Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Felipa Date: 19 Dec 21 - 06:14 PM Phil Ochs would be 81 years old today. |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 11 Aug 17 - 06:00 PM ONE NIGHT LATE (Jim Clark) I heard Phil Ochs on internet radio One night late as I worked from my home In an outlying province of the old imperial Lost and forsaken U. S. of A. And Richard Fariña was harmonizing sweetly To a song that I knew but had never heard In the pre-dawn light of the millennial morning I scratched these words on the back of a bill Chorus: Loaves and fishes and horses and wishes The virgins go begging to the cold-hearted bridegroom If Jesus was here he'd climb back on the cross He'd walk straight back in the shadows of the tomb Now it's thirty springs since the chair and the belt And forty dark years on a fast motorbike The country you loved is a dream you took with you Now it's monkeys and demons and the ghost of John Train Where men of the cloth preach murder and hate And leaders are liars who prove war is peace One nation under a vengeful God Whose son disappeared on the road to right now Chorus A mourning dove sang from a bush by my window As a squad of Blackhawks roared up from the south They're practicing up for their appointment in Samarra Then all was quiet, the bird it had flown Chorus Repeat last two lines. Notes:-Jim said about the song -'One Night Late' is an original song I included as a CD single with my 2007 book NOTIONS- A JIM CLARK MISCELLANY. The book includes an essay, 'Tongue-Tied, with Sore Fingertips, and Little to Show,' about the writing of the song." Song and essay can be found on jimclarkpoet.com. RPAug2017 |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: GUEST,Felipa Date: 06 Aug 17 - 03:32 PM Phil Ochs himself rewrote "Here's to the state of Mississippi" to dishonour Richard NIxon. Now people are telling Donald Trump, "here's to the land you've torn out the heart of" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XqQJ9ty7_8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaZDta5Tg2M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deabBWj69mM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMk5_qHFI0Y |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 05 Aug 17 - 05:53 PM P OCHS (DEATH OF A REBEL) (Jeremy Bolm) You were a fan of the rebels Marlon Brando and James Dean kinda man But it was Seeger and it was Guthrie That taught you how to take a stand You up and moved from Ohio New York was the only place You moved in with Bobby Dylan Writing songs at an incredible pace Now you're getting the hang of it Singing songs for who needed a voice Speaking out where it was needed For anyone without a choice A song for the draft dodgers Vietnam was taking names So you built the tallest soap box And fought to make a change You let Dylan get in your head Called you a coward for not searching within All you ever wanted was to be the hero To be the hero that saved us But when the Kennedys died and we got Nixon California was calling and your depression set in It was time to get away, (but you were attacked and lost your voice ?) Would be the voice this world needed, or at least that's what you thought You called yourself John Butler Train, said Phil Ochs had died, you'd gone insane All you ever wanted was to be famous The hero hung himself and no one saved us. Notes: Recorded on an EP "Hesitation Wounds", by a hardcore punk group of the same name in 2013. The author Jeremy Bolm was also a member of the group Touche Amore. RPAug2017 |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 04 Aug 17 - 07:24 PM THE REFRAIN OF JOHN BUTLER TRAIN (Kyle Donovan/David Baldo) Chorus That day John Butler Train Became a martyr At the risk of his life and limb, And Psyche first and foremost Cursed the drunken John Butler Train He told how they love the reformer, A radical ritual of sorts Then they'll pull them off their pedestal Hastily hunt 'em for sport Train reported in song Tracing the tracks of his time In restless refrain he complained Of martyrs and murderous crime Chorus The caricature is crude And always cannibalized Poor John knew it all too well He could see through the whites of their eyes Glitter fell from the sky While the awe-struck were stuck in cement Train cried out his refrain As if it were heaven sent Chorus His current began to run counter As he ran from pole to pole His turret turned, he heard The cracks crumblin' below Swept up in the storm he swam A reformer that day he became The name of the man he was former Was hung by John Butler Train Chorus Repeat last two lines Notes: Written by Kyle and David in 2015, performed and recorded on The Sound Cloud under the name "The Baldo Bin". RPAug2017 |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 03 Aug 17 - 12:02 PM SO LONG - FOR PHIL OCHS (Alexander Mayer) Goodnight my friend this time you've closed your eyes, Only wish you couldn't sleep. And all the times you made me laugh until I cried, But this time I'm crying for you Phil. In just one night, You changed our lives. And losing you and losing your smile. If only it wasn't true and you could walk into this room. So long my friend, I'd say goodbye but it's not the end. Another day I'll call you and we'll be laughing again. So long my friend, I'd say goodbye but it's not the end. Another day I'll call you and we'll be laughing again. I won't ever forget you. And I won't ever forget you. Goodnight my friend this time you've closed your eyes. RPAug2017 Can't remember where I found this one, would be grateful for any info' on song or artist. |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 24 Jul 17 - 06:53 PM On the contrary Vic, thank you for the song! It never ceases to amaze me just how many songs have been written for/about Phil. I have a dozen more which I have collected since I last posted, just haven't had time to post them. Must make a start! Rog |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs/BroadsideBalladeer From: GUEST,Vic Sadot Date: 25 Feb 17 - 02:13 AM Thanks to RogPeek for posting the lyrics to my tribute to Phil Ochs, Broadside Balladeer, which I'm just discovering now. Vic Sadot Broadside Balladeer G G C G I remember the year that Broadside Balladeer G G D D Took his own life away, so they say… G G C G Now I still long to hear him singing true and clear G G D G How I miss that Broadside Balladeer! Chorus: Em Em So "I'm Gonna Say It Now"! G G I can't say it "When I'm Gone"! Em Em Let us not speak falsely now! G G For we must be movin' on! B7 B7 Is there anybody home? G G "Is There Anybody Here"? A7 A 7 D7 D7 To be true to a Broadside Balladeer! |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Dug Date: 03 Dec 16 - 08:02 PM I've always sung it as 'whale'. That's what Martin Doherty has always sung. |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: GUEST,Lyrics to No More Songs Date: 03 Dec 16 - 06:06 PM I'm trying to resolve the correct lyrics for the last stanza of "No More Songs". If you look online there seem to be two interpretations.One is " he Whithers on the beat, he's dying " the other is "the whale is on the beach, he's dying". If you listen to most recordings it sounds like the whale version may be correct, but whel people burst out laughing afterwards. Which is it? |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: GUEST Date: 03 Feb 16 - 09:02 AM Sammy Walker: Legends |
