Letter to the Penthouse Forum

John Prine's 'Letter to the Penthouse Forum' is a humorous and satirical narrative that captures the essence of college life through a series of absurd and exaggerated events. The song is framed as a letter to the infamous Penthouse Forum, a section of Penthouse magazine known for its sensational and often implausible reader-submitted stories. Prine uses this format to craft a tale that is both entertaining and reflective of the carefree, experimental nature of youth.

The story begins with the protagonist, a student at State-U, recounting a night spent with his roommate, 'Stupendous Dork,' as they prepare for a speech therapy midterm by reading Penthouse magazines. This sets the tone for the song, blending the mundane with the outrageous. The narrative quickly escalates when they encounter two Siamese twins at a bar, leading to a series of bizarre and comedic events involving bikers, an aerobic dance class, and a campus ROTC officer. The absurdity of the situation is heightened by the protagonist's nonchalant attitude and the casual inclusion of outlandish details.

Prine's storytelling is rich with irony and wit, poking fun at the exaggerated nature of Penthouse Forum stories while also capturing the spontaneity and unpredictability of college life. The song's climax, where one of the twins makes a risqué comment to a general, epitomizes the blend of humor and absurdity that defines the narrative. Ultimately, the protagonist's reflection on his college experience, despite failing speech therapy, adds a layer of nostalgia and self-awareness to the song, making it a memorable and relatable tale for anyone who has experienced the highs and lows of student life.