Ochs performed at many political events, including anti-Vietnam War and civil rights rallies, student events, and organized labor events over the course of his career, in addition to many concert appearances at such venues as New York City's Town Hall and Carnegie Hall. Politically, Ochs described himself as a "left social democrat" who became an "early revolutionary" after the protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago led to a police riot, which had a profound effect on his state of mind.
After years of prolific writing in the 1960s, Ochs's mental stability declined in the 1970s. He eventually succumbed to a number of problems including alcoholism, and took his own life in 1976.
Some of Ochs's major influences were Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Bob Gibson, Faron Young, Merle Haggard, John Wayne, and John F. Kennedy. His best-known songs include "I Ain't Marching Anymore", "Changes", "Crucifixion", "Draft Dodger Rag", "Love Me I'm a Liberal", "Outside of a Small Circle of Friends", "Power and the Glory", "There but for Fortune", and "The War Is Over".
For a more thorough and interesting bio on Phil visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Ochs
Cross My Heart
Phil Ochs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But it seems that every single dream's
Bm
Painted pretty pictures in the air
D E
And it tumbles in despair
F#m
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
Phil Ochs’ song “Cross My Heart” is a contemplative piece that reflects on the uncertainties of life and the human condition. Through multiple verses in the song, Ochs presents a series of observations about life, the passage of time, and the choices people make. Throughout the song, he seems to be struggling with the meaning of life and the human desire to live a fulfilling life.
The song mainly deals with painting a rosy picture of life, only for it to be shattered by reality. Ochs refers to dreams that are initially seen as “pretty pictures in the air,” but they slowly start to unravel and eventually end up becoming nightmares. He delves into the need to conform to societal norms, and how doing so can cause people to lose their true selves. The line, “I find the speedy hands of time waving out a warning on the wall/But nobody heeds the call,” suggests that everyone is so busy going about their lives that they hardly notice the passage of time and the warnings that come with it.
Other notable observations that Ochs makes in the song include the fleeting nature of youth and the feeling that safety is not real. The song ends on a somber note with Ochs acknowledging that even as everyone else carries on, living in their own worlds, he will still try to live his life true to himself.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know
I am uncertain and lacking knowledge about the topic being discussed
But it seems that every single dream's painted pretty pictures in the air
Ideas and aspirations are idealized and pure in the beginning
Expectations fail, crashing the dreams and leaving one in despair
And it starts to bend
The foundation of dreams starts to falter and shift, losing original form
Until by the end its a nightmare
Eventually, realities set in, leaving one in a position worse than they started in
I'm gonna give all I've got to give
I am determined to give my maximum effort in all endeavors
Cross my heart, and I hope to live
I make a heartfelt promise to give it my all, and carry on living
But it's true, so many things you do please you so they leave feeling warm
Many actions we perform are intended to provide comfort but have less than ideal results
It's the calm before the storm
Unexpected consequences are expected but have not yet occurred
For the habit grows and before you know it you're deformed
Repetitive actions have a corrosive effect leading to unwelcome changes
But it seems that every single dream's painted pretty pictures in the air
The previous sentiment is repeated suggesting idealistic aspirations are a common thread of many enterprises
Expectations fail, crashing the dreams and leaving one in despair
And it starts to bend
The foundation of dreams starts to falter and shift, losing original form
Until by the end its a nightmare
Eventually, realities set in, leaving one in a position worse than they started in
But I see that every thing is free
Earlier in life one feels invincible and has unlimited freedom to try different things
When you're young and treasures you can take
During youth, with little consequence, many things can be obtained just by reaching out and taking them
But the bridge is gonna break
The assumed invincibility and freedom of youth do not last forever
You reach the end screaming 'It's all been a mistake'
Frustration and desperation replace earlier confidence leading one to regret lost opportunities
The previous sentiment is repeated
Expectations fail, crashing the dreams and leaving one in despair
And it starts to bend
The foundation of dreams starts to falter and shift, losing original form
Until by the end its a nightmare
Eventually, realities set in, leaving one in a position worse than they started in
But I feel the safety isn't real, with everybody acting all the same
Safety and security are not genuine when everyone follows the same pattern obediently
Or the rules will ruin the game
The enforced order eliminates the creative process and passion which were once present
So I'll go my way, laughing while they say that I'm insane
Following one's own path and interests brings opposition but can make you unique and authentic
The previous sentiment is repeated
The ominous warning of time running out and being ignored is discussed
But nobody heeds the call
Even serious warnings are passing by unnoticed, leading to inevitable consequences
And the soldier obeys while the parson prays for his downfall
Those who could make a difference instead obey or pray, leading to their eventual downfall
Summary of intent, staying true to oneself while acknowledging the uncertainty of the future
I'm gonna give all I've got to give
Repeat prior sentiment
Cross my heart, and I hope to live
Repeat prior sentiment
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PHIL OCHS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@KennBurch
This song haunts me. It's got a soaring, beautiful melody, yet the lyrics seem like a fight to hold it together psychologically. This was written around the time Phil began to go into emotional chaos and ultimate decline. He was always going to dark places, and this song sounds like Phil willing himself to hang on for the moment.
@oppothumbs1
Great song followed by the greater Flower Lady. Phil's contribution to "baroque folk"
@chipajumpydummy8190
I don’t know why but I wanted to cry so bad after hearing this song for the fifth time… it has this cheering melody but his voice is so soothing and feels like he was touching your heart
@cliffford
Great song!
@markjamesmeli2520
An acquaintance of mine suggested I listen to Phil Ochs almost 40 years ago. And straight away Ochs' melodies completely captivated me. I know lyrics are important, and certainly his topical songwriting made me very aware of many things, and I'm thankful for that. But, Phil's gift of melody is beyond compare.
@oppothumbs1
I dunno know but i think Phil is one of the best folk rock singers of all time. Ever listen to FLower Lady? That seals the deal. Ringing of Revolution, Tape from Cally, and I'm Gonna Say it Now, When I'm Gone etc.
@alomaalber6514
I thought I knew the folk era well, but somehow missed his work, my older pals love it all even today. my late sweetie was that type of looks, and he knew the songs. glad to find this site.
@oppothumbs1
@aloma alber I just got this!
@Juttuoja
Going to give all that i've got to give..Cross my heart and hope to live..
@Juttuoja
Ok now this is my favourite...😘