Subject: Lyr Add: IT'S A HELLUVA PARTY (Gary Kanter) From: Rog Peek Date: 10 Dec 15 - 04:47 AM IT'S A HELLUVA PARTY (Gary Kanter) I died in my sleep, I went up to the pearly gates St. Peter met me there he said "Sorry son you're gonna have to wait He conferred with Jerry Falwell and some preacher types that I did not know He said "Sorry son to tell you this, you're going down below. Devil met me there and he handed me a drink He said "You're gonna love it here regardless what the upstairs neighbours think There's losts of happy souls inside wating for you to arrive To share our little blast the likes of which you never saw when you were alive It's a hell of a party, it's still going on Mama don't you weep for me now that I am dead and gone It's a hell of a party, to celebrate my fall And the best part of the party is we're never gonna hear the words "Last call" Jerry Garcia played guitar, Paganini bowed the violin George Carman read my eulogy and Molly Ivins waved me in Caruso sang from Figaro and Lady sang the blues Ella sang some scat, Phil Ochs sang the news The great W. C. Fields was right at home behind the bar Orson Wells filmed it all right behind a big Cuban cigar Ginger said to Fred "Now you know just how it feels" Doing everything you had to do backwards and in high heels It's a hell of a party, it's still going on Mama don't you weep for me now that I am dead and gone It's a hell of a party, to celebrate my fall And the best part of the party is we're never gonna hear the words "Last call" I walked down in the garden, never was I ever ever so glad Waiting for me there was every single dog I ever had They ran around for hours each was as frisky as a pup And miracle of miracles there was nothing to clean up Jesus came post Christmas he was exhausted from the praise He joined Moses on the golf course he'd been there since the high holy days Jesus could not sink a single put to save his soul So he ditched his cubs and walked across the water right to the nineteenth hole Mark Twain and Kurt Vonnegut were busy making each other laugh Joe Hill and Mother Jones were busy organising the staff There's billion tales to tell, right now I've gotta go It's getting late and I've got a date with Marilyn Monroe It's a hell of a party, it's still going on Mama don't you weep for me now that I am dead and gone It's a hell of a party, to celebrate my fall And the best part of the party is we're never gonna ever, ever ,ever, ever, ever, ever, ever ever, ever, hear the words "Last call" Notes: Sonny Ochs played this on "Sonny's Playdate" WIOX 28/07/15. I contacted Sonny to enquire the title and artist and received the following reply: "Hi Roger, Glad that you're listening from afar. The song is "It's a Helluva Party" by Gary Kanter who is an activist on the west coast. It's on a cd called Forever Vigilant which has lots of political songs on it. Best, Sonny". RP Dec2015 |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Felipa Date: 30 Aug 15 - 06:08 PM re Jen Cass lyrics posted 13 Sept 2008; youtube of Jen singing her tribute to Phil Ochs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cogDC_7gXw&feature |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Felipa Date: 30 Aug 15 - 06:02 PM https://poeturja.wordpress.com/category/causes/ Phil ochs i aint marching anymore Phil's voice echoing in my mind As I learn to play My new ukulele Here are the chords No riff, but couldn't do justice To the memorable, musical phrase That always gave me chills when a teen Listening to him on late-night weekend FM No commercials in the sixties Bought the album Saw him countless times at folk festivals And Philly coffee houses Spoke to him twice Well, in my ultra-shy way Went through a period of Perverting his song As I tired from marching Although it was to prevent the type of marching Phil Ochs meant Anti-war but also voting rights, Women's Lib War just kept coming Voters got rights but stopped voting Women didn't want equality if it meant Sharing a bathroom with men In frustration I invoked the words of Phil Ochs Silently shouting: "I Ain't Marching Anymore"! But got through that phase An activist works for the common good Not for the individuals who may pervert the act So here I am Almost a quarter of the way into The twenty-first century Voice scratchy The pressing of frets slow Giggling attitude toward my ineptitude But playing and singing Phil Ochs' call to war Against war So here I am Daring to replicate the sacred chords Of I Ain't Marching Anymore What a high… © Clarissa Simmens (ViataMaja) Here's a Youtube link to the song: https://youtu.be/gv1KEF8Uw2k |
Subject: Lyr Add: JOHN BUTLER TRAIN (Beresford/Delaney) From: Rog Peek Date: 26 Aug 14 - 10:07 AM JOHN BUTLER TRAIN-FOR PHIL OCHS (K Beresford/ JAG Delaney) I tried to flee the country, Flee the sun, flee my head But it seems that someone's chasing me And that someone wants me dead I don't know who he is… He speaks with familiarity I woke up this morning and realised…. He's the darker part of me. Later on they called it an 'artistic tragedy' The flame that burns too brightly Burns out fast, if you see… But I know I was taken by Someone who hated me The police will never catch the villain now He hides inside of me Chorus And it's no use running From the John Butler Train Your feet can count the miles But no distance can be gained Bearing down on me Is the John Butler Train Before I can get up He's knocked me hard down again John Butler Train Years ago my mother called me by another name I'm not sure I would know it now If she hollered me again These days I prefer to go by John Butler Train I wish someone could reach me in my pain Or take away my ticket for this train Chorus The legacy that I leave you Will be washed away by rain Only a few melodies remain Carved upon my gravestone You can just make out a name Underneath graffiti left behind By John Butler Train. Notes: The song was written by Kate Beresford and Jon Delaney, members of the "Funky Folk" quartet Kismet Hardy based in Northants England. The song was written in 2011 and can be heard on UTube being performed in September 2012. RP Aug14 |
Subject: Lyr Add: LOVE ME (Chumbawamba) From: Rog Peek Date: 19 Feb 12 - 08:15 AM LOVE ME (Chumbawamba) Im an anarchist. Im the anti-christ. Well, sort of... Not really. Its not big, Its not clever. Im quite a reasonable fella. Your friendly uncle, good with kids, good ol' paternalist Pop. Good cop, Bad cop, Good cop, Bad cop, Good cop, Good cop. I was a wannabe and wannabe's dont know what they want to be. I neednt have worried cos the man upstairs was looking out for me. God gave me the finger with his free hand, now Im his left hand man. Hey punk! Dont call me mac, my name is Johnny Trabant! (Chorus) Love Me, Love Me Love Me, Love Me Love Me, Love Me Love Me, Love Me Take Me, Take Me Seriously Love Me, Love Me Love Me, Love Me They call me the great pretender - John Noakes was my mentor. Im a walking talking ideas man, heres one I prepared earlier. Stretch Armstrong and his rubber band. Edwin Meese and the sex police. Please Mr Postman, post-post modern, deliver us from Elvis. Be-bop-a-lula yes my baby, does good culture yes! Now I found what Im looking for, I find myself in another fine mess. Someone muddied my waters. I lost my way but now I see. I O.d'd on irony. I'll rediscover God for the next L.P. (Chorus) Love Me, Love Me Love Me, Love Me Love Me, Love Me Love Me, Love Me Take Me, Take Me Seriously Love Me, Love Me Love Me, Love Me Bend me shake me any way you want me, whatever you want, Ill be your hearts desire. Black and cuddly, you want love me. Pop my cork, watch me pop like bubbly. Hot or not, youve got to use what youve got. Where's the weak spot, let me take a shot. What a turn on. Does it feel lovely? Love me love me love me love me . . . "Oh Johnny, Oh Johnny, how you came up. Oh Johnny, Oh Johnny, heavens above!" Johhny Johnny wherefore art thou, how goes Victor Jara? I got a stadium sized pro rata headache. Pretentious, moi? The ghost of Eamonn Andrews smiling watching over me. I love it. Lets shoot it. Johnny Trabba The Movie. I paid my dues, I sung the blues and I've done pain and personal hell. Pass me the phone I got calls to make, this will sell and sell. I'm as Bob Roberts to your Phil Ochs, talking political. So love, love me, love me Im a liberal! (Chorus) Love Me, Love Me Love Me, Love Me Love Me, Love Me Love Me, Love Me Take Me, Take Me Seriously Love Me, Love Me Freeze Frame Love Me. Notes: When I found this listed in Wikipedia, I'd not heard it or seen the lyrics, so I contacted Chumbawamba, and received the following reply from Boff Whalley: "Here you go – the song and the lyrics. It's called 'Love Me' (as in Love me I'm A Liberal). Not actually 'about' Phil Ochs but definitely in homage to, and inspired by, him......." The Track can be found on the album "Anarchy" (One Little Indian/London B000006XLA)1994. There are live versions on utube. RP Feb12 |
