Letter to the Penthouse Forum

Steve Goodman's 'Letter to the Penthouse Forum' is a humorous and satirical song that narrates an outlandish encounter, purportedly inspired by the types of stories found in the adult magazine Penthouse Forum. The song begins with the protagonist expressing skepticism about the believability of the magazine's stories, only to recount his own absurd experience that aligns with the exaggerated tales typically featured in the publication. This setup serves as a playful critique of the magazine's content, suggesting that the most unbelievable stories might just have a grain of truth.

The narrative unfolds with the protagonist and his roommate, humorously named 'Stupendous Dork,' engaging in typical college activities such as drinking and reading Penthouse Forum aloud. Their night takes a surreal turn when they meet Siamese twins at a bar, leading to a series of bizarre and comedic events involving bikers, an aerobic class, and a ROTC officer. Goodman uses these exaggerated elements to create a vivid, almost cinematic scene that parodies the sensational and often implausible narratives found in adult magazines.

Ultimately, the song reflects on the nature of storytelling and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. Goodman cleverly uses the format of a letter to the magazine to explore themes of credibility and the human penchant for embellishment. The recurring encounters with the Siamese twins, including the final twist where they reappear a year later, underscore the song's playful take on coincidence and fate, all while maintaining a light-hearted and entertaining tone.