Top 10 Phil Ochs Songs

Photo: Kenneth Tash, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Our top 10 Phil Ochs highlights the best songs from one of the most significant voices in rock and folk music during the 1960s. Born in 1940, Phil Ochs would not find his calling as a singer and stage performer until after a notably ambitious period in his early life. He initially attended medical school, and towards the end of World War II, he was sent overseas to treat wounded soldiers. While the battlefield was a place of passion and loyalty for many soldiers, it proved detrimental to Ochs, who developed mental health issues as a result of his war experiences. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Ochs received an honorable medical discharge and subsequently struggled to establish a successful medical career.

After moving to New York with his family, Phil Ochs began studying music formally, where he quickly gained praise from his music instructor. Recognized as a gifted clarinet player, his ability to convey deep musical emotions through his instrument led him to play at the Capital University Conservatory of Music. There, Ochs advanced to the position of principal soloist, further fueling his passion for music. He developed a love for the rock and country sounds of artists like Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Faron Young, and Hank Williams Sr.

During his journalism studies, Ochs met fellow student Jim Glover, who had a keen interest in folk music. Their mutual passion led to a fruitful exchange; Glover introduced Ochs to the music of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and The Weavers, while Ochs taught Glover how to play the guitar. As a journalist, Ochs primarily focused on politics and music, contributing to the underground newspaper The Word. It was in this context that he cultivated a deep appreciation for topical political songs, marking the beginning of his influential career as a folk singer and political activist.

Phil Ochs began his music career after he and Jim Glover formed the duo The Sundowners. Although they disbanded before performing professionally, this partnership gave both artists valuable experience. Glover continued as a folk singer, while Ochs began his career opening for the Smothers Brothers at local folk clubs. During this time, Ochs met Bob Gibson, who he regarded as a pivotal influence on his songwriting.

Phil Ochs’s professional music career started as a raw but passionate singer. His songs often addressed contemporary issues such as labor struggles, war, and civil rights, earning him the label of a protest singer. However, Ochs considered himself more of a singing journalist, crafting songs inspired by articles in Newsweek. His career soon led him to perform at folk festivals alongside legendary artists like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Tom Paxton. Despite his brief career, Phil Ochs recorded at least two hundred thirty-eight songs, with many covered by artists including Ronnie Gilbert, Bastro, Joan Baez, Christy Moore, Eddie Vedder, and John Denver. Here are the top 10 Phil Ochs songs.

# 10 – Chords of Fame

Leading off our top 10 Phil Ochs songs is “Chords of Fame.” This ballad stands out as one of his most insightful works, exploring the complex relationship between fame and music. Through his own experiences with fame, Phil Ochs offered a contemplative look at success and its pitfalls in “Chords of Fame.” He suggested that the greater one’s success, the higher the likelihood of failure—a notion that could be seen as a reflection of his personal struggles rather than a universal truth.

As Ochs’s fame grew, so did his introspection, which he channeled into his music. His later years were marked by increasing reclusiveness and depression, culminating in his tragic suicide at the age of thirty-five. “Chords of Fame” not only highlights his musical talent but also serves as a poignant reminder of his internal battles, making it a powerful introduction to his top songs.

# 9 – There But For Fortune

“There but for Fortune” is a masterfully written song that showcases Phil Ochs’ journalistic acumen. His biographers have pointed out that this song encapsulates Ochs’ view of humanity. The four verses vividly portray different figures: a prisoner, a hobo, a drunkard, and a bombed nation, each scenario illustrating the theme of fate and circumstance. This song has become one of the most covered of Phil Ochs’ works, interpreted by notable artists such as Sammy Walker, Jim and Jean, Chad and Jeremy, The Spokesmen, Joan Baez, and Cher.

Joan Baez’s rendition of “There but for Fortune” is particularly significant; it was so successful that it earned a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Recording. This led Phil Ochs to ironically comment on it as “her hit single,” acknowledging the song’s impact when performed by Baez, despite its origins as his own creation.

# 8 – The War is Over

Ask Phil Ochs about the impacts of war, and he could recount first-hand experiences. Before launching his music career, he grappled with mental health issues stemming from his time serving as a medic in World War II. In 1968, Phil Ochs released “The War is Over” on his album Tape from California. This song stands out as a vehement critique of the American military-industrial complex and the Vietnam War. It is often regarded as one of the most powerful anti-war songs of the 1960s, encapsulating the fervor and dissent of the era.

