I DREAMED I SAW PHIL OCHS LAST NIGHT
(Billy Bragg/Earl Robinson)

I dreamed I saw Phil Ochs last night
Alive as you and me
Says I to Phil "You're ten years dead."
"I never died." says he,
"I never died." says he.

"The music business killed you Phil,
They ignored the things you said.
And cast you out when fashions changed."
Says Phil "But I ain't dead."
Says Phil "But I ain't dead."

"The FBI harassed you Phil,
They smeared you with their lies."
Says he "But they could never kill
What they could not compromise,
I never compromised."

"Though fashions changed, and critics sneered
The songs that I have sung
Are just as true tonight as then
The struggle carries on,
The struggle carries on."

When the song of freedom rings out loud
From valleys and from hills
Where people stand up for their rights
Phil Ochs is with us still
Phil Ochs inspires us still.

Notes
This song, which is sung to the tune 'I Dreamed I Saw Joe Hill Last Night' was recorded live on the album 'The Internationale' (Elektra/Utility 960960-2) released in 1990.
RP jul07