PHIL OCHS ... Outside of a Small Circle of Friends

[In_The_Wind]

Philip David "Phil" Ochs (December 19, 1940 – April 9, 1976) was an American protest singer (or, as he preferred, a topical singer) and songwriter who was known for his sharp wit, sardonic humor, earnest humanism, political activism, insightful and alliterative lyrics, and distinctive voice. He wrote hundreds of songs in the 1960s and '70s and released eight albums.

Ochs performed at many political events during the 1960s counterculture era, including anti-Vietnam War and civil rights rallies, student events, and organized labor events over the course of his career, in addition to many concert appearances at such venues as New York City's Town Hall and Carnegie Hall. Politically, Ochs described himself as a "left social democrat" who became an "early revolutionary" after the protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago led to a police riot, which had a profound effect on his state of mind.

[Aristus]

1. Very powerful...

Thanks, I-T-W...

[rurallib]

2. Loved Phil Ochs

My favorite:

[In_The_Wind]

3. Most of us ol' timers will remember this one ...

[rurallib]

4. oh yeah

great talent who IIRC fought what we now call bipolar disease- which took him early.

[In_The_Wind]

5. It's a shame. Phil had an incredible way with words.

My husband met Phil when he was staying with family out on Long Island.

[bvf]

6. I use that song as my phone alarm tone.

One of the first protest songs I remember learning when growing up.

Thanks, ITW.

[In_The_Wind]

7. The 1st part of that song was about the murder of Kitty Genovese.

The odd thing is ... when I posted this song I had no idea that her killer died in prison yesterday.

[bvf]

8. Yes, heard about that too.

My favorite stanza is the one that starts, "Smokin' marijuana is more fun than drinkin' beer..."

Some things are changing, little by little. Not fast enough, though...

[In_The_Wind]

9. Things are changing. I don't believe folks would turn a deaf ear to a plea for help now as before.

[Doc_Technical]

10. Thank you Phil

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