Subject: 52 Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 30 Jun 07 - 02:13 PM I have, for some time been collecting recordings of songs for/about Phil Ochs. I have been able to ascertain the existence of 31 songs by 30 different artists. Of the 31, I have been able to acquire 24, and have located two others which I am trying to obtain. However, I have googled the other 5 with no luck whatsoever. I am hoping that some of you might have some information to help. The ones that have presented a complete 'brick wall' are: For Phil and Others by The Blanks (on 'If This Had been an Actual Emergency') Tribute to Phil Ochs by Jack Honig (on 'Mirror Image') Song for Phil by Richard Nardin (on 'Pencil Lines') Remember Phil Ochs by The Voice of Reason (on 'Voice of Reason') Death of a Rebel by Bruce Pegg (on 'Brief Encounter') Any ideas?
-Joe Offer- |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Joe Offer Date: 30 Jun 07 - 03:26 PM Rog, if you have 31 songs so far, you must be the world's expert on songs about Phil Ochs. I'm impressed - and intrigued. Can you post the list you have so far? If you'd like to post lyrics, this thread would be a good place for them. -Joe Offer- |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: oldhippie Date: 30 Jun 07 - 06:16 PM Do you have "Broadside Balladeer" by Vic Sadot (on Broadsides and Retrospectives)? |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Susanne (skw) Date: 30 Jun 07 - 07:57 PM And Harvey Andrews' 'Song for Phil Ochs'? |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: GUEST,Mike B. Date: 01 Jul 07 - 12:31 AM There's the Billy Bragg song "I Dreamed I Saw Phil Ochs" (patterned after Earl Robinson's "I Dreamed I Saw Joe Hill"), not to mention the one Tom Paxton wrote shortly after learning of Ochs' death. An interesting thing to find out would be which folk artist is mentioned or alluded to in the most songs written by others. Perhaps it's Woody Guthrie - "Song To Woody" (Bob Dylan), "Bound For Glory" (Phil Ochs), "Boy From Oklahoma" (Willis Alan Ramsey) and "Christmas In Washington" (Steve Earle) come to mind, but I'm sure there are many others. |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 01 Jul 07 - 09:30 AM Yes, I have all of those mentioned, and more: Sorry, mis-counted, there are 32 in all, not 31: Updated 11th August 2017, count now stands at 67
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Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 01 Jul 07 - 09:40 AM Of the 29, I have been able to locate recordings of all but the five listed at the start of the thread. Of these, I have secured recordings of all except Leslie Fish, Brenda Khan and Gerd Schinkel, am working on these at present. Joe, I've learned in life that there's no such thing as an 'expert', but yes, I've gathered quite a lot if info on Phil Ochs, both written and audio, but there's still a lot out there. Yes I will post the lyrics, but not all at once. Yes MikeB, great idea, but I'll have to leave that one to you, I've more than enough on my plate already. |
Subject: Lyr Add: THIRSTY BOOTS (Eric Andersen) From: Rog Peek Date: 01 Jul 07 - 09:49 AM THIRSTY BOOTS (Eric Andersen) You've long been on the open road, you’ve been sleeping in the rain. From dirty words and muddy cells your clothes are smeared and stained, But the dirty words and muddy cells will soon be hid in shame, So only stop to rest yourself till you are off again. CHORUS: So take off your thirsty boots and stay for a while. Your feet are hot and weary from a dusty mile, And maybe I can make you laugh. maybe I can try. I'm just looking for the evening, the morning in your eye. So tell me of the ones you saw as far as you could see Across the plain from field to town a-marching to be free, And of the rusted prison gates that tumbled by degree. Like laughing children, one by one, they look like you and me. CHORUS I know you are no stranger down the crooked rainbow trails, From dancing cliff-edged shattered sills of slandered, shackled jails, For the voices drift up from below as the walls they're being scaled. Yes, all of this, and more, my friend, your song shall not be failed. CHORUS Yes, you've long been on the open road. you’ve been sleeping in the rain, From dirty words and muddy cells your clothes are smeared and stained But the dirty words, the muddy cells, they’ll soon be judged insane, So only stop to rest yourself 'til you are off again. CHORUS Notes: Originally written about a civil rights worker this song was dedicated to Phil Ochs after his death. It first appeared on the album "'Bout Changes an' Things" (Vanguard LP VRS 79206) released in 1966. RP jul07 |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: KeithofChester Date: 01 Jul 07 - 10:17 AM I have read stories that Phil Ochs thought Bob Dylan's Positively Fourth Street was aimed at him personally, but that Bob later assured him it wasn't. |
Subject: Lyr Add: SONG FOR PHIL OCHS (Harvey Andrews) From: Rog Peek Date: 01 Jul 07 - 10:34 AM SONG FOR PHIL OCHS (Harvey Andrews) You were my finest friend I spent so many hours with you I listened to each line The way I knew you'd want me to You never told a lie But honest men don't prosper now Your truth will never die Although you've made the final bow Chorus The stranger in the dark The face inside the looking glass
And now you've slipped away
Notes
-Joe Offer-
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Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 01 Jul 07 - 12:14 PM Positively 4th Street was written soon after Phil Ochs and Bob Dylan had fallen out, the circumstances of which are recorded as follows: The singer songwriters that hung about Greenwich village at that time were in the habit of trying out new songs on each other, (as you would) and Dylan seemed to value Phil's judgement when it came to his own songs. In fact the first time Dylan played 'Mr. Tambourine Man, it was on an occasion when he Phil and David Blue were having an exchange of songs session. Phil had nothing but praise for this new Dylan composition. However, the following year on a similar occasion Phil had been critical of a new song Dylan had written with, for Phil, unforeseen consequences. Later that evening as some of them were headed uptown in a limousine, Dylan told the driver to pull over and ordered Phil from the car. As Phil stepped