[net.music] favorite lines - Phil Ochs

trb@masscomp.UUCP (07/10/84)

ism780!michaelf asks for my favorite line from a song.

I don't have just one, plenty of lyrics blow me away.  I've been
listening to Phil Ochs lately.  He was certainly gifted.  Here's some
of his song "We're the Cops of the World," which has very sharp
lyrics:

<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>
come get out of the way boys
quick get out of the way
you'd better watch what you say boys
better watch what you say

we've rammed in your harbor and tied to your port
and our pistols are hungry and our tempers are short
so bring your daughters around to the fort
cuz we're the cops of the world, boys
we're the cops of the world

we pick and choose as we please boys
pick and choose as we please
you'd best get down on your knees, boys
best get down on your knees 

we're hairy and horny and ready to shack
and we don't care if you're yellow or black
just take off your clothes and lay down on your back
cuz we're the cops of the world, boys
we're the cops of the world
<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>

It gets even better.

Also check out "the Crucifixion."  A beautiful, haunting song.
It goes on and on, and early verse:

<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>
in the green fields a turning, a baby is born
his cries crease the wind and mingle with the morn
an assault upon the order, a changing of the guard
chosen for a challenge that is hopelessly hard
and the only single sign is the sighing of the stars
but to the silence of distance they are sworn

so dance dance dance teach us to be true
come dance dance dance cuz we love you
<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>

Other Ochs songs to look for:  

Draft Dodger Rag
Here's to the State of Richard Nixon
I ain't Marchin' Anymore
Love Me, I'm a Liberal
Small Circle of Friends

(and lots of others.)  Ochs fell into depression in the mid seventies,
after substance abuse and an episode in which he his vocal chords were
damaged as he was strangled in a mugging while he was in Africa on a
recording visit.  His beautiful voice was never the same after that,
and he finally was found having committed suicide by hanging.

	Andy Tannenbaum   Masscomp Inc  Westford MA   (617) 692-6200 x274