"For twenty-four years I've been living next door to Alice.
Twenty-four years, just waiting for a chance,
To tell her how I feel, and maybe get a second glance,
Now I gotta get used to not living next door to Alice."
Living Next Door to Alice Aussie Pub Version
Twenty-four years she lived next door,
Always in the know.
If a magpie stole your sandwich,
Alice seemed to know.
Then one day the removal truck
Rolled up nice and slow.
Half the street stood watching there,
Wondering where shed go.
Chorus
Alice, Alice,
Where ya off to now?
Alice, Alice,
Whos your neighbour now?
Well miss your roses,
Well miss your dog,
Well even miss your cat.
So raise your glass and wish her well,
Now how about that!
Now the new bloke mows at dawn,
Starts before first light.
Uses every noisy tool
Morning, noon and night.
So we all look down the street
With a knowing grin,
Maybe Alice wasnt bad
Perhaps wed have her back again!
Final Chorus
Alice, Alice,
Hope youre doing fine.
Alice, Alice,
Drop in any time.
Well have a beer,
Well have a laugh,
And tell the same old tales,
Heres to good old neighbours,
And friendships that never fail!
In 1968, I was driving North to Cairns, and took the Putty Road instead of the Pacific Hwy. Although sealed, it was a fairly rugged trip. I did that section at night. Arlo Guthrie was on the radio singing "Alice's Restaurant". It went on for 15 to 20 minutes. Somehow it seemed to suit the road I was on at the time. I have only heard it twice since then, but it is a beautiful ballad.