# 7 – The Power and The Glory

Away from Phil Ochs’ stringent critiques of the American military-industrial complex, he also crafted patriotic anthems, such as “The Power and The Glory” from his album All the News That’s Fit to Sing. This song is celebrated for its harmonious blend of the American dream with altruistic religious ideals, presenting a vision of national pride and positive aspiration. “The Power and The Glory” has resonated widely, leading to covers by numerous artists including Anita Bryant, Pete Seeger, Theodore Bikel, Clem Tholet, and Ronnie Gilbert, each adding their unique interpretation to this stirring anthem.

# 6 – Love Me, I’m a Liberal

“Love Me, I’m a Liberal” is a standout track from Phil Ochs’ live album Phil Ochs in Concert. Known for its satirical edge, the song sharply critiques the liberal faction of the 1960s, targeting those who superficially supported civil rights to appear compassionate while shying away from any substantive actions that would challenge the status quo. Through biting humor, “Love Me, I’m a Liberal” exposes the contradictions of liberalism from a leftist perspective, employing a mockingly sympathetic tone to underscore the insincerity Ochs perceived in moderate political stances. The song’s relevance has persisted over the decades, leading to covers by artists like Oscar Brad, Chris T-T, and Nacho Vegas, who have adapted the lyrics to reflect contemporary contexts.

# 5 – Here’s To The State of Mississippi

The “singing journalist” Phil Ochs delivered “Here’s to the State of Mississippi” on his album I Ain’t Marching Anymore. Known predominantly for his anti-war and freedom ballads, Ochs used this civil rights protest song to critically examine the social and civil structures of Mississippi. The song boldly criticized the systemic oppression of African-Americans, addressing issues such as racial inequality, segregation, frequent murders, and biased educational systems. Few artists dared to make such bold statements at the time. Building on this approach, Ochs later released “Here’s to the State of Richard Nixon,” reworking the original song to reflect his criticisms of Nixon’s administration, demonstrating his fearless engagement with political commentary through music.

# 4 – Draft Dodger Rag

“Draft Dodger Rag” is celebrated as one of Phil Ochs’ quintessential Vietnam War protest ballads. This satirical anti-war song, featured on his 1965 album I Ain’t Marching Anymore, quickly became an anthem of the anti-Vietnam War movement following its release. Ochs crafted the song from the perspective of a lively young man who has been drafted. Upon reporting for duty, the young man presents a list of reasons why he is unsuitable for the battlefield. By the end of the song, he declares that he would be the first to join a war if it involved no bloodshed, highlighting the absurdity and irony of war through his lyrics. “Draft Dodger Rag” has been covered by numerous artists, including Pete Seeger, The Four Preps, David Rovics, Tom Paxton, and the Chad Mitchell Trio, each adding their own touch to this powerful protest song.

# 3 – Changes

Phil Ochs answered whether he could remain relevant in the folk music scene without focusing on political matters through his song “Changes,” featured on his album Phil Ochs in Concert. Distinct from most of his politically charged songs, “Changes” delves into the personal realm, exploring themes of love. The song is noted for its haunting melodies, which contribute significantly to its emotional depth and overall impact. This more introspective side of Ochs showcased his versatility as a songwriter, proving that his talents extended beyond political commentary. “Changes” resonated with a wide audience and has been covered by notable artists such as Eric Andersen, Cilla Black, The Brothers Four, Julie Felix, Ian & Sylvia, and Jim and Jean, further cementing its place in the folk music repertoire.

# 2 – I Ain’t Marching Anymore

“I Ain’t Marching Anymore” is the title track of Phil Ochs’ anti-war album I Ain’t Marching Anymore. This poignant anti-war song articulates Ochs’ message that after countless deaths and the loss of generations, it is time to return to humanity. He advocates for military men and women to achieve peace by refusing to participate in war, hoping that others will follow suit. Released during the intensifying Vietnam War, this song resonated deeply with those opposed to the conflict. “I Ain’t Marching Anymore” held a special place in Ochs’ heart and even inspired the title of Dotson Rader’s book, reflecting its significant impact both culturally and personally.

# 1 – When I’m Gone

Number one on our top 10 Phil Ochs songs list is the poignant ballad “When I’m Gone.” This track, featured on his album Phil Ochs in Concert (1966), has often been viewed as eerily prophetic given the tragic end to Ochs’ life. In the song, he reflects on the inevitability of his absence, singing about not being found singing when he’s gone—a line that could be interpreted as a foreshadowing of his later struggles and eventual suicide. However, this interpretation is complicated by the fact that his death came nine years after the song’s release, suggesting that any direct connection may be more coincidental than intentional. Regardless, “When I’m Gone” remains a deeply moving composition, underscoring the loss of such a profound voice in folk music and the haunting beauty of Ochs’ lyrical prowess.