out of the car, Dylan is alleged to have shouted to him "You're not a folksinger, you're a journalist!" This concluded good relations between Dylan and Ochs. The irony was that earlier in the year when Dylan had been castigated by the audience at the Newport Folk Festival for going electric, Phil had been the first one to come to his defence. Anyway, Dylan wrote Positively 4th Street shortly after. I have a recording made on wbai NYC 1965 of Phil singing a four line parody of Positively 4th Street in which he mimics Dylan's singing. It goes like this: You've gotta lotta gall To say you are my pal I used to be Among the crowd you're in with. So there you have it. What was the song that Phil criticised? Well according to Michael Schumacher in 'The Life Of Phil Ochs' it was 'Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window', but Marc Elliot in 'Death of a Rebel' says that in an interview in 1972 Phil had insisted the song was 'Sooner or Later'. In any event Phil's prophecy that it would never be a 'number 1' came to pass. |
Subject: Lyr Add: CUPID'S ARROW (David Blue) From: Rog Peek Date: 02 Jul 07 - 02:38 PM CUPID'S ARROW (David Blue) The moon was full of promises, the night air misty and cool Suspended in this moment were the rules I was looking at a mirror pool deep in the eyes of a friend We both had been walking one too many dead ends You made me laugh and you made me cry And you moved me and I didn't know why You moved me and I didn't know why Cupid's arrow shot from the sky We sat and talked under the stars and the mountain winds blew cold We went together and we went too far, we grew prematurely old Did you know my hands were shaking as I took my leave We never would be strangers if he was ever in need It was obvious God loved you, it's obvious so do I The simple thing we shared together helped both of us survive You made me laugh and you made me cry And you moved me and I didn't know why You moved me and I didn't know why Cupid's arrow was aimed too high Notes Couldn't find the lyrics anywhere, so transcribed from recording on David Blue's CD of which this is the title track. David Blue sang this at Phil Ochs' Memorial tribute at Felt Forum NYC on 28th May 1976. It was first recorded on the album 'Cupid's Arrow' (Asylum 53056) released in 1976. RP jul07 |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Leadbelly Date: 02 Jul 07 - 04:20 PM Rog, thanks for this thread because I think it's time to remember Phil and the real reason why he committed suicide about 30 years ago. Sounds very similar from today: "Congresswoman Bella Abzug (D, NY), an outspoken antiwar activist herself who had appeared at the final "War is Over" rally just a year before, entered this statement into the Congressional Record on April 29, 1976: "Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago, a young folksinger whose music personified the protest mood of the 1960s took his own life. Phil Ochs—whose original compositions were compelling moral statements against war in Southeast Asia—apparently felt that he had run out of words. While his tragic action was undoubtedly motivated by terrible personal despair, his death is a political as well as an artistic tragedy. I believe it is indicative of the despair many of the activists of the 1960s are experiencing as they perceive a government which continues the distortion of national priorities that is exemplified in the military budget we have before us. Phil Ochs' poetic pronouncements were part of a larger effort to galvanize his generation into taking action to prevent war, racism, and poverty. He left us a legacy of important songs that continue to be relevant in 1976--even though "the war is over." Just one year ago—during this week of the anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War—Phil recruited entertainers to appear at the "War is Over" celebration in Central Park, at which I spoke. It seems particularly appropriate that this week we should commemorate the contributions of this extraordinary young man." Although the actual US-wars are not over there's nothing to add. Think about... |
Subject: Lyr Add: I DREAMED I SAW PHIL OCHS LAST NIGHT From: Rog Peek Date: 02 Jul 07 - 04:57 PM 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 |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE PARADE'S STILL PASSING BY (H Chapin) From: Rog Peek Date: 02 Jul 07 - 05:56 PM THE PARADE'S STILL PASSING BY (Harry Chapin) I got the news today That you refused to play Cause you never made number one But it's not just the words It's the deeds that are heard When all is said and done You know the kings take their crowns They melt them all down Trying to get the gold out You went to hell and Even when you weren't selling You never ever sold out. You weren't no leader You were more like a bleeder Who was trying to cry for us all You weren't no sage But your sense of outrage Sounded like a trumpet call Fifteen years ago In the old folky show You were just one voice in the crowd But now with so few singing Your voice would have been ringing Out 'bout twice as loud. Chorus There but for fortune Say a small circle of friends Some may see the changes So few see the end The pleasures of the harbor Have come to you at last You may not be marching anymore But the parade's still going past We're not taking the blame That we killed you You know you did that to yourself But it's kind of a shame That you played that game You were better than anyone else One shot o' your bottle Got you full throttle It's the friend that was always there But your greatest gift And the curse you lived with Was that you could always care. Chorus Notes This song appeared on the album 'On The Road to Kingdom Come' (Elektra 7E-1082) released in 1976. RP jul07 |
