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
Rivers of Blood
Phil Ochs Lyrics
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First a trickle, then a flood --
First the ocean's pounding roar,
Then a tidal wave hits upon the shore.
Knives and arrows fell like rain,
And the powder burst aflame,
And the flames they flew so high --
Dropped their poison down from the sky.
In the shadow of the bygone days
Millions died in a million ways.
Now the whining of the missile's call:
It's time to rise or it's time to fall,
For now one million bombs are stored,
But they keep building more and more.
Can't you hear the warning sound?
Don't you know there's still time to turn around?
In the shadow of the bygone days
Millions died in a million ways.
Now the whining of the missile's call:
It's time to rise or it's time to fall,
For now one million bombs are stored,
They keep building more and more.
Can't you you hear the warning sound?
Don't you know there's still time to turn around?
-- time to turn around.
In Phil Ochs's song "Rivers of The Blood," he is warning the world about the dangers of war and nuclear weapons. He describes the rivers of blood, which is a metaphor that represents the casualties and deaths caused by war. The imagery here is very vivid and powerful, as Ochs describes how the trickle of blood turns into a flood, amplifying the horrible effects of war. He then goes on to describe how in the past, millions have died in a million ways, and now the current state of affairs is even more dangerous with the whining of missiles and bombs being stored and built in the millions. Ochs is urging the world to recognize the warning signs and turn around before it is too late.
The language and tone in "Rivers of The Blood" are very urgent and passionate. Ochs's message is clear: war will lead to death, destruction, and devastation. He implores the listener to take action and not let history repeat itself. The song ends with the repetition of "time to turn around," emphasizing the need for people to change their ways and make a difference for the future.
Line by Line Meaning
Have you seen the rivers of the blood?
Have you witnessed the devastating effects of war and violence?
First a trickle, then a flood --
Violence and conflict start small but can quickly escalate into something much larger and more destructive.
First the ocean's pounding roar,
The initial impact of violence can be loud and overwhelming.
Then a tidal wave hits upon the shore.
Just as a tidal wave can be devastating to the shore, the impact of violence and war can be just as destructive to society.
Knives and arrows fell like rain,
Weapons and violence can rain down upon people just like the natural occurrence of rain.
And the powder burst aflame,
The explosion of gunpowder and other weapons can lead to the burning and destruction of buildings and homes.
And the flames they flew so high --
The destruction and devastation caused by weapons can reach great heights.
Dropped their poison down from the sky.
Weapons can contain chemical or biological agents that can spread through the air and poison those it comes into contact with.
In the shadow of the bygone days
The aftermath of past wars and conflicts remain and continue to affect society.
Millions died in a million ways.
The destruction caused by violence and war has resulted in the death of countless individuals in a multitude of ways.
Now the whining of the missile's call:
The warning sounds of missiles indicate the imminent threat of violence and destruction.
It's time to rise or it's time to fall,
Individuals must make a decision to resist or succumb to the threat of violence and war.
For now one million bombs are stored,
The constant build-up of arms and weapons has resulted in even more dangerous and destructive munitions.
But they keep building more and more.
Instead of turning towards peace, society continues to invest in further production of weapons and arms.
Can't you hear the warning sound?
The danger and threat of violence and war is apparent, and individuals must take action to prevent further damage.
Don't you know there's still time to turn around?
There is still hope for peace and that individuals can work towards a better, more peaceful future.
-- time to turn around.
It is crucial that humanity takes action to prevent further destruction and turn towards peace as the only viable solution for a better future.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PHIL OCHS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind