Yahhewaga (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

He performed this song in L.A. on the Mort Sahl show, if you could find a video of that performance you would have the Hope Diamond. Phil didn't say much, but Mort, I think, made a reference to the Kennedy assassination and told him he'd better copyright it quickly.The memory of that performance has altered my life.He will someday be missed outside of more than a small circle of friends. The best ever!

fliznid (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Phil had plenty to say about the Church too, listen to "Cannons of Christianity". He could take what was good from something & still see anything he viewed as wrong or hypocritical, and speak out on it. He criticized aspects of US policy or society but still loved his country & considered himself a patriot; and he could take positive messages from religion and still criticize what he considered dangerous or damaging within it.Phil was a genious & a precious soul; he's loved & missed!!

elusiverobertdenby (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I think it goes beyond JFK, although it fits the late president well. It's really about any world-changer fighting against the status quo. As William Ruhlmann in the Allmusic guide puts it, "the goals cannot be compromised, and they will not be fulfilled."

drawuin (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

you say "Phil was very much a sociologist at the core" and is closer to the idea I was trying to relay in my original post. Thanks for the correction bercause I wasn't trying to mislead anyone or anything.. and I'm certain I was only pointing out the obvious at any rate :)

nancyzeetoo (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Oh, I agree he influenced by Christ in some ways and he was fascinated by Christianity in general, despite the fact that he grew up in a Jewish family. And during his last manic period in NYC, he was often seen carrying around a crucifix. But Phil was very much a sociologist at the core, and I suspect the worshippers themselves may have intrigued him more than the worshipped.

drawuin (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I'll concede to that. But I did read an article a long ime ago where he said he was inspired by JC's "social" outlook and not solely the "relious" aspect. "exclusive" is out and I apologize for my zeal..

nancyzeetoo (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Exclusively? Nope, I don't agree with that at all. Phil was influenced by many people and events - he didn't do "exclusive".

drawuin (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

you may not like or agree, but Phil Ochs was inspired exclusivly by the social movement of Jesus of Nazereth

adhdkid91 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Is there any way youd know its about jfk if you didnt know already? im just curious. becuase i didn't know and when i first listend to it i thought it could eb about anyone.

dode1953 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Yes it was and Phil had the opportunity to tell RFK exactly that in person as they were passengers on an airplane. Bobby was overwhelmed. Jim and Jean did lots of covers of Phil's music and mostly did them well. They are worth a listen. I just loved this guy!