Subject: Lyr Add: FALLEN STAR (Barry Drake) From: Rog Peek Date: 03 Jul 07 - 02:35 PM Aren't there some nice people around? Barry Drake began as a singer/songwriter in the 60s, taking to the lecture circuit in the early eighties lecturing on rock and roll. I emailed him via his web site, not knowing if he was the same Barry Drake, asking about the song 'Fallen Star' and got this back by return: Hi Roger, ....Yes that's me and "Fallen Star" is my song. ....The song has an interesting story. (The story is in Notes at the end of the lyrics) ....I'll gladly send you an MP3 of the song when I get the time. Keep in touch. BARRY PS: I've been in touch with Jim Glover a lot in the past few months and we spend a lot of time talking about Phil. Also my friends Kim & Reggie Harris do a lot of the Phil Ochs tribute nights, put on by Phil's sister, Sonny. Barry Drake Barry emailed me an MP3 of the song the next day! Here's the song: FALLEN STAR (Barry Drake) I was taking my pleasure in a bar I call home When an old friend appeared at the door He was filled with bad whisky so he didn't see me As he stumbled the sawdust filled floor. He was famous for filling our halls with his songs 'Til the words and the music ran dry Soon the backstage buffoons and the parasite friends Chased a new shooting star through the sky. Falling star you know who you are You toyed with the notion of failure Like kids play with bugs in a jar You wouldn't believe it could happen to you This time you've fallen too far Once the news of his comeback was filling the trades So the critics came loading their guns Oh I watched how they cursed him, guzzling their drinks He was finished before he'd begun. Falling star you know who you are You were buying a round for our table When they brought out the feathers and tar You laughed when I said it could happen to you You've already fallen too far Falling asleep at the table Mumbling your prayers to the floor Paying the bill we bid you farewell Quietly slipped out the door Oh the night quickly passed in an alcohol haze That fire don't ever burn long But the lesson I learned in the bar room that night Still burns in the words of this song Falling star you know who you are You toyed with the notion of failure Like kids play with bugs in a jar You wouldn't believe it could happen to you This time you've fallen too far This time you've fallen too far Notes Here is Barry's story of how the song came to be written: "I was hanging out with Phil in The Kettle Of Fish bar on MacDougal Street in Greenwich Village in January just before his death. I had heard that Phil was in bad shape but I couldn't believe how bad until I saw him that night. We sat around drinking wine (I suspected that Phil was on something much stronger). He kept ranting on about different subjects until he finally passed out face down on the table at about 2 a.m. in the morning. We paid our tab and left, figuring I'd see him again when he was in better shape and we could talk more. ....I was a big Phil Ochs fan and it bothered me to see him that way. I went back to my house up near Woodstock, NY and over the next three days, wrote "Fallen Star". I probably never intended to sing it but I had to write it anyway. So, it's may be the ONLY song written about Phil's life, not his death. ....Three months later, I was on tour in Chicago when I heard that he died by his own hand. Of course I was saddened and I decided not to sing the song much in public. I didn't want to capitalize on a tragedy, especially since I admired him so much. I eventually decided to record it and release it on my own label." The song appeared on the album 'Roadsongs' (Catskill Mountain Records) released in 1977. RP jul07 |
Subject: Lyr Add: PSYCHIC COWBOY (Jim Glover) From: Rog Peek Date: 03 Jul 07 - 03:49 PM Jim and Phil can be seen here performing on 'The Midnight Special' here In a recent email, Jim told me that they were supposed to be singing 'Outside of a Small Circle of Friends', but that had contained the line 'Smoking marijuana is more fun than drinking beer!' so they had to sing 'The Power and the Glory' instead. PSYCHIC COWBOY (Jim Glover) Chorus: Where are we going? What will we see? What can we do to change our destiny Tell us the answer you seldom have been wrong And sing us another psychic cowboy song He came out of Ohio, with music on his lips Grand Ol Opry ain't never heard nothin' like it He sang about tomorrow like he'd been there yesterday He was a singing, song writin',fortune telling astro ace. Chorus He told about his travels over in Dar-Es-Salaam Where three men strangled and robbed him in the early dawn Their hands could reach his pockets, but they could not rob his mind, One more strange time he has left behind Chorus Energy is everywhere, it's us and it's everything Like magnetic healing, solar storaging We can use what we've got and live in harmony Working together with a strength that will keep us free. Chorus Sing us another psychic cowboy song Notes Jim Glover was an important influence for Phil in the early days, both politically and musically. They shared a room at Ohio State during which time Jim introduced Phil to left wing politics and to the songs of Pete Seeger, The Weavers and Woody Guthrie et al. He also taught Phil to play guitar and eventually they performed as a duo with Jim on banjo, calling themselves the Sundowners. Although they went their separate ways as performers, they stayed in contact over the years, remaining good friends. Jim did backing vocals on Phil's last album 'Greatest Hits' and I have a recording in 1974 of Phil playing with Jim at the Quiet Knight in Chicago just before they appeared together on 'The Midnight Special'. Jim wrote Psychic Cowboy for Phil and performed it at the Phil Ochs' Memorial tribute at Felt Forum NYC on 28th May 1976. It wasn't released on record until 1980, when it was included on the album 'No Need to Explain' (Fang Records NR 11694). RP jul07 |
Subject: Lyr Add: RADIO FRAGILE (Nanci Griffith) From: Rog Peek Date: 03 Jul 07 - 04:18 PM RADIO FRAGILE (Nanci Griffith) We all said you'd never make it Cuz you had that fragile heart And you were odd within the ways of the social You threw a caution to us all And now when the late night drinkers Gather for their falls Someone says they've seen you out there Laughing at us all You mourned the cause of discontent With those who couldn't lose the dark From the broad of daylight to half spent stars Just waiting dusk to fall Tell me, what the hell were you saying? Was there a point at to it all? Oh, did they really see you out there Laughing at us all Chorus Is there anybody out there? Is there anybody out there? Oh, were you really out there Laughing at us all? The midnight boy from Minnesota Shut you down and stole the show They say that you were bitter in your anguish Cuz it's you they ought to hold You wore your causes on your sleeve Like a beacon wears the dark It's only right you should be out there Laughing at us all Now you are only dust for art You're a shadow to recall For all of those late night drinkers In their ragged lonely bars And we all said you'd never make it Cuz you had that fragile heart Now, all our hearts you held are wasted you're out there laughing at us all Chorus (Twice) Notes: The midnight boy from Minnesota is Bob Dylan. This song can be found on the CD 'Storms' (Mca Nashville B00000206C) released in 1989. RP jul07 |