Subject: Lyr Add: FAREWELL TROUBADOUR (Gary Kanter) From: Rog Peek Date: 08 Jan 12 - 07:02 AM FAREWELL TROUBADOUR (Phil Ochs) (Gary Kanter) I remember New York City I remember sitting pretty I remember listening to you I recall the words you sang Followed the bell you rang I remember wanting to sing too. Chorus Farewell Troubadour You sang to stop a war You ain't marching anymore They're power was your glory I can still hear your guitar Don't feel you're very far Away from all of the things You helped us to see and be Peaceful soldier of the fight Against the wrongs and for the rights Anybody wishing to be free Chorus A friend to those who were afraid Strength to those who were betrayed And in our hearts and deeds You're always gonna' live Life can be so hard at times For a poet lost in his rhymes Somehow feels he's got no more to give Chorus Notes: This song appears on the album "Goodbye, Dr. Laura" (Gary Kanter 884502872750) 2010. There is a live version on utube. RP Jan2012 |
Subject: Lyr Add: STARS THAT ARE SILVER (Ralph Alfonso) From: Rog Peek Date: 08 Oct 11 - 05:14 PM STARS THAT ARE SILVER (Ralph Alfonso) Stars that are silver And stars that are gold These are the stars I I never will hold And the gates to heaven They never will close And where God will find me Oh well God only knows Stars that are silver And stars that are gold There is no comfort For a life I have sold And there but for fortune My story is told Stars that are silver And stars that are gold Stars that are silver And stars that are gold These are the stars I I never will hold And the gates to heaven They never will close And where God will find me Well God only knows Notes: Here is an excerpt from a piece Ralph wrote advertising a showing of 'PHIL OCHS - There But For Fortune' in Montreal September 2011: "As a special treat, we are happy to offer a free download of a tribute song that I wrote for Phil Ochs a few years ago and by the powers of kismet, manages to tie in both Phil Ochs and the Vancouver punk scene as it features myself on vocals with Gord Nicholl (Pointed Sticks) on keyboards who also recorded and mixed it with Buck Cherry (Modernettes) at their Vancouver studios, Paramount Recorders. On electric guitar is Michael Rummen (Four Horsemen, Bruno Gerussi's Medallion, Ralph) and on acoustic guitar is Dave Rave (Teenage Head). They are all featured on the "electric" version. There is also an acoustic version which is just Dave and myself. I have only ever performed this song once or twice live and it always garners an appreciative response. Phil Ochs and his music touched a lot of people." RP Oct11 |
Subject: Add Lyr: MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE (Ray Korona) From: Rog Peek Date: 05 Apr 11 - 02:50 PM MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE (Ray Korona) Alisha didn't have a press secretary To put her message on TV. She wrote it down on paper; stuffed it in a bottle; Threw the bottle into the sea. She wrote the note in England in her kindergarten; Said write me if you get this someday. She heard back from Australia. Bob found the bottle Nine thousand miles away! chorus: Imagine your dreams coming true. Find a way that works for you. Reach out from wherever you are, You'll get through. You'll get through. Phil Ochs didn't have a big record label To make his name a household word. He had a lot to say; wrote it in his music; Tried to find a way to be heard. A homemade magazine, speaking out for justice, Transcribed the songs Phil would play. They started getting sung back in the sixties, and Thousands still sing them today! repeat chorus Maybe you don't have a high-powered agent; No media contacts to call. No email spam list, not even a bottle, but Maybe you don't need them at all! repeat chorus tag You'll get through. You'll get through. Notes: First heard this yesterday on 'Woodie's Children: Remembering Phil Ochs' presented by Bob Sherman on WFUV. It is performed by The Ray Korona Band on the album "A Little Too Much Sunshine" (Hobo Star Music B0047GPHXS) 2010. RPApr11 |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 05 Apr 11 - 08:08 AM On Sunday last, I listened to a program on WFUV called "Woodie's Children: Remembering Phil Ochs", at the end of which Bob Sherman the presenter played three tribute songs. One of these was "Accidental Pilgrimage" by Jen Cass, the details of which are already posted here. Another was "Message in a Bottle" by Ray Korona details of which I will post shortly. A third was a song called "The Power and Glory" by the late Dave Carter. In the lyrics of this song, there is no direct reference to Phil, so I emailed Tracy Grammer to verify if this was in fact a tribute to Phil. Tracy had collaberated with Dave on three albums prior to his death in 2002, one of which contained the song in question. In her reply, Tracy said the song was not connected to Phil, and was in fact autobiographical. Rog |
Subject: Lyr Add: BOTTOM OF THE LAND, PHIL (Robert Hoyt) From: Rog Peek Date: 14 Dec 10 - 09:47 AM BOTTOM OF THE LAND, PHIL (Robert Hoyt) Where are those things you've worked for all your life Where are the objects of your joy Where are those things that you've come to expect Where are the winner's toys Chorus Where will you find your place among things Where will you find your strength Where will you find the national will It's all there in the bottom of the land, Phil Garbage and peas and expired cheese Good things no one'll ever taste Paper galore and old two-by-fours Whole forests laid to waste Chorus Well you won't get my cash and I'll steel your trash Why should I spend it in your corporate store You can compact it all to hell, but you can't hide the smell And I'll still be hangin' 'round your back door. Chorus Free the trash! Notes: This song appeared on the album "Dumpster Diving Across America" (Folk the Boat FTBRH204) 1993. This is what Robert had to say about the song: "When Joe Hoffman first loaned me a Phil Ochs tape, I listened to it once and misplaced it. I wrote this song about over-consumption, garbage, and scavenging (i.e. dumpster diving). I then found the lost tape, and was more than a little dismayed at how badly I had musically ripped off old Phil. But then I realised that what I had created was an environmental protest tribute to Phil Ochs, and that it was not "fill" as in "landfill" but rather "Phil". RPDec10 |
