It's OK to not "get" Hicks. Some folks don't get genius, or see bright lights when flashed directly in their eyes, either. You know it's OK.
I remember being like 27?, and first understanding Hicks' material. It was interesting, there was this second "wave" going on with Lenny Bruce, and Hicks and also Kinision, and a few others likeJudy Tenuta (who became obnoxious), and Goldthwaite, who letterman at first thought was a real crazy street person, started to emerge. Ever see any of the early Goldthwaite standup on Letterman? I have it on VHS it's remarkable.
But Hicks is a master, whatever opinion you may have of him, he was for real, and knew exactly what he was doing.
And Sardy, he was blisteringly funny.