Subject: Lyr Add: PHIL OCHS (Josh Joplin) From: Rog Peek Date: 04 Jul 07 - 03:22 PM PHIL OCHS (Josh Joplin) I've seen the death of rock and roll. and I am living proof that no one here can dig a hole and not find the truth Phil you are not gone Phil you are not gone Phil you are not gone And though the poster child tries he won't survive the scorn he is killed with compromise in the tube where he was born Phil you are not gone Phil you are not gone Phil you are not gone 50 fans can't be wrong 50 fans can't be wrong 50 fans can't be wrong or can they, can they, can they, hey hey hey hey can they, can they? our surveys say, this is what they want today. our surveys say all they want is sugar ray Phil you can't be killed Phil you can't be killed Phil you can't be killed 50 fans can't be wrong 50 fans can't be wrong 50 fans can't be wrong or can they, can they, can they, hey hey hey hey, can they? we are what we've always been ready, here we go wait for the signal to begin and you're on the radio Phil you are not gone Phil you are not gone Phil you are not gone 50 fans can't be wrong. 50 fans can't be wrong 50 fans can't be wrong or - can they? (spoken) Notes: 'In the tube where I was born' was the first line of Phil Ochs song 'Half a Century High' featured on the album 'Tape From California'. '50 Phil Ochs fans can't be wrong' was an ironic slogan on the back of the album - 'Phil Ochs Greatest Hits' (which of course was an album of original tracks.) Phil it seems thought everyone shared his sense of humour. He had insisted on the album title in the face of opposition from A&M records, who said it would be misleading. He had brought in Jim Glover with whom he had teamed up to form the Sundowners for his first performances back in 1961, to provide backing vocals on this his final studio album. The final irony, and one which could not have been foreseen at the time, was that the last track on this his last album was 'No More Songs'. Phil Ochs by Josh Joplin can be found on the CD 'Useful Music' (Artemis Records B000056T6C) released in 1999. RP jul07 |
Subject: Lyr Add: GESUNDHEIT (Will Oldham) From: GUEST,IS Date: 04 Jul 07 - 03:36 PM Will Oldham has a song called 'Gesundheit' which is kind of re-write of Billy Bragg's song: GESUNDHEIT (Will Oldham) I dreamed I saw Phil Ochs last night Alive as you or me Said, "Howdy Phil. You're fifteen years a-gone" He said that he had never died He said that he had never died Down to my house, I saw him wandering I said to him, "You've never entered my dreams" He said, "Why should I ?" He asked me, "Why should I ?" "I thought that I had some sort of bond with you" "You've none of the kind" "But Phil, why do I feel this way ?" "You've got an unhealthy mind" He said that I've got an unhealthy mind |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 04 Jul 07 - 07:32 PM Yes GUEST,IS I have got a recording of this song, and I have just noticed that it is not on my list (I expect Joe will sort it out for us, and probably bless me into the bargain - sorry Joe). The whole song Gezundhiet actually has 6 verses, the first three having reference to Phil Ochs. On the recording Will Oldham sings the first three verses while a woman's voice recites the remaining verses with organ music playing in the background. I have listened to the recording over and over, and I am convinced that the third line is: Said I t'Phil "You're fifteen years gone." I know this is contrary to the references on the internet, but only the official sheet music or Will Oldham himself will convince me otherwise. Certainly on the recording there is no 'a' in front of gone. |
Subject: Lyr Add: PHIL OCHS, BOB DYLAN, STEVE GOODMAN ... From: Rog Peek Date: 04 Jul 07 - 07:55 PM PHIL OCHS, BOB DYLAN, STEVE GOODMAN, DAVID BLUE AND ME. (John Wesley Harding) Well at night, he sits alone and he's looking at the stars Listens to them playing guitars Him and Phil go back a long long way They talked about marching and dying all in one day They played songs together, they sit up past the dawn I wonder how long this dream will go on. You know that Bob was there last week as well Well he's a quiet guy but he's got stories to tell Our hero sits and listens without asking why And teaches Bob A minor with a glint in his eye Bob used it on Hollis Brown, but that was sometime ago When is this dream gonna stop? Heaven knows Then our hero picks up his guitar To play them the only tune he knows He played it to me once He said "Wes, it's short, but this is how it goes." And then he sings Sings "This is the only thing that really matters Keeps me going, retains my sanity The nights I spend alone when there's just Phil Ochs, Bob Dylan, Steve Goodman, David Blue and me" You know David died and Stephen died But only to the papers that live outside Last Thursday they were in the room where he sits The three of them making jokes about the meagre obituaries Steve and David smiled and they left quite soon He wonders about that dream as he looks at the stars and the moon Sometimes he has a party for him and the crew They turn up on time just 'cos they always do Phil plays I Ain't Marching, it's his favourite song And Bob plays the harmonica but he plays it all wrong And Steve harmonises just like he did with John Prine David just sits and looks blue all the time And then the time comes round again When they all sit and listen to their hero playing He says "You've heard it all before" But they like it so they shout "encore!" And then he sings, it's a dream come true and he sings "This is the only thing that really matters Keeps me going, retains my sanity The nights I spend alone when there's just Phil Ochs, Bob Dylan, Steve Goodman, David Blue and me And me Phil Ochs, Bob Dylan, Steve Goodman, David Blue and me." Notes: The earliest recorded version of this song (1986) was released on 'Dynablob' (Mod Lang WOW1) in 1996. The version transcribed here is of a live recording in London in November 1988 and can be found on 'It Happened One Night' (Edsel/Demon L-Fiend CD137) released in 1988, and (Rhino R270764) released in 1991. RP jul07 |