Subject: Lyr Add: HELL NO BUT THE MONEY'S GOOD (Joe Hoffman From: Rog Peek Date: 08 Dec 10 - 03:09 PM HELL NO BUT THE MONEY'S GOOD (Joe Hoffmann) Hey mister folk man why do you sing those songs You think we'd understand now that you're gone What's that I hear now, ballads and rags Is there anybody here who'd wrap themselves in a flag You sang so many songs, in so many towns You made us laugh at the wrongs that you found When asked if you meant those words that you sang, you said "Hell no but the money's good." Chorus Hell no but the money's good folks Hell no but the money's good When asked if you meant those words that you sang, you said Hell no but the money's good You sang on top of trucks when the unions went on strike You said "I can't spare a buck, but I sure as hell will fight." There but for fortune may go you or I And the power and the glory, yet all men must die Why oh why would a man take his life Why oh why oh why When asked if you meant those words that you sang, you said "Hell no but the money's good." Chorus Notes: Written by Joe Hoffmann of St. Louis, it was recorded by Robert Hoyt (whom I had previously believed to have written it) on "Dumpster Diving Across America" (Folk the Boat FTBRH204) 1993. RPDec10 |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: GUEST,bobf Date: 26 Nov 10 - 11:51 PM recently posted a video of a public domain eulogistic folk song about Phil Ochs from 1976, "The People's Folksinger," at following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgzCpO8x_R0 |
Subject: Lyr Add: JAMES DEAN COMING OVER THE HILL (Tom Ovan From: Rog Peek Date: 20 Oct 10 - 02:56 PM JAMES DEAN COMING OVER THE HILL (Tom Ovans) The sky is blue, the sky is black John Train he ain't ever coming back Papa was a rolling stone Now he ain't nothing but a coughing bag of bones Hang around this old town They'll build you up just to cut you back down Going down to New Orleans Gonna make a deal, gonna get myself clean Hey babe got my eye on you A ranbling girl knows all about these blues Jesus saves, Jesus kills James Dean coming over the hill Notes: This track features on "Dead South" (Demon 1997), with just the one line refering to Phil (in italics). According to the following excerpt from a short bio of Tom Ovans, it seems that he had an association with Phil in the early seventies: "As a chronicler and troubadour, Ovans has trod a rough and ragged musical path across the States. In the early '70s in New York City he walked the walk with a junked-out Tim Hardin and knocked-out loaded Phil Ochs" Complete version can be found here RP Oct10 |
Subject: Lyr Add: 76 BLUES + 2 (Norman Blake) From: Rog Peek Date: 12 Oct 10 - 04:07 PM 76 BLUES + 2 (Norman Blake) I've been to the east, I've been to the west, I've travelled this world around I'm a going on back to Georgia To make my last go round And it's a hard road I'm travelling on. They say things are fine now, In Nashville Tennessee What with all those snakes just moving in It's a Hollywood to me And it's a hard road I'm travelling on. Way down on the southern Near the shore down whistle wind Three miles south of Risen farm Goin' to get here just on time One hundred miles from Birmingham. Lord inches, feet and miles and yards Changes all around A meter's what you put your money in When you park down town And it's a hard road I'm travelling on. I knew a man from New York state Believe me friends he tried He believed in every word he sang And then he hung hiself and died It's a hard road he travelled on. Well goin' up to the district Washington DC Lord if you wanna hail Columbia Then friend don't bother me Well it's a hard road we're travelled on Just listen to me good people now We're all in a hell of a fix I got the same old blues in '78 That I had in '76 And it's a hard road we're travelling on. Some day I'll write my travels down In a big old book Now I'm a goin' back to my home Down in Johnson's Crook It's a hard road I'm travelling on. I've been to the east, I've been to the west, I've travelled this world around I'm a going on back to Georgia To make my last go round It's a hard road I've travelling on. Notes: The verse that refers to Phil is in italics. The track was included on the album "Directions" (Takoma 1978), reissued on CD in 1987. To confirm that the verse was indeed about Phil, I contacted Norman's agent and received the following in reply: "I spoke with Norman and you are correct. The one verse in 76 Blues was in regards to Phil Ochs. Norman stated that he had no real personal involvement with Phil Ochs, it was "just in my mind at the time"... he wrote the song." RP Oct10 |
Subject: Lyr Add: SONG FOR PHIL (Jamie Crawford) From: Rog Peek Date: 10 Oct 10 - 05:33 PM SONG FOR PHIL (Jamie Crawford) Hey Phil Ochs well I wrote you a song But then you wrote so many for me We all wear our fears on the inside well hidden You wore yourself out for the whole world to see And hey Phil tell me about the Village And hey Phil was Chicago that bad And hey Phil was LA still crazy The Darkest of times that you had I was knocked to the floor when I heard Crucifixion With your voice swirling up out of cacophony And the words gave me goose bumps just hearing you sing it And I thought you were singing for me And hey Phil what about Miami And hey Phil was Ohio so bad And hey Phil was LA still crazy The darkest of times that you had So I ended up Phil by writing this song But you left the stage early so you can't sing along You wore yourself for the whole word to see And I always thought you were singing for me But hey Phil you lived through Chicago And hey Phil you made it through Chile But hey Phil what was the trouble Your last day in Far Rockaway And hey Phil tell me about Newport And hey Phil how was Carnegie Hall You know Phil I always said you Were my favorite singer of all And hey Phil tell me about Dylan And hey Phil how's about Jim and Jean And hey Phil what of Wickham and Westin Your friends on the Hollywood scene And hey Phil tell me about the Village And hey Phil was Ohio that bad And hey Phil was LA still crazy The darkest of times that you had The darkest of times that you had And the darkest times just weren't that bad. Notes: Found this one posted on Yahoo 'Phil Ochs' group. When I requested permission to post on mudcat, and enquired about a recording, this was the reply: "I have no objection to publishing the lyrics. The song is only on live tapes at this point. Thanks for the interest." This is all the information I have apart from the fact that it was written c.1998. RP Oct10 |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 30 Jun 10 - 04:21 PM It's three years to the day, that I started this thread. My, how time flies when you're enjoying yourself. I am very pleased to have finally collected all the songs that were identified at the start, as well as many more. The search goes on......... Rog Peek |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: GUEST Date: 30 Jun 10 - 02:35 PM Normal Blake's 76 Blues (+2) is on the recording "Directions" words and guitar tablature on the book "Norman Blake Anthology" Thank you Guest. Rog |
Subject: Lyr Add: REMEMBER PHIL OCHS (Voice of Reason) From: Rog Peek Date: 28 Jun 10 - 03:49 PM REMEMBER PHIL OCHS (Voice of Reason) One naked drunk in the rain feeling no pain I looked away Jumped in my car drove to the high school Friend called me up on the phone I wasn't home, left was a note The news is a nightmare how did it hit you And it seemed like a line from a song that I knew But I just couldn't place it so I didn't call 'til I knew Chorus Remember Phil Ochs all his songs all his jokes And remember he cared for his brothers and sisters Remember he stood for the true and the good And his poetry spoke with a sensitive whisper To the tender resister Out from the west like a flash, Siamese clash, protest at last He sang through the village stood in the front lines There but for fortune a hit, that's when he split kissed by a miss Moved to the West coast the island of gold mines Wrote some magical songs and recorded with care And the harbour still shines, but the top forty wasn't aware Chorus Just like a reporter with news of the highway He kept his mind open while feeding his soul But what more could he give when they looked at him sideways He'd given his best all in vain, where else could he go He grew defensive and drunk, his writing was blocked, it seemed all was lost The ultimate gamble, he'd make them listen Exits create such a scene, the Kennedy dream, like Holly and Dean He hung in the closet to be a legend So I put on a tape, loop and went for a ride And the song that I heard was called 'Don't Give Up You've Still Got Time' Chorus Notes: Song included on "Voice of Reason", (Tomorrow Records TLP-21088, 1987). Assume the writer was one of the band, but have no names. RP Jul10 |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 23 Jun 10 - 01:12 PM Thank you Guest Have you any more info, such as what album it might be on? Rog |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: GUEST Date: 23 Jun 10 - 12:04 PM Norman Blake has a song, "76 blues (+2) which seems to talk about Phil - I knew a man from New York state Believe me friends he tried He believed in every word he sang Then he hung himself and died And its a hard road I'm travelling on |
