Power and the Glory

Phil Ochs

About Power and the Glory

"Power and the Glory" (sometimes titled "The Power and the Glory") is an American patriotic song by Phil Ochs, a U. S. protest singer from the 1960s known for being a harsh critic of the American military and industrial establishment. Originally released on his 1964 debut album, All the News That's Fit to Sing, "Power and the Glory" is said to have contributed to Ochs' profound impact.


Year:
1964
2:18
534 
#3

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Come and take a walk with me thru this green and growing land
Walk thru the meadows and the mountains and the sand
Walk thru the valleys and the rivers and the plains
Walk thru the sun and walk thru the rain

Here is a land full of power and glory
Beauty that words cannot recall
Oh her power shall rest on the strength of her freedom
Her glory shall rest on us all (on us all)
From Colorado, Kansas, and the Carolinas too
Virginia and Alaska, from the old to the new
Texas and Ohio and the California shore
Tell me, who could ask for more?
Yet she's only as rich as the poorest of her poor
Only as free as the padlocked prison door
Only as strong as our love for this land
Only as tall as we stand
[ extra verse supplied by Sonny Ochs ]
But our land is still troubled by men who have to hate
They twist away our freedom & they twist away our fate
Fear is their weapon and treason is their cry
We can stop them if we try

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Phil Ochs

Philip David Ochs ( /ˈoʊks/; December 19, 1940 – April 9, 1976) was an American protest singer (or, as he preferred, a topical singer) and songwriter who was known for his sharp wit, sardonic humor, earnest humanism, political activism, insightful and alliterative lyrics, and distinctive voice. He wrote hundreds of songs in the 1960s and released eight albums in his lifetime. more »

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Written by: PHIL OCHS

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Power and the Glory" was written by American singer-songwriter Phil Ochs. He was best known for his critical, satirical, and topical songs in the 1960s.
Album Inclusion
The song was featured in "All the News That's Fit to Sing," Phil Ochs' debut album. The album was released in 1964, dealing primarily with topics of civil rights and political issues of the time.
Patriotism Theme
Despite his reputation for writing critical songs, "Power and the Glory" is a patriotic anthem, celebrating the beauty and ideals of America.
Notable Lyrics
It contains the famous lines: "Here is a land full of power and glory/Beauty that words cannot recall/Oh her power shall rest on the strength of her freedom/Her glory shall rest on us all."
Folk Genre
Like many of Ochs' songs, "Power and the Glory" falls into the folk genre. It uses the tune of the traditional American folk song "The Wagoner's Lad."
Reflects National Struggles
Even though it gives a generally positive view of America, it also acknowledges the struggles within the nation, suggesting a patriotic but critical view of the country.
Dedication
The song was dedicated to American civil rights and labor union leader Cesar Chavez.
Song's Popularity
Ochs' version became a standard in the folk community, covered by many other artists and used at various gatherings and protests.
Cinematic Appearance
"Power and the Glory" was used in the documentary movie named "Phil Ochs: There but for Fortune," a 2010 American documentary film on the life and career of Phil Ochs.
Ochs's Personal Beliefs
The song serves as a strong representation of Ochs's personal beliefs, blending his love for his country with his desire for social justice.

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