Subject: Lyr Add: PHIL (Paul Kaplan) From: Rog Peek Date: 05 Jul 07 - 04:44 PM PHIL (Paul Kaplan) Phil, what went wrong, why are you quiet now Phil, where's your song, I really need it now. You kept me warm throughout the storm but now I feel a chill Phil I miss you. Phil, you were not mad, just fool enough to care The love you always had you always had to share You never knew the good you did and now you never will Phil, I miss you. Phil, here's farewell how I wish you could have stayed To help me understand, to make me unafraid I dreamed I saw a golden bird outside my window sill Phil, I miss you. Notes: Paul Kaplan as well as being a singer songwriter, has produced a number of albums for 'Folkways' featuring Phil Ochs, including 'Songs for Broadside' and 'Broadside Tapes Vol 1'. The song was first published in Broadside magazine 148 (January-February 1984) and recorded for 'King of Hearts' (Hummingbird HR07735) released in 1985. RP jul07 |
Subject: Lyr Add: SHERIFF OCHS (Kind of Like Spitting) From: Rog Peek Date: 05 Jul 07 - 05:07 PM SHERIFF OCHS (Ben Barnett) I just finished a book with its covers torn and its pages worn. The story starts on the day you were born in the city. Where movie houses stood Raised on Elvis and Hollywood. The bad guys bad and the good guys good And the weight of the world is always on the sheriff's shoulders There was life in the little house Above the hospital for the dying, So I will keep singing, I will keep fishing for some words in this water all around me The houses of home shook and as the shelter broke you got a good long look At a country and class run by buzzards and crooks Mississippi! Mississippi! Through CIA and Klan Through McCarthy's damn blacklist, Nixon, and 'nam They tear-gassed the students but you had a plan And the weight of the world is on the sheriff's shoulders There was life in the little house, Above the hospital for the dying. So I will keep singing, I will keep fishing for some words in this water all around me There was life in the city that night. You found your voice and you voiced your sight. You held your ground to help us see There's more to life than lovers and chores There's more to life that an office at the top floor, Somehow, someway, we all find peace, We all find…. Notes: Song appeared on the Kind of Like Spitting album 'In The Red' (Hush Records B000BN199A) released in 2005. RP jul07
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Subject: Lyr Add: PHIL OCHS (Mike Jones/Steve Skaith) From: Rog Peek Date: 05 Jul 07 - 05:54 PM PHIL OCHS (Steve Skaith/Mike Jones) Here comes Phil Ochs shovel on his shoulder Trailing a hoe along the Ho Chi Minh trail But the trail is on Bleeker Street And Phil's on his uppers It's the mid-nineteen seventies And it ain't looking so good For this man with a mission And a man with a passion When you run out of fashion And it don't come crawling back Here comes Phil Ochs, Got a chip on his shoulder And they can't cut his jacket to cover it up When one war is over but ten are beginning And the movement's gone missing Because they all just moved away Oh they moved into property, They moved off into futures Yeah, they moved into ads, and that's as sad as it can get Chorus: Run, run, run from Phil, Phil's on a three day drunk He's up on his high horse Staggering and sauced Run, run, run from Phil, Phil's on a three day drunk But he wasn't alone when he stumbled off course Here comes Phil Ochs, devil on his shoulder Carrying his guitar and the weight of the world But if there's space for the millionaire, god there must be space for the troubadour And while there's a space, there's always a chance out there That a melody lingers, and we keep getting singers Who've got more on their minds than the latest Dow Jones share... Notes: Recorded by Latin Quarter (which includes members Steve Skaith and Mike Jones) on the CD 'Long Pig' (Cloud Nine Records CLD91082) released in 1993. RP jul07 |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: GUEST,baz parkes Date: 05 Jul 07 - 06:08 PM I might have imagined this but... Chords of Fame JamesTaylor baz who keeps trying to join... |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 05 Jul 07 - 06:35 PM Baz James Taylor may very well have done a cover of Phil Och's song Chords of Fame, I don't know. However, this thread is of songs which were written for or about Phil by other song writers. Thanks anyway. |
Subject: Lyr Add: PHIL (Tom Paxton) From: Rog Peek Date: 06 Jul 07 - 06:01 AM PHIL (Tom Paxton) I opened the paper, there was your picture, Gone, gone, gone by your own hand. I couldn't believe it, the paper was shakin', Gone, gone, gone by your own hand. I know I'm gonna spend the rest of my lifetime wondering why, You found yourself so badly hurt you had to die. I opened the paper, there was your picture, Gone, gone, gone by your own hand. The phone started ringing, had I heard about it? I shook every time I heard it ring. What was my reaction? I put the phone down. That was the only news that was fit to sing. They ask about Dylan, about MacDougal Street and Third. Question piled on question and each question more absurd. I opened the paper, there was your picture, Gone, gone, gone by your own hand. *Oh, I remember "There But For Fortune". There but for fortune you and I would go. Fortune turned its back on you, Or so it must have seemed to you, Christ alone knows what was the final blow. The last time I saw you, the last time I saw you, Bleeker Street outside the Other End. I told you I'd see you. I got distracted. I never saw your face again. I heard that you were feeling stronger every day. I heard that you were well, with good things on their way. Then I opened the paper, there was your picture, Gone, gone, gone by your own hand Repeat from * to end Gone, gone, gone by your own hand Notes: First appeared on the album 'Heroes' (Vanguard VSD 79411) released in 1978. Also on 'Best Of The Vanguard Years' CD (Vanguard B00004TFBU)2000, and on Tom Paxton In Concert (video) The song was also included in a special Phil Ochs issue of 'Broadside' 147 (December 1983) 16-17. RP jul07. |
