Yes Jim,
I'm actually a huge Phil Ochs fan, and pay special attention other folks doing things with his legacy.
I check each sleeve when prospecting through cheap stacks and buy almost anybody's version of an Ochs tune.
I have listened in wonderment to impassioned, serious-as-can-be (I call it "chain-dragging") interpretations of the aforementioned. I play it at home, by myself, love the tune; it's very singable.
I think you're right, while a bit tipsy, he simply built a song out of nonsensical fragments to see if his dedicated would notice.
PS: Kim & Reg Harris do alotta PO, and terrifically.
but