Cross My Heart

Phil Ochs

About Cross My Heart

"Cross My Heart" is a 1966 song by Phil Ochs, an American singer-songwriter best known for the protest songs he wrote in the 1960s. "Cross My Heart" is the first song on Pleasures of the Harbor (1967), Ochs's first album for A&M Records and his first foray into orchestral instrumentation, or "baroque-folk". The song describes a world in which a person's dreams and plans are not as stable and certain as they seem. Nevertheless, the singer expresses optimism: "But I'm gonna give all that I've got to give, Cross my heart and I hope to live. "Ian Freebairn-Smith arranged the music on "Cross My Heart" and producer Larry Marks recalled that the orchestra had difficulty keeping pace with Ochs, who tended to slow his singing for the bridge and speed up for the verses. Both Ochs and Marks thought the song might be a hit, so A&M released it as a single in 1967. Billboard included the single among the records it predicted would reach the Hot 100. "Cross My Heart" never reached the charts, nor was it the hit Ochs and Marks had hoped for. 


Year:
1967
3:19
127 
#1

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I don't know

But it seems that every single dream's
Bm
Painted pretty pictures in the air
        D            E
And it tumbles in despair
       F#m
And it starts to bend
        G              A
Until by the end its a nightmare

Bm           E     A           F#m
I'm gonna give all I've got to give
A            F#m  C     G          A
Cross my heart,   and I hope to live

I don't know
But it's true, so many things you do
Please you so they leave feeling warm
It's the calm before the storm
For the habit grows and before you know it you're deformed

I'm gonna give all I've got to give
Cross my heart, and I hope to live

I don't know
But I see that every thing is free
When you're young and treasures you can take
But the bridge is gonna break
You reach the end screaming
"It's all been a mistake"

I'm gonna give all I've got to give
Cross my heart, and I hope to live

I don't know
But it seems that every single dream's
painted pretty pictures in the air
Then it tumbles in despair
And it starts to bend
Until by the end its a nightmare

I'm gonna give all I've got to give
Cross my heart, and I hope to live

I don't know
But I feel the safety isn't real, with everybody acting all the same
Or the rules will ruin the game
So I'll go my way, laughing while they say that I'm insane.  Yes-

I'm gonna give all I've got to give
Cross my heart, and I hope to live

I don't know
But I find the speedy hands of time waving out a warning on the wall
But nobody heeds the call
And the soldier obeys while the parson prays for his downfall.  But-

I'm gonna give all I've got to give
Cross my heart, and I hope to live

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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 »

2 fans

Written by: PHIL OCHS

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Information
"Cross My Heart" is a song written by American folk singer-songwriter Phil Ochs. The track was initially released in 1966 as part of Ochs' third album called "Phil Ochs in Concert".
Live Recording
Unlike his previous two albums which contained studio recordings, "Phil Ochs in Concert" including the song "Cross My Heart" was a live album, recorded in concert at venues in Boston and New York City.
Anti-War Message
Ochs was known for his protest songs and "Cross My Heart" is no exception. Some listeners interpret the song as a commentary on the Vietnam War, which was escalating at the time of its release.
Unique Style
The song showcases Ochs' unique blend of folk music with a more politico-personal songwriting style that distinguished him from many of his contemporaries.
Topical Lyrics
Ochs was praised for his ability to write topical songs that responded to current events and social issues. This is evident in "Cross My Heart", as the lyrics convey a palpable sense of the tense, troubled political climate of the mid-1960s.
Legacy
Though not as well-remembered as some of Ochs' other songs like "I Ain't Marching Anymore" or "There but for Fortune", "Cross My Heart" remains a powerful testament to Ochs' searing, emotionally-charged songwriting style.
Personal Reflection
This song was one of Ochs’ more personal ballads that encapsulated his ideological struggles concerning love, trust, and disappointment. It is said to reflect his faith in humanity and his alternating hope and despair for its future.
Intimate Performance
The live recording of "Cross My Heart" highlights the intimate and powerful style of Phil Ochs' performances, making listeners feel as if they are in the concert hall with him, experiencing the intense emotions conveyed through his music.
Rare Availability
Interestingly, "Cross My Heart" is not easily available on popular music streaming platforms, making it a somewhat rare find for fans of Phil Ochs.
The Artist’s Demise
Tragically, Phil Ochs ended his own life in 1976, adding a poignant and sorrowful note to the legacies of his songs like "Cross My Heart". Today, Ochs' music, including this impactful song, is celebrated and remembered for its potent social and political commentary.

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