Subject: Lyr Add: BROADSIDE BALLADEER (Vic Sadot) From: Rog Peek Date: 06 Jul 07 - 12:07 PM BROADSIDE BALLADEER (Vic Sadot) I remember the year that Broadside Balladeer Took his own life away; so they say Now I still long to hear him singin' true and clear How I miss that Broadside Balladeer Chorus: So I'm gonna say it now! I can't say it when I'm gone Let us not speak falsely now For we must be movin' on Is there anybody home? Is there anybody here? To be true to a Broadside Balladeer In the dark of the night, he would stay awake and write At the rallies he would raise us with a song He would roam through the land, and like Woody he would stand Cause he wanted people's struggles to be strong Chorus: To be true to a Broadside Balladeer Just a boy in Ohio…grew up so he had to go Steppin' outside of a small circle of friends Surely as the Changes came, he would shame the Chords of Fame When he called on us to try and make amends Chorus: To be true to a Broadside Balladeer Seems like just the other day; He went down to see Chile Victor Jara and he sang side by side ITT, the CIA, and the Junta had their way But the dream they tried to kill still hasn't died Chorus: Notes: This song was originally included on 'Spring Garden' (Independent Cassette) released in 1983, more recently on CD 'Broadsides and Retrospectives' (Crazy Planet Records) released in 2005. RP jul07 |
Subject: Lyr Add: EPITAPH FÜR PHIL OCHS (Gerd Schinkel) From: Rog Peek Date: 06 Jul 07 - 01:06 PM Gerd Schinkel, is a German singer/songwriter whose web site is here http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://www.gerdschinkel.de/&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev=/searc Here is his tribute to Phil, with English translation. EPITAPH FÜR PHIL OCHS (Gerd Schinkel) Ein Freund gab mir die Nachricht, die aus den Wolken fiel. Er sprach von deiner Reise in endloses Exil. Du hast die Grenze dicht gemacht, den Riegel vorgesperrt, den Steg hinter dir durchgesägt. Hast du dich so gewehrt? Wie konnte das geschehen? Wer schuldet Rechenschaft? Schweres war für dich Ansporn. Was ging über deine Kraft? Wer hat die Stimme dir geraubt? Den Atem dir gekürzt? Wer hat den Brunnen leergeschöpft? Den Felsen umgestürzt? Sag, was machst du nun, nach dem Tod? Viel lässt du hinter dir. Wir müssen damit leben, und wir brauchten dich doch hier. Ich weiß nicht - kannte ich dich gut? Du hast mich nie geseh'n. Erfahren hab ich viel von dir, sah dich oft vor mir steh'n. Wenn ich eins deiner Lieder sang, dann stellte ich mir vor, was würd'st du sagen, wärst du hier, und ich sänge sie dir vor. Warum hast du den Mut verlor'n? Ich hab mich oft gefragt. Die Zukunft liegt in unsrer Hand. Du hast es selbst gesagt. So viel ist faul auf dieser Welt, was um uns her passiert. Doch gibt es nur Veränderung, wenn keiner resigniert. Sag, was machst du nun, nach dem Tod? iel lässt du hinter dir. Wir müssen damit leben, und wir brauchten dich doch hier. English translation: EPITAPH FOR PHIL OCHS The news a friend had told me just fell out of the grey He spoke about your journey. You had no way to stay You closed the barrier, blocked the door to find a final end And sawed the plank you've crossed, to leave a life you could not stand How could that happen? Who's to blame? And don't try to excuse. No challenge there you would not face. You were not bound to lose. Who stole your voice out of your throat? Who took your breath away. Who drained the well once full of life. Who made the sky turn grey? What are you doing now that you've gone? You've left so much behind. We have to face it while we live With no-one like you to find. I don't know if I knew you well. Your path I never crossed. I've read about you, dreamed to meet you, never thought you might get lost. And when I sang a song you wrote, I would have loved to know If you liked what you heard and if you liked my show. Why did your courage fade away and could no longer stay The future's always in your hands. That's what you said the other day There's so much rotten in this world. Look for a better one to find And changes will come, we will see, when at least no-one resigned. What are you doing now that you've gone? You've left so much behind. We have to face it while we live With no-one like you to find. Notes: Gerd Schinkel has translated into German and recorded 50 Phil Ochs songs. 'Epitaph Fur Phil Ochs' is included on the CD 'Hand auf's Herz:- Leider von Phil Ochs' 1 (Independent) released 1995. RP jul07 |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Mike Miller Date: 06 Jul 07 - 04:36 PM I must add that I wrote a Phil Ochs song, long before he died. It was to the tune of "I Dreamed I saw Joe Hill" and went, I dreamed I saw Phil Ochs last night Alive as you or me, "But, Phil", I said, "they called you red." "I'm tickled pink", says he. When Tom heard it, he said that he had written one, too. It was to the tune of the Kingston Trio's version of "Tom Dooley" Hang down your head, Phil Ochs. You ain't no friend of mine. You blew your radical image When you got a good review in Time. I admit that I was not on the friendliest terms with Phil but I was in awe of his talent and his sincerity and I was badly shaken by his passing. |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 06 Jul 07 - 05:32 PM Thank you Mike Miller, both made me chuckle. That Earl Robinson tune seems to be very popular, that's Billy Bragg, Will Oldham and yourself that have used it for a Phil Ochs song. Rog |
Subject: Lyr Add: CHICKASAW MOUNTAIN (Leslie Fish) From: Rog Peek Date: 08 Jul 07 - 01:09 PM CHICKASAW MOUNTAIN (Leslie Fish) High up on the mountain of Chickasaw, they say, There's one patch of darkness that never yields to day; Deep are those shadows, old as the mountain, Something is waiting in there; call on her if you dare! Seek no level of God or devil; she's something older by far, Call her "Lady Of the Morning Star". She offers two bargains. The price is steep and dark; The one takes your life, and the other leaves a mark. If there's a third one, I've never heard one, Choose for yourself, what's the fee? Nothing she gives is free! Name your goal, she won't ask your soul, she might even give you her own And maybe you'd be better off alone! My old fellow rebel: I know what deal he made; The Power rang through every song he wrote and played; Made him the best of his generation, Sang to the end of the War--and not a moment more. Then it left him. The Power bereft him, left him but one fate to see Hanging on his sister's apple tree. Forgive my old buddy, who soon forgot my name; I chose not to follow his seven years of fame. He took the high road, I take the low road, Sing second place, but sing long, and have always one more song! Take your stars and give me my scars, I'd rather live long and be free So take his cup the hell away from me! Whoever has wisdom can guess what lies unsaid The cost of the Gift to the living and the dead; Still, if you feel you'll gain by the deal, You'll play with the old Morning Star--no need to travel far. Don't just count on Chickasaw Mountain if there's a Deal meant for you Any wild place on Earth will do. Notes: Featured on the album of the same name 'Chickasaw Mountain' (Off Centaur Publications OCP-56) released in 1986. Also appears again on 'Avalon Is Risen' (Prometheus Music B008DFFTRS.) released June 2012. RP jul07 |