Subject: Lyr Add: BROTHER PHIL (Abbie Hoffman) From: Rog Peek Date: 23 Jun 10 - 08:18 AM BROTHER PHIL (Abbie Hoffman) I saw him there on freedom's trail a-roaring songs and making bail We walked along through Georgia mud A-shouting out at racist crud Chorus He fought the war, he won the fight His battles done he did it right Our brother died, our brother's gone It's up to us to carry on Chicago shook him at a scene He wandered off to find his dream To Chile town for spirit pride Sadly crushed one bloody night Chorus Down Africa to loosen chains Wound round their necks like horses reins To pound the beat, to work for peace Oh what a shame they rigged the lease Chorus He tried to run, he tried to hide But the pain bore deep inside His cause was shot, he'd lost his roar And brother Phil would march no more Chorus Now shed no tears for brother Phil For others rise and march they will He's playing in a loving band He gotta hold of angels hand Chorus I'll be seeing yuh. (spoken) Notes: This song, which Abbie wrote on hearing of Phil's death was recorded on tape and played at Phil's memorial concert at the Felt Forum in New York on May 28th 1976. Abbie, who at the time was a fugitive from the law attended the memorial in diguise, even though he risked arrest and imprisonment. In 1984, Abbie was interviewed for Michael Korolenko's biopic "Chords of Fame, this is what he had to say about the song: "I was in Montreal I guess in '76, when it, when it uh, when I heard the news, so I uh, I wrote a song, my first song about it, and I said….. because they asked me to participate in the benefit they were gonna…. the memorial they were gonna have to Phil in New York and I came. I was…actually I was scared outa my wits, got all disguised up, everybody recognised me though, knew it was me, and uh paid a tribute to Phil, now he's gone, left us here so sing a song. What can I say? The battle goes on." He then sang: "I saw him there on freedom's trail a-singing songs and making bail We walked along through Georgia mud A-shouting out at racist crud" Now Phil has gone hm hm hm hm. And left us here to sing his songs….. ………" "Can't remember it all yuh know………" RP Jul10 |
Subject: Lyr Add: FOR PHIL (OCHS) AND OTHERS (Blanks) From: Rog Peek Date: 21 Jun 10 - 06:42 PM FOR PHIL (OCHS) AND OTHERS (Blanks) Let's begin with Phil near a window, still With the thoughts we thought we'd had to kill He marched with us he never switched sides The story of a lover who didn't have to die They tried to drown you in the shifting sand But you hit back in a protest planned, You would understand Tripping, sleeping on a floor piled with clothes A ghost he is gripping all the windows And though the glass was clouded with frost We brought in the shows of those who were lost They tried to drown you in the shifting sand But you hit back in a protest planned, You would understand Now we give away the shadow smiles To fight the arrest and all the trials The songs of Phil, your window still With the thoughts you thought we had to kill. Notes: Transcription of the lyrics from the recording was very difficult, and while they will be largely correct, I cannot guarantee complete accuracy. The song appeared on "If This Had Been An Actual Emergency", (Falsified Records OX752, 1990). While I have listed the band as the author, in all probability the author was just one or two members of the band for whom I do not have any names. RP Jul10 |
Subject: Lyr Add: JOHN TRAIN (Matt Wixson) From: Rog Peek Date: 09 Jun 10 - 05:23 PM JOHN TRAIN (Matt Wixson) Well you can see me coming, I'm roaring down the track My pants are two weeks dirty with a pipe stuffed down the back A reflection of a life that never quite made history You all know my old friend Bobby but you don't remember My name is Train, John Train My name is Train, John Train If you're wondering where I come from, brother I'd be glad to tell Oh I start my biography at the Chelsea Hotel That's where I committed murder back in 1975 When two men walked on in, but I'm the one that's still alive My name is Train, John Train My name is Train, John Train It used to be so easy, no I didn't need to try The CIA is after me, so is the FBI Now I'm wallowing in madness, all the glory days behind And I thought a little homicide might help me clear my mind My name is Train, John Train My name is Train, John Train Well you can see me coming, I'm roaring down the track My pants are two weeks dirty with a pipe stuffed down the back A reflection of a life that never quite made history You all know my old friend Bobby but you don't remember me My name is Train, John Train My name is Train, John Train Notes: Features on the CD "Honest Living" (Open Hand Records) 2009. Here is what Matt had to say about the song: "I know I wrote the song in the summer of 2009, shortly after finishing There But for Fortune: The Life of Phil Ochs by Michael Schumacher. The tragic character of John Train seemed perfect for an "outlaw country" kind of narrative. I think I also see some of myself in Phil's alter ego, which seems to be a manifestation of mental illness of course but also frustration with an unsatisfying career for Phil. I hope I never go down that same path, of course, but sometimes I worry. The recording, of course, is actually a reggae song, in the style reggae was played at the end of the 1960's, but I think the country feel of the songwriting still comes through strong." RP Jun2010 |
Subject: Lyr Add: MARCHING IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS (Brian Griffin From: Rog Peek Date: 03 Apr 10 - 02:55 PM MARCHING IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS (Brian Griffin) I am Marching in your footsteps Going down the path you blazed Heading, towards the end of the journey Trying not to stray and lose my way First heard about you from the Clash They sang a verse from one of your songs Gave you the credit that you were due Planted a seed in me that grew And I am here I'm marching Marching in your footsteps Up on the Oval singing your songs Your words are still full of power And they ring true and strong Then I read about you in the Lantern Tenth anniversary of your death Article said you couldn't go on And you couldn't take another breath Well here I am I'm marching Marching in your footsteps Going down the path you blazed Heading-towards the end of the journey Trying not to stray and lose my way I read all the books I could about you Watched all the videos and listened to your songs It always breaks my heart when I get to the part When you felt that you could not go on Now many years have passed since that day That you are no longer with us But your word rings on and it's growing In all the people that you touched And we are here we're marching Marching in your footsteps Taking your words to the streets The world is still worth saving And we're telling everyone that we meet Marching Marching in your footsteps We're on the Oval singing your songs Your words are still full of power And they're ringing true and strong Phil, You are never truly gone I am marching in your footsteps Notes: Written by Columbus singer/songwriter Brian Griffin. Recorded live at the OSU South Oval during the Ohio Hempfest 2009. To my knowledge, it has not yet been released on a CD. RP April10 |
