biographies out on Arlo, or if any books about folk music or the 60s have extensive biographical material on him. I love the guy and yet realize I really don't know all that much about his life.

Thanks very much!

When Arlo introduces this song, he always says it was one of the last songs Woody ever wrote, when he was in the hospital. It would have been in the 50's. Arlo wrote the music a few years ago.

As far as a biography of Arlo, the closest thing I've seen is a "biography" of the Guthrie Center, called "Arlo, Alice, and the Anglicans" by Laura Lee. It tells the whole history of the church which became famous in Arlo's song "Alice's Restaurant", and includes a lot about Arlo. It's a great book. Look for it!

I'm always amazed at how much people love to learn about personalities and at the same time - afford them their privacy. I was disturbed to see a wedding picture of Arlo and Jackie for sale on e-bay, but at the same time, I loved the insite to a beautiful, private moment. It can't be easy being in the public eye. But I too, would love to read more about Arlo's life; growing up as the son of Woody and making his own statement in the world.

It's in the music.

Thank you, Judy. That book sounds great. I'll check it out.

I think the other posters have misunderstood me. I wasn't saying I wanted to find out gossip about Arlo or to pry into his life. Goodness, I wasn't talking about wedding pictures on eBay. I don't agree that everything one would like to know is in the music. For example, hearing Arlo's commentary on the DVD to Alice's Restaurant was quite insightful and informative about all the events surrounding not only the making of the movie, but his father's final days.

About this song, for example ... I'd love to know when and why Woody wrote it, and how Arlo came to write the music for it. I would have thought it might have been written closer to Woody's death rather than the 50s. Didn't he pass around 1967? So I keep wondering if it was Woody's response to the Vietnam War, and being worried that his son would be drafted.

My apologies. I read the posters' comments very quickly, too quickly. In rereading them I see now that one of them said they too would like to learn more about Arlo's life....

I didn't take it that anyone meant YOU--in fact, I thought and I think we all did, that you're one of the good and respectful fans who is interested but won't try to invade Arlo's 'space.'

(Arlo's going "HA! Blunderites giving me some breathing room? When in this lifetime?" But I think most of us try to do that in our own way.)

Seeing his gigs is the best way to learn more. It's in the spaces between or in the middle of the songs: "I know I'm s'posed to be singing, but ..."

Boy I am REALLY a blunderbutt .... i just goofed up that reply. I don't know what I'm doing on these bogs with these emoticarbs.... those smiley faces at the left are kind of nightmarish.

anyway i meant to say thanks for saying you though I was one of the good ones. I try.

I've got to hear that My Peace song someday. It may be the only song of his I have not heard. There have been lots of posts about it.

I saw/heard it on youtube. Arlo and others playing it in an outdoor setting, on what looks like a very windy day. Check it out. Sorry I don't have a link.

Here you go, Leo--video of Arlo singing "My Peace" at Massey Hall in Toronto. The lyrics are in "About This Video" at the right so you can sing along.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRSoQHmr360

Thank you Sea Shell.
I just sent it to my Family too. I hope they listen... for in my mind WAR is not an option in the 21st century.
It just doesn't make sense.

Thelmalou, in case you don't know, Arlo's sister Nora heads up the Woody Guthrie Foundation, and has been pulling lyrics out of the thousands of lyrics in the Archives, and giving them to current musicians of all kinds to set to music. No one knows what tunes Woody had in mind for them, so it is wonderful to hear these words brought to life now, like Arlo has done with "My Peace". You can read about the Foundation at http://www.woodyguthrie.org

THANK YOU, Ceashell!

That was a much better version of "My Peace" than the one I had seen (the windy day version). It led me to notice that JGuth3 has posted a bunch of wonderful songs on youtube, some very old family movies up to current concerts. Thank you to Arlo and his family for sharing these and for making my (our) day. I'll tell you, sometimes I kind of hate the Internet and the Pandora's box it can be ... but this is one of the times I do not. Really, these clips of JGuth3 are so so beautiful.

Thanks Judy too, for the info about the Guthrie Foundation. I need Nancy Drew! I am just so intrigued as to when Woody wrote "My Peace" and if it was in connection with the war, Arlo facing the draft. So far I haven't a clue.

Thelmalou, JGuth3 is Jackie, Arlos' wife. She's done some phenomenal video work.