Phil Ochs

1940 – 1976

A gifted songwriter and folksinger and one of the most outspoken critics of the Vietnam War, Phil Ochs used his songs as a form of protest. He organized and performed at countless rallies, benefit concerts, and folk festivals. Phil considered himself to be patriotic in spite of his subversive songs and open criticism of the United States government. Read more

I ain’t marchin’ anymore
It’s always the old to lead us to the war
It’s always the young to fall
Now look at all we’ve won with the saber and the gun
Tell me, is it worth it all_”

“There is a great satisfaction in having someone who disagrees with your political ideas humming your melodies. You might call it musical brainwashing.”

“Leave the old and dying America and use your creative energies to help form a new America, which would be demilitarized, more humanistic, where the police are less hostile and closer to the community, where the wealthy are not given unleashed power for the exploitation of the people.”