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20 Protest Songs That Matter: No. 15

'I Ain't Marching Anymore'
--Phil Ochs (1965)

Rebelling Against: War!

The fearless Ochs took Dylan-style folk to another level of topicality, attacking big business, blind patriotism, Jim Crow segregation, even hypocritical liberalism in frank terms worthy of a true outsider. A hero to latter-day rabblerousers Billy Bragg, Eddie Vedder and Sean Penn, Ochs made the ultimate protest statement at age 35: He exited this troubled world by hanging himself.
Listen to 'I Ain't Marching Anymore'

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David Smith

I've been a huge fan of Ochs since 1973 when a Canadian friend of mine introduced me to his later more poetic and impressionist style of music: Pleasures of the Harbour and Tape from California. I came to his earlier protest albums later - even these had some excellent non-political songs. It took a long time for any of these to be released on CD, but I now have most of them and listen to them more than all the Dylan stuff I have. A brilliant artist in both the protest and 'chamber music' styles. My own favourite is 'Flower Lady', closely followed by 'When In Rome' and 'No More Songs'. If you don't know him, try one of the compilation CDs.

February 03 2010 at 5:26 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Chuck

Quinton, you are mistaken. The term "military-industrial complex" was not coined by Ochs, it was coined by Dwight Eisenhower near the end of his presidency.

January 23 2010 at 1:08 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jim

Ochs ran out of protests and did what he thought was appropriate. ouch.

January 18 2010 at 2:01 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
JOhn

God bless you for including the late, great Phil Ochs in this list. He was the consummate topical folksong writer of the '60's, ahead of even Dylan.

January 17 2010 at 6:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Cuck

With the impending releases of 2 movies on the 68 chicago convention it is relavent to look at his greatest album, Rehearsals for Retirement, with one side dedicated to chicago. Lots of songs were released about the convention, but all those people never made it to chicago, Phil did, and as a witness in the trial. If you have never listened to it, it was an early cutout, find it and listne. Especially William Butler Yeats Visits Lincoln Park and Escapes Unscathed.

March 17 2008 at 10:03 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jim

I was able to work my way into one of his lasr shows in Toronto at the River Boat. He seemed depressed but did a great shoe I was able to meet and talk to him during his break. I was 21 and thought he was much older than 35. A great voice for america

December 30 2007 at 3:28 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Questioningly

At last a true classic, you put @ #15. Ochs was amazing, whatever personal demons he faced we lost a TRUE talent with his death.

December 12 2007 at 7:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mark in va

Oh please Folk Music sucks! Dylan included! This is a form of music for the weak minded whiners that need a cause to get excited about life!

December 12 2007 at 4:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to mark in va's comment
kv5350

Get killed, retard

September 02 2008 at 10:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
John

Phil Ochs was great for many of his songs. One of the catchiest songs of his was "Outside Of A Circle Of Friends" which also spoke of the apathy of today's world. He was a great songsmith who tried to change the world's view with word and music. His style and music is greatly missed!!!

December 12 2007 at 3:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Elle

To P. Curly:
Couldn't have said it better myself.

Quint: Suicide is the ultimate cop out. I feel for the guy. Lots of of us have been there. We're still here.

December 08 2007 at 5:21 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply