I Ain't Marching Anymore

Phil Ochs clip singing I Ain't Marching Anymore, sorry for the poor sound quality (sounds like he's on helium)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Phil
• Ochs
• Folk
• Protest
• Music

[petey1892]

This is very true. While he may have been tempted at times to sell-out in the interest of expanding his popularity, he didn't. As Billy Bragg said, he never compromised. And his fans - then, now, and tomorrow - are far richer because of him and his remarkable honesty and integrity. "Phil, you are not gone".

[juliejazz]

Everything you say is true. However, Ochs, IMO, could have obtained mainstream success if he'd truly tried. Remember that he would not change the "smokin'" line in "Friends" (his best shot at a Top 10) which resulted in it being banned in most places. And the man hung out with the Monkees, for God's sake! He certainly could write melodies as good as Neil Diamond or Carol King and have had hit tunes that way. I think Phil very much wanted success, but only on his terms.

[mattbleyle]

I always thought of Chords of Fame to be more of a song chiding posers who wrote with their wallets instead of their hearts.. or a warning to song writers willing to lose 1 ounce of dignity for $. but really the song is more than that. its about not giving a shit about your "legacy" and embracing the issues of the day. I think Phil is a good example of how potent and powerful you can be without worrying about writing ambiguously... to be respected for quality of character over timelessness.

[GUAlliance]

Nice!

[strawberiifields]

i actually LOVE the way his voice sounds in this video. phil ochs was amazing.

[kekemcb]

LOL it's true, he totally sounds like he's on helium. Sound quality aside, though, thanks so much for posting this it's a great clip. we can listen to good recordings anytime but it's lovely to see his lovely face along with it; it's great finding new video that others have posted. we miss you phil, we still need you all these years later. rest in peace.

[petey1892]

I like your name, Pirate Jenny. Before the internet and Trent's site, I always thought it was "Pyro" Jenny who was dancing for pennies!

[piratejenny37]

i had that billy bragg song once and cannot find it again. wish i could. phil was a beautiful singer and a fantastic writer and guitar player and i am very glad that people still apreciate him. hope he knows.

[piratejenny37]

i had that billy bragg song once and cannot find it again. wish i could. phil was a beautiful singer and a fantastic writer and guitar player and i am very glad that people still apreciate him. hope he knows.

[elusiverobertdenby]

With all due respect, and as someone who enjoys Ochs' music immensely, Phil not only wanted mainstream success, he desperately courted it and was deeply disheartened not to achieve it (see "Chords of Fame"). The gold lame suit concerts were an attempt to get through the public consciousness. Don't know what would have happened had he been fully recognized in his lifetime (and he continued drawing people to his concerts up until his death), but Ochs really, really wanted popular success.