I Ain't Marching Anymore
Phil Ochs
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Oh I marched to the battle of New Orleans At the end of the early British war The young land started growing The young blood started flowing But I ain't marchin' anymore For I've killed my share of Indians In a thousand different fights I was there at the Little Big Horn I heard many men lying I saw many more dying But I ain't marchin' anymore chorus) It's always the old to lead us to the war It's 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 For I stole California from the Mexican land Fought in the bloody Civil War Yes I even killed my brothers And so many others But I ain't marchin' anymore For I marched to the battles of the German trench In a war that was bound to end all wars Oh I must have killed a million men And now they want me back again But I ain't marchin' anymore (chorus) For I flew the final mission in the Japanese sky Set off the mighty mushroom roar When I saw the cities burning I knew that I was learning That I ain't marchin' anymore Now the labor leader's screamin' when they close the missile plants, United Fruit screams at the Cuban shore, Call it "Peace" or call it "Treason," Call it "Love" or call it "Reason," But I ain't marchin' any more, No I ain't marchin' any more
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: Phil Ochs
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Artist Details"I Ain't Marching Anymore" is a song by American folk singer and songwriter Phil Ochs. Phil Ochs was a key figure in the American protest music movement that emerged in the 1960s.
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Release InformationThe song was released in 1965 as the titular track on Ochs' second album, "I Ain't Marching Anymore."
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Song Content"I Ain't Marching Anymore" is an anti-war anthem. It criticizes the many wars that the United States has participated in and protests against the nation's continuing involvement in warfare.
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Song CompositionThe song is composed of a series of verses that each describe a different American war from the point of view of a soldier who has grown weary of the ceaseless battle.
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Historical ContextThe song was released during the Vietnam War, a time when many American songs had anti-war or protest themes.
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Cultural Impact"I Ain't Marching Anymore" has been covered by numerous artists and is considered a classic protest song. Its message continues to resonate in times of war, and it remains relevant today.
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Live PerformancesIt’s famously known that Phil Ochs performed this song in August 1965 at the climax of an afternoon march to the Oakland, California military induction center during the first days of the widely publicized Berkeley-Oakland Anti-Vietnam War Protests.
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LegacyDespite his early death, Phil Ochs' legacy and influence live on, particularly through songs like "I Ain't Marching Anymore," which continue to inspire new generations of activists and musicians.
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Song RecognitionIn 2009, the song was honored with an entry into the Grammy Hall of Fame. This area serves to honor recordings of lasting qualitative or historical significance that are at least 25 years old.
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Notable CoversNotable covers include those by musicians like Richard Thompson and Julius Lester, demonstrating the song's broad appeal and lasting relevance.
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Citation
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"I Ain't Marching Anymore Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 14 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/10286946/Phil+Ochs/I+Ain%27t+Marching+Anymore>.
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