There but for Fortune
Joan Baez
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Show me a prison, show me a jail, Show me a prisoner whose face has gone pale And I'll show you a young man with so many reasons why And there but for fortune, may go you or I Show me the alley, show me the train, Show me a hobo who sleeps out in the rain, And I'll show you a young man with so many reasons why There but for fortune, may go you or go I you and I. Show me the whiskey stains on the floor, Show me the dunkin' man as he stumbles out the door, And I'll show you a young man with so many reasons why There but for fortune, may go you or go I you and I. Show me the country where bombs had to fall, Show me the ruins of buildings once so tall, And I'll show you a young land with so many reasons why There but for fortune, go you or go I you and I. You and I, There but for fortune, go you or go I you and I.
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: PHIL OCHS
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Songwriters"There But for Fortune" is a song written by American folk musician Phil Ochs. Even though Joan Baez is popularly linked with the track, she is not a co-writer but the performer who made it widely known.
|
Release YearThe song was first recorded by Phil Ochs himself in 1963. Joan Baez recorded and released her version a year later in 1964.
|
Chart PerformanceJoan Baez's version of "There But for Fortune" made it to the top ten in the UK Singles Chart, reaching number 8 in 1965.
|
Cover VersionsThe song has been covered by multiple artists over the years, including Françoise Hardy who translated and sang it in French.
|
Phil Ochs' InspirationOchs wrote "There But for Fortune" as a political statement, exploring themes of poverty, criticism of war, the death penalty, and civil rights.
|
Use in FilmThe song is also the title of a 2011 documentary about Phil Ochs’ life and music, titled "Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune."
|
Grammy NominationJoan Baez's rendition of "There But for Fortune" earned her a Grammy nomination in 1965 for "Best Folk Recording."
|
Legacy"There But for Fortune" remains one of Phil Ochs' most popular songs and is a staple in Joan Baez's performances. It has long been admired for its powerful, socially aware lyrics.
|
Song VariationOchs’ own version of the song differs slightly from the version that Joan Baez popularized. The difference mainly rests in the final verse, with Baez choosing a somewhat more ambiguous ending.
|
Live PerformancesDespite its popularity, Ochs rarely performed "There But for Fortune" in concert, whereas Joan Baez typically included it in her setlists.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"There but for Fortune Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 3 Jun 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2329833/Joan+Baez/There+but+for+Fortune>.
Discuss the There but for Fortune Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In