Subject: Lyr Add: THIN WILD MERCURY (Todd Snider) From: Rog Peek Date: 09 Jul 07 - 04:38 PM THIN WILD MERCURY (Todd Snider) Poor Phil Ochs, sad and low Hands in his pockets, wonderin' where to go Watching those tail lights leave him behind Thrown from the limousine for speaking his mind Like a red-eyed photo into a garbage can At the corner of a hero and also ran A fragile heart skipped a fragile beat It's warm in the limousine, cold on the street Chorus Thin wild mercury And gold lame Things will go your way Or they won't Thin wild mercury And gold lame You know what they say Or you don't It was all over some new Dylan song That Phil had the nerve to say sounded wrong Dylan stopped the car, words shook like a fist "Phil, you ain't a writer, you're a journalist" Death of a rebel, twist of fate If he ever thought better, he thought too late Poor Phil Ochs, he slipped through the cracks Judas went electric and he never looked back on.... Chorus Repeat Chorus Or you don't 2x No, you don't Notes: This song, which is based on Phil's bust up with Dylan, appears on the CD 'The Devil You Know' (New Door Records B000G2YCUQ) released in 2006. RP jul07 |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 10 Jul 07 - 05:44 PM Mike Miller Your song has an entry in David Cohen's 'Phil Ochs - Bio Bibliography' A208 Kenin, Eliot. "Phil Ochs" Sing Out 25 no. 1 (May/June 1976) 72. Letter which includes the earliest known version of "I Dreamed I Saw Phil Ochs Last Night", written by Mike Miller of Philadelphia, circa 1965. Rog |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Mike Miller Date: 10 Jul 07 - 09:06 PM Well, bless my soul. Elliot Kenin wrote something for Sing Out? He never told me. Who is David Cohen? I, always, thought that Sonny would write a book about Phil. Mike |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 11 Jul 07 - 03:31 AM David Cohen is a photographer and archivist who lives in Pokhara Nepal. He is the author of Synthesis Quest and has produced two Bio-bibliographies, one of George Crumb, and one of Phil Ochs. This is all I can find out on him. The book, as well as containing a biography, of Phil, is a complete annotated bibliography , including writings by and about Phil, reviews, interviews, discography, tapes, film and video, songs, covers, tributes and concert listings. It was a requested gift for my 60th birthday. Rog |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: GUEST,Warwick Slade Date: 11 Jul 07 - 10:34 AM I may have missed it but I did not see 'When I'm Gone' recorded by Dick Gaughan on CD 'Call it Freedom' in 1988. Dist. by Celtic Music |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 11 Jul 07 - 11:06 AM You are absolutely right Warwick' but that was a 'cover', this thread is songs not written by Phil Ochs, but written for him about him, or dedicated to him by the writer. Perhaps you'd like to start a thread, but I must warn you there are at least 259covers by 148 artists. Rog |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: GUEST,Warwick Slade Date: 11 Jul 07 - 11:21 AM Sorry Rog I missed the point. It's something to do with age. However 259 covers can't be bad |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 11 Jul 07 - 11:41 AM Yes, and that was up to 1998, there are probably quite a few more by now. For example Kind of Like Spitting released a cd of covers in 2005. Rog |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 11 Jul 07 - 12:07 PM I'm having great fun pursueing this thread, I've discovered a couple of one verse songs from Mike Miller I didn't know existed and I'm on the track (if you'll excuse the pun) of yet another song which was set to the tune of 'I Dreamed I Saw Phil ochs Last Night'. Of the now 34 songs, I have the lyrics for 28, and recordings of 24. However, I still have no information on the 5 I listed at the start of the thread, which is a bit disappointing. For Phil and Others by The Blanks (on 'If This Had been an Actual Emergency') Tribute to Phil Ochs by Jack Honig (on 'Mirror Image') Song for Phil by Richard Nardin (on 'Pencil Lines') Remember Phil Ochs by The Voice of Reason (on 'Voice of Reason') Death of a Rebel by Bruce Pegg (on 'Brief Encounter') I have emailed two different groups called The Blanks, and if you'll excuse another pun, I'm afraid I've drawn a BLANK. Both said that they admired Phil's work, neither had written the song, and both wished me luck in my quest. Rog |
Subject: Lyr Add: DON'T STOP TO REST (Steve Romanoff) From: Rog Peek Date: 12 Jul 07 - 06:11 PM DON'T STOP TO REST (Steve Romanoff) Relax, relax in photographs of places where you've been When nothing new can worry you you've earned a rest my friend The riot tears and rebel years have vanished with the din Of young bureaucrats and slapping backs and prizes they can win You've seen them all at city hall, you've seen 'em in the street You've seen them masquerading where the better people meet Convinced at last those days are past when they should give a damn About the anguish in the world, about the future in their hands Chorus You've heard the promise of the evil men Don't stop to rest or we'll come back again If you remember then you ought to know Don't stop to rest 'cause we've got far, far to go. Come all you young eyed citizens a story I will tell Of how a great society was going all to hell But children who resembled you were brought up on the war Had had their fill of overkill and said they'd