A Toast to the One that is Gone
Phil Ochs would be 84 today.
I first heard Ochs in researching songs of the Civil Rights Movement and Vietnam War for my Literary Activism class earlier this year (Shoutout to Mr. Fine if you are reading), It was his song “Here's to the State of Mississippi.” It is a song slamming the state’s people and government Mississippi at the time, was one of the most segregated states in the nation, and some of the most deplorable events took place in it, most famously the lynching of Emmett Till. I became a fan of his and listened to more and more as the year progressed. I found his songs to be impactful, beautifully written, and at times humorous, just perfect.
I have found folk music of this era, Ochs (of course), Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Pete Seeger to name a few, very therapeutic in the last month. My worry, fear, anger, despair.
Ochs was a great voice in this era for peace and for the dismantling of oppressive system all while writing and performing some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard.
Ochs is an inspiration to me. His knowledge, creativity, and drive to create a better world is what I strive to do.
I would love to write for hours about Ochs; however, I feel it is best to listen to his music and messages.
Here is my Ochs-dominated folk playlist with many other greats on it as well.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLReaCP8GgEow7ucSkDPT3M8T7THZvzMGJ&si=6FFsEBWRZ52ndUT0
RIP Phil Ochs 1940-1976
Some quotes to leave you with
In his song about America:
“Yet she's only as rich as the poorest of the poor Only as free as a padlocked prison door Only as strong as our love for this land Only as tall as we stand”- from Power and the Glory also
“But our land is still troubled by men who have to hate. They twist away our freedom, and they twist away our fate. Fear is their weapon, and treason is their cry. We can stop them if we try.“
“It's always the old to lead us to the wars 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?” -from I Ain’t Marching Anymore