Subject: Lyr Add: PHIL OCHS AS I KNEW HIM (David Kleiner) From: Rog Peek Date: 02 Apr 10 - 02:23 PM PHIL OCHS AS I KNEW HIM (David Kleiner) Sometimes on a quiet Sunday Night at the Main Point Before he was well known There'd be just a few of us out there for the evening show And he'd rap to the crowd about this world of ours From the news that he'd read that day He'd make us all laugh and see things a different way Chorus And he'd come out on stage with that battered old Gibson Each strum is louder than I ever heard before Singing his songs of yesterday's ideals Songs of love, songs of war The tunes were simple, so were the chords And his voice would kinda' shake when he'd sing But you'd hear each word 'cause the lyrics were the thing I was in High School back in those days But I'd always find a way When he came to Philly' I'd here him play Chorus Sixty Eight in Chicago I saw him again, he'd reached the height of his fame We lost touch in Chicago, we all had changed Last night two friends from my past called me up To tell me what they hadn't read Phil Ochs hung himself 'cause the words wouldn't come My high school hero was dead. Chorus Notes: This song appears on "The News That's Fit To Sing" (David Kleiner 884401003087) released 2008. Dedicated to Phil Ochs, the title is similar to Phil's classic 60's album, 'All The News That's Fit To Sing'. RP April10 |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 29 Sep 09 - 04:46 PM Finally got in touch with Jack Honig, after over 2 years of searching. Copy of 'Mirror Image' on its way shortly. Already have lyrics for 'Tribute to Phil Ochs' but I'll be pleased to add the recording to the rest. Out of the 23 listed in David Cohen's bio-bibliography I have now managed to get recordings of 21. Still outstanding are: BLANKS - 'For Phil (Ochs) and Others' (If This Had Been An Actual Emergency, Falsified Records OX752, 1990) VOICE OF REASON - 'Remember Phil Ochs' (Voice of Reason, Tomorrow Records TLP-21088, 1987) Rog |
Subject: Lyr Add: I DREAMED I SAW PHIL OCHS LAST NIGHT From: Rog Peek Date: 20 Apr 09 - 01:59 PM I DREAMED I SAW PHIL OCHS LAST NIGHT (Gary L. Baran/Earl Robinson) I dreamed I saw Phil Ochs last night Alive as you and me Says I "But Phil your ten years dead." "It's true I died" says he "it's true I died" says he. "There's no place in this world for me, There's no place I belong, But though I'm gone, you carry on My legacy of song, my legacy of song." "Whenever men are off to war, When bombs begin to fall, It's there you'll find my voice and song to say 'Don't heed the call', to say 'Don't heed the call'." "From Frisco Bay to Harvard Yard, Across the USA, At colleges in every town, It's there you'll hear me say, it's there you'll hear me say: That I ain't marching anymore' Ain't goin' over there, It's time to stop the killing now, The war is over I declare, it's over I declare." Notes: Came across a reference to this one in David Cohen's book. The song was published in Sing Out! vol. 36 No2 (1991). I am not aware of any recording having been made. RP April09 |
Subject: Lyr Add: I WAS AT JOHNNY'S AND HE PLAYED PHIL OCHS From: Rog Peek Date: 11 Apr 09 - 05:16 AM I WAS AT JOHNNY'S AND HE PLAYED PHIL OCHS (Sean Brooks) I was at Johnny's and he played Phil Ochs At the Paradox The waitress asked about their punk politics Their punk politics They didn't leave a tip, those gutterpunks Community service Doesn't mean killing off the innocent In Portland it rains But its a soft rain with a mist like December And the kids remember The kids they all grow up and they remember I was at Johnny's and he played Phil Ochs Notes: Sean Brooks leads the group Minmae and this song appeared on their album 'Le Grand Essor de la Maison du Monstre' (Greyday Productions) 2006. Here is an extract from an email I received from Sean: "Thanks for getting in touch. I'm happy to pass along the lyrics to you. I should tell you though, the song isn't as much about Phil Ochs as much as it is about the friend who turned me onto his music, and also Portland, the place I live. ......" RP April09 |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 07 Apr 09 - 05:00 PM Oldhippie has turned up another: "I Was At Johnny's And He Played Phil Ochs" by Minmae I tried transcribing the lyric, but couldn't understand some of the words, so had to give up. it seems that Robert Hoyt wrote and recorded a song called 'Hell No But The Money's Good' on 'Dumpster Driving Across America'. I have been trying to contact him. I have added Minmae's, Mark Gunnery's and Robert Hoyt's to the list which now stands at 49. Rog |
Subject: Lyr: I DREAMED I SAW PHIL OCHS LAST NIGHT (Gunnery From: Rog Peek Date: 07 Apr 09 - 04:41 PM I DREAMED I SAW PHIL OCHS LAST NIGHT (Mark Gunnery) And some songs are harder than other ones to write And some songs hang out in my head late at night And they haunt me, they taunt me, tell me what to do Yeah they haunt me, they taunt me, tell me what to do And I can't sleep for shit while they're over my bed And the words are all leather and the melody lead And I make a noose out of metallic thread And hang my guitar from its fucking head And I dreamed I saw Phil Ochs last night His feet dangling over the bathroom floor And I turned my head and I turned off the light And I marked off another casualty of the cold war. And if my mind cracks like some folks always said That it would that it would that it would that it would And my my eyes turn to glass and my tail turns to wood Then just sing to me and I will remember That one time I wasn't blind. Yeah just sing to me and I will remember That one time I wasn't blind. Notes: Mark Gunnery has been described as an anarchist folk singer, part of the collective riotfolk. The title would suggest another version of the Hayes/Robinson song. This is not the case however both lyrics and melody are original, and features on the CD 'Split with Dragonzord (2006). Mark and Brenna Sahatjain included a collaboration of this song on 'Rise Like Lions' 2006, and Brenna's version (below) with some alteration to the lyric appears on 'To Each Idle Arrow (2006). RP April09 And some songs are harder than other ones to write and some songs hang out in my head late at night. They haunt me they taunt me tell me what to do and follow me out at night under the moon. And I can't sleep for shit while their over my bed the words are all leather and the melody lead I make a noose out of metallic thread and hang that guitar by its dissonant head and I dreamed I saw Phil Ochs last night his feet were dangling over the bathroom floor I just turned my head, and turned off the light and marked another casualty of the cold war. And if my head cracks like some folks always said that it would and my heart turns to stone and my tail turns into wood just sing to me and I will remember that one time I was not blind just sing to me and I will remember how the colors held up the light. |