fight no more It cost them miles of marching and it cost them years of pain Before their fathers realized their kids were not insane But now we're all executives too busy to recall The days of righting what was wrong the words of writing on the wall Chorus Now don't misunderstand me 'cause I mean just what I say Old pledges made in passion still should mean something today You've done your bit don't go and sit behind your groaning board And let the scrivener set down: you've given all you could afford Chorus Notes: Appears on the Schooner Fare Cd 'Closer to the Wind' (Outer Green OGR8882) released 1981. RP jul07 |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 13 Jul 07 - 04:34 PM WarwickSlade Thought you might like to know the number of covers stood at 358 up to November 2005. Rog |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 13 Jul 07 - 05:11 PM Rog - have you been in touch with Sonny Ochs? I know she would be interested, and she might have other leads. |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: Rog Peek Date: 14 Jul 07 - 12:23 PM Good idea Ron, but I'll finish what I've got first. |
Subject: Lyr Add: PATRIOT'S DREAM (Arlo Guthrie) From: Rog Peek Date: 14 Jul 07 - 02:37 PM PATRIOT'S DREAM (Arlo Guthrie) Living now here but for fortune Placed by fate's mysterious schemes Who'd believe that we're the ones asked To try to rekindle the patriot's dreams Arise sweet destiny, time runs short All of your patience has heard their retort Hear us now for alone we can't seem To try to rekindle the patriot's dreams Can you hear the words being whispered All along the American stream Tyrants freed the just are imprisoned Try to rekindle the patriot's dreams Ah but perhaps too much is being asked of too few You and your children with nothing to do Hear us now for alone we can't seem To try to rekindle the patriot's dreams Notes: Included on the CD 'Amigo' (Rising Sun B0000030NA 1994) album originally released in 1976. RP jul07 |
Subject: Lyr Add: GOLDFISH DON'T TALK BACK (Brenda Khan) From: Rog Peek Date: 15 Jul 07 - 11:06 AM GOLDFISH DON'T TALK BACK (Brenda Khan) I used to get scared when the planes went by I thought a Russian bomb would drop out of the sky Thought I'd fight and die and go to heaven but I've Learned some things since then Like no one really knows what's 2+2 You can't always trust The Man in Blue You may think the world gone mad But baby they think it's you Every candy store on the block sells crack Every supreme court ruling is 3 steps back There's acid rain in the drinking water, But the goldfish they don't talk back This song is for Phil Ochs Who hung himself with a length of rope He took his job seriously, He weren't no 9 to 5 folk singer. like the ones on MTV That's what Kirk Kelly said to me On the corner of Clinton and Houston Street where Every candy store on the block sells crack Every supreme court ruling is 3 steps back There's acid rain in the drinking water, But the goldfish they don't talk back I went down to the laundry mat There's a woman with a face like a Siamese cat Trying to wash her only clothes, the clothes on her back She's in a St. Vincent's wheelchair, But it look like St. Vincent's doesn't care She's a 60lb skeleton in underwear Mr. President The nation doesn't look secure Are you sure what you spent All our money for? There's a great big hole Where the sky used to be And there's an asshole On my TV who says "Act now you get nine issues free Plus an issue of women with an eating disease" Every candy store on the block sells crack Every Supreme court ruling it's 3 steps back There's acid rain in the drinking water, But the goldfish they don't talk back
....let's not be goldfish now.
|
Subject: Lyr Add: ALL MY HEROES ARE DEAD (Dar Williams) From: Rog Peek Date: 15 Jul 07 - 11:49 AM ALL MY HEROES ARE DEAD (Dar Williams) You gotta admit Life magazine made 1968 look great, My father said it sucked, everybody died. All the troops you couldn't save, no one knew how to be brave, He said sometimes you were afraid to turn your radio on. It was enough to make you quit that peacenik scene. Well I heard about leaders, yeah I hear they're no longer around Cause peace was abandoned, and bravery hanged in his town. And they passed down a sentence For building on the beauty of some dream. All my heroes are dead, I got them in my head, saying Never again, never a war, no more fighting. So I'll stay true to them, and they'll come home again, I'll carry the light, follow the dream, I'll remember. The '68 convention was a singing the times they are a-changing, Well I guess they a-changed back. Oh I miss those peaceful folk, love and humor when they spoke, hey Phil Ochs you still sound great, should've stuck around to hear it. They say that compact disc makes songs come true. But Phil I never expected that I'd miss you like a friend, Cause I never expected that we would be marching again. And the soldiers of peace would tumble from this life as in a war. All my heroes are dead, and all the books I read, Said "This is greed, this is wrong, fight your war at home". So I'll stay true to them, and they'll come home again, I'll carry the light, follow the dream, I'll remember. So back to the present passion, romance, love, or simply put a lack thereof. Shall we go on? I don't take it personally, it's our post-modern history, You know since Nixon was impeached it's just been hard to commit, So we cast our allegiance left and right. But I always believed that our souls would come through. So I never expected that you'd take her home with you. And I never detected, how hardened and not sorry you could be. Don't you know? All our heroes are dead, we got ourselves instead. And oh my friend, all your lies, they won't do you. You gotta stay true to them, and they'll come home again, I miss them too, I miss them too, you know I miss them More than I love you. Notes: This song featured on the album of the same name, released as an independent cassette in 1991. RP jul07 |
Subject: RE: Songs for/about Phil Ochs From: GUEST,Mike B. Date: 15 Jul 07 - 10:57 PM You know since Nixon was impeached it's just been hard to commit, So we cast our allegiance left and right. Not to nitpick on Dar Williams' lyrics, but he was never actually impeached - resigned the presidency before that could happen. |
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