Eli
Arlo Guthrie · Other Songs - Arlo Guthrie
Gonna sit right here and sing myself a tune
That I wrote one afternoon
After everyone had gone
And I know that this won't mean a lot to you
You've got better things to do
But for me I'll just go on
Old dog is Iying in the middle of the road
He don't do nothing 'cause he don't want to
And I think I'm gonna like that hound
'Cause the more he sits around
The less I want to do too
Gonna sit right here and watch the world roll by
Till we both just up and die
Watching clouds and eating flies
Don't want to bother no one
Don't want nothing here to change
A dusty road is all we've ever dreamed of
And I think I'm gonna love this life
Maybe someday take a wife
She can join us if she wants to
Ain't nobody gonna tell what to do
If a car comes we just move
And we both move real smooth like
Old dog is moving must be something in the air
Some bitch is coming up the road now
And I think I'm gonna like that hound
'Cause the more he gets around
The more I want to do too
Eli - Arlo Guthrie
Arlo Guthrie's 'Eli' stands as a poignant narrative within his broader body of work, reflecting the folk-rock sensibilities that defined his career alongside hits like 'Alice's Restaurant.' The song explores themes of personal struggle and resilience, characteristic of Guthrie's storytelling approach to music. Released during a period where his acoustic-driven compositions resonated deeply with audiences seeking authentic, character-driven ballads, the track exemplifies his ability to weave complex human experiences into accessible melodies. As part of his extensive discography, 'Eli' captures the essence of mid-20th-century American folk, emphasizing emotional honesty over polished production. It remains a significant piece in his catalog, illustrating his commitment to addressing social and individual realities through song.