Subject: Add Lyr: ALL THE NEWS THAT'S FIT TO SING (Al Baker From: Rog Peek Date: 14 Mar 09 - 05:31 PM ALL THE NEWS THAT'S FIT TO SING (Al Baker) Well I woke up one night screaming At the wall I thought was moving But the rope around your neck Kept getting tighter The harder I was pulling You said "Hey, I'm just a shadow" And I said I agreed But I thought you had a guitar And a microphone But all the strings were missing You said talking was too easy And then sent me back to sleep Then you took the rope from round your neck And tied it to my feet Left me stolen cryptic lyrics for a song When I found out you were gone I went out the next day breathing But undoubtedly alive And I saw your stories flowing Through the ambulances And the morning papers I had to stop dead when I realised I could never say goodbye And even Dylan got to sing to Woody Guthrie On his bed as he lay dyin' But what's become of Bobby now Will not become of me I swear to you my music will respect your memory Woody's, Johnny's, Strummer's and Joe Hill Most of all to Phil Chorus: Every time you sing to me There's a ringing in my ears All the news that's fit to sing Is fit to cause a tear And I dreamed I saw Phil Ochs last night Alive as you or me Said I to Phil "You're thirty years dead" "I never died." said he "I never died." said he Oh the dreams I've had of sitting with you Anywhere with seats Talking long into the night Over bottled beer and marijuana cigarettes 'Cause I'm sure you could have told me more Than I will ever know About people, love and freedom And how the grass sways in Virginia when the wind blows And then you would have played me 'I ain't marchin' anymore' Because you'd know it means as much today As it ever did before There but for fortune There for the grace of fate we'd be Chorus I sit here sometimes thinking about Why you had to die Was it money or your mind Or were you hounded to the graveyard by the FBI? I guess you'd say it doesn't matter Like you sang in 'When I'm Gone' It takes more than that to shatter All the wisdom in the words of One who died so young You told us "step outside the guidelines Make your own reality" And a protest must be beautiful in ugly times like these. You never once conceded You sang everything that needed to be said Chorus Notes: Al wrote this about the song in Mar 2009: "I wrote my song about Phil a little under three years ago, I think, he remains an enormous influence on me and my songwriting." RP Mar2009 |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE BALLAD OF JOHN TRAIN (Phil Ochs) From: Rog Peek Date: 18 Jan 09 - 12:22 PM THE BALLAD OF JOHN TRAIN (John Train/Phil Ochs) Phil Ochs checked into the Chelsea Hotel, There was blood on his clothes and they were dirty. I could see by his face he was not feeling well, He'd been to one too many parties. He walked in the lobby a picture of doom, It was plain to see he'd been a-drinkin' I had to follow him up to his room, To find out what he was thinking "Train, Train, Train" From the outlaw in his brain But he's still the same refrain He walked in his room and he fell on the floor Hanging in his hangover Now the act from the stage he plays on the street Handing out piles of money His audience now is the bums that he meets Is he a phony or funny? Notes: I don't know why I didn't think of this one before. - It is well documented that Phil suffered from manic depression, and in 1975 when he had descended into a state of drunken, hostile depression, he attempted to escape reality by taking on a different persona. This persona was named John Butler Train, and as Phil explained later "On the first day of summer 1975, Phil Ochs was murdered in the Chelsea Hotel by John Train who is speaking now………." During this period, Larry Sloman, a friend, encouraged Phil to work through this episode by writing songs. One of the songs he wrote as John Train was this one and it was recorded by Larry Sloman. RP jan09 |
Subject: Lyr Add: SONG FOR PHIL (OCHS) (Kevin Kerr) From: Rog Peek Date: 15 Jan 09 - 04:44 AM SONG FOR PHIL (OCHS) (Kevin Kerr) Phil my friend, you say you've travelled long Fought all kinds of wars, played the game too strong But when you're born to wander, there's nothing left to do Just know the fact there's lightening in your shoes You can't stop when you want to, gotta sleep under the rain Can't stay with a woman, they never help the pain. Reading the New York Times and writing all night long It's a shame that no-one understood your songs And the words had a meaning, but they cut you one by one They called you a rebel who wrote a patriotic song But when you're born to wander, there's nothing left to do Just know the fact there's lightening in your shoes You can't stop when you want to, gotta sleep under the rain Can't stay with a woman, they never help the pain. No they never stopped the rain. Notes: Kevin Kerr is a singer/songwriter from Rochester N.Y. The song was released as the 'B' side of a 45 rpm single (Gaslight Productions 1017) 1980. The 'A' side was "Music Man", and musicians on the record included Joe Piszczek - acoustic guitar, Rise Reimondo and Andrea Tarr - harmonies. This and other songs by Kevin can be downloaded here . RP jan09 |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: GUEST,auerworld Date: 30 Dec 08 - 09:06 AM What an amazing thread! What an amazing project! Thank you for sending this out. It's nice to see how many artists remember "those who came before"- and especially Phil. |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 28 Dec 08 - 08:10 PM Hello All Hope you had a great Christmas and here's wishing you all Good Health and Happiness in the New Year. Just thought I'd give an update on the search: I still have no information at all on: 1. For Phil and Others - by Blanks (If This Had Been An Actual Emergency, Falsified Records OX752, 1990) 2. Remember Phil Ochs – by Voice of Reason (Voice of Reason, Tomorrow Records TLP-21088, 1987) Have no recording of Tribute To Phil Ochs by Jack Honig (Mirror Image, Independent Cassette, 1991) Have been unable to contact artist. Have been unable to locate recording of (Song for) Brother Phil –by Abbie Hoffman, have some of lyrics transcribed from interview he gave on 'Chords of Fame' biopic. There are no recordings of the following: 1.I Dreamed I Saw Phil Ochs Last Night by Mike Miller 2.I Dreamed I Saw Phil Ochs Last Night by Johnathan Talbot 3.Hang Down Your Head Phil Ochs by Tom Paxton I believe there is a song out there written by Rob Pfeffer called 'John Train', but had no luck yet. Not been confirmed, so not included in the list. Of the 45 songs confirmed I have lyrics for 42 and recordings of 38. Rog |
Subject: Lyr Add: VAN RONK (Tom Russell) From: Rog Peek Date: 04 Dec 08 - 12:38 PM VAN RONK (Tom Russell) He had a little apartment on Sheridan Square in New York, Had it almost forty years. They say Dylan slept on the couch once, And Phil Ochs, during his final psychotic days, When Phil called himself John Train and sat up all day on the sofa Cutting up National Geographics, making whacked out collages, And threatening peoples lives with scissors. Then Phil Ochs hung himself in Far Rockaway. But Dave Van Ronk tried to watch over all of them Every kid who walked in wide-eyed with a guitar and song fragment They called Dave The Pope of Greenwich Village And I sat on his couch a few times and It was better than any hundred-dollar shrink or hooker. His second wife Andrea is a beautiful little woman who plays classical harp And Dave would direct her to play records as we sat there and drank Then he'd tell us to shut up and listen And if we didn't listen Van Ronk would command her to play a song Again and again, until we got it, like "Play that goddamned thing again Andrea, Play it, now listen to this goddamned thing you people, Listen to this goddamned song you people. And he'd close his eyes, boy would we listen, We'd try to clear out our drunken heads and listen deep. And then that big magic glass pitcher of white wine would appear With an ice cube shaft down the middle, Magically refilled in the kitchen, gallons of it. And Van Ronk would cough and close his eyes And suck on a forbidden cigarette until he was finally asleep, Passed out, snoring and muttering on the couch And you could hear his smoke destroyed lungs struggling to clear the air And we all staggered down those stairs That little rent controlled apartment with all its books and Micronesian art And guitars and harps and cigarette smoke, wine bottles and folk ghosts And wonderful, wonderful stories, and the magic glass pitcher of white wine. We all loved Dave van Ronk, He was The Pope of Greenwich village goddamn it. And when he died they had all the appropriate tributes, I heard they even named a street after him in New York City. But who the hell can conjure up those nights we spent, Feeling honoured and blessed by The Pope Melting into a couch, hearing him rant and rave and tell old stories. That's the way it was, sinking further and further into that couch. Giving us benediction with a cigarette stub, ashes flying everywhere, As some new guitar or poet kid walked through. We were wondering if Dylan dropped any songs between the cushions That were still down there. All we found was old pennies. So go down to the village, do yourself a favour one of these days, And put your ear to the ground over there near Sheridan Square. Listen to him, goddamn it, listen, he's still there, listen to Dave Van Ronk. "Play that goddamned song again Andrea, play it, play it, Play that goddamned Dave Van Ronk song one more time." I can hear him coughing, singing, barking, lecturing, and laughing Ranting and raving in heaven or hell or purgatory, oblivion, nirvana Wherever they send the real good ones after they pass on through, And their earthly gig is over……. (clears his throat twice) Mmmmm (Dave Van Ronk sings): - "I got a letter from my home, most of my friends dead and gone, They can't worry, they can't wonder about times to come. My old mother said to me 'So young and foolish child you can't see Now I ain't got no mother, my sister and my brother turned their back on me….. (fade out) Notes: This was a difficult one, really didn't know whether to include it. The 'song', at least the version I have heard, is spoken, with a musical accompaniment, and although there are a few lines about Phil Ochs, it is, as the title suggests about Dave Van Ronk. I discussed it with oldhippie, and I agree with him when he pointed out, "the few lines are well done, and should be included on merit". In order that the part about Phil can be appreciated in the context of the whole song, I have included the whole song, but italicised those lines about Phil. The song is included on "Veteran's Day-The Tom Russell Anthology" (Shout Factory B001G7EGRE)released in 2008. RP Dec08 |
Subject: Lyr Add: WHAT PRICE THE GLORY OF ONE MAN From: Rog Peek Date: 28 Nov 08 - 01:36 PM WHAT PRICE THE GLORY OF ONE MAN (for Phil Ochs) (Anne McMenamin) We were never old friends - I didn't even know you. I did meet you once but I didn't understand. But whenever I hear your music I love you. I want to reach back in time and just hold your hand. For the power of your passion and the glory of your reason, They ring through your songs like a clear tenor bell, Why wasn't your caring reflected back to you, To warm and enfold you, and nourish your soul? When despair drives a man to take his own life, We all stand defeated by unrightable wrong. But the loss is more keen and the failure more damning, When the heart was so brave and the voice was so strong. For you cut through the bull-shit, you scorned the pretensions, You sang as you saw, and your vision was true. In a sea of romantics and band-waggon jumpers, The liberal soft-option was no option for you. I can't hear, "When I'm gone", but tears overtake me, Did you know what was coming? Was the dark always there? And I wish there'd been someone to sit down beside you – Sit close beside you, as close as the air. For you laughed at the lies, sang over the guns, Stood up for the right, gave all you could give, You should have stood tall, and we should have told you, That you could be proud – proud enough to live. But the past can't be changed - there's no point in wishing, "Why nots" and "Why wasn'ts" cannot right the wrong. And now that you're gone, we'll sing your songs for you, And we can assure you, there will be more songs. For the poor are still poor, the guns are still blazing, And still there is beauty that words can't recall. You left us your songs, at what price the glory? But the glory of the future shall rest on us all. Notes: Anne wrote this song in 2006 and this is what she said in an email to me: "One of the things I have found from communicating with people about Phil Ochs is that he evinces a strong emotional response - people feel very intensely about him. I think this is why so many people have been moved to write songs." You can listen to Anne singing the song acapella here. Anne McMenamin RP Nov2008 |
Subject: Lyr Add: PHIL'S SONG (Bruce Piephoff) From: oldhippie Date: 26 Nov 08 - 05:30 PM PHIL'S SONG (Bruce Piephoff) You were a gentle dreamer born in Texas Growing up on the movies you saw Soon you moved to New York City There was John Wayne to take the place of paw You used to stare out the window wondering Just where those roads were going to Combed your hair back and wore James Dean's red jacket Dreamed of boxing like Brando used to do Love your mother, go to church, kick some ass It's white milk turning into red wine Johnny Cash and Elvis would still be there John Train gone too far down the mile Come the sixties you were marching freedom Left your lady for the lyrics of a song And you captured the spirit of the decade Cried like a baby when the Kennedys were gone I listened to you sing about Kentucky And the coal miners and the badness of the war You were there in Chicago Then you weren't marchin' anymore Lost your voice, you were mugged down in Africa Richard Nixon was elected, the light failed Then came the bottle and the bouts with depression Ending up in Far Rockaway where you set sail You couldn't write no more 'cause you were depressed You weren't depressed because you couldn't write You hung yourself because you were ashamed Of the hurt Train brought your friends in manic blight An American decade had gone crazy Your ups and downs had mirrored what you saw Some had clapped their hands for the folksong 'Til the folksong wasn't happening anymore You spiraled from the top down to the bottom Rehersals for retirement at thirty four John Train dared to take over When your friends couldn't listen to any more What happened to the pleasures of the harbor What happened to the ties that never bind Phil, I guess perhaps it don't really matter Outside a small circle of friends Notes: This is part of an email I received from Bruce:- "Thanks for including my song, "Phil's Song" from my 2000 CD release, FRINGELAND, on Flyin' Cloud Records. I wrote the song about Phil because of my love of his music. I began playing and writing in the late 60s when Phil was still around and felt the tragic loss when he died young. I wrote the song back in the mid seventies but finally recorded in 2000. I was greatly influenced by great songwriters like Phil and Eric Andersen, Tom Paxton, Bob Dylan, Nick Drake, Townes Van Zandt, John Prine and Tom Waits, etc." Fringeland is still available, vist Bruce's site Bruce Piephoff |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 25 Nov 08 - 07:14 PM I emailed Tom Flannery and he very kindly sent me a reply with mp3 attached :- Roger, I had to dig it up. I knew I cut a solo demo of it back in 2003. I always meant to go back and add a break to it but never did. Maybe I should.... I've attached the song here.... Cheers... tf You can visit Tom's web site here Tom Flannery |
Share Thread: |
Subject: | Help |
From: | |
Preview Automatic Linebreaks Make a link ("blue clicky") |