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
Time Was
Phil Ochs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A man could build a home, have a family of his own
The peaceful years would flow, he could watch his children grow
But it was a long time ago.
Time was when troubles were few
When there weren't so many people to tell you what to do.
It was a long time ago.
Time was when a man could have his land,
He could farm it with his hands, he was free to make a stand
He could live a life of toil, with his future in the soil,
But it was a long time ago.
Time was when troubles were few
When there weren't so many people to tell you what to do.
It was along time ago.
Time was when a man could have his pride,
There was justice on his side, and there was no need to hide,
The world was far away, there was truth in every day,
But it was along time ago.
Time was when troubles were few
When there weren't so many people to tell you what to do.
It was along time ago.
(repeat third verse)
The song "Time Was" by Phil Ochs is a melancholic reflection of the past in comparison to the present. The song speaks to a time that once was, where men could live their own lives peacefully with their families, farming and owning their own land, and living a life of pride and justice. However, the singer notes that this time has long passed, emphasizing that the present is vastly different from the idyllic past.
The repeated chorus "Time was when troubles were few, when there weren't so many people to tell you what to do" highlights the contrast between the past and present perfectly. The past was seemingly far more free and peaceful, and the singer looks back on it with a kind of nostalgia, longing for the simpler times. In the past, men were able to be self-sufficient, and the world felt far away, allowing for a sense of truth in every day. However, the world has changed to the point that the singer notes the need to hide.
The character of the singer hearkens to a time where men had more control over their lives with a certain sense of pride and humility. They were self-sufficient with their own objectives in mind. Families could build homes and share a peaceful life together without the fluctuating hierarchies that our society has created well into the present day. It speaks to the stark contrast between the past and present, where people feel that they have to explain every action and adjust their lifestyles accordingly.
Line by Line Meaning
Time was when a man could live alone
There was a time when a man could choose to live independently.
A man could build a home, have a family of his own
He could construct a house and create a family unit.
The peaceful years would flow, he could watch his children grow
In those years, he could enjoy tranquility while observing his offspring's development.
But it was a long time ago.
However, this time has elapsed for him.
Time was when troubles were few
There was a point when complications and difficulties were not as frequent.
When there weren't so many people to tell you what to do.
When fewer individuals had the authority or influence to dictate your actions.
Time was when a man could have his land,
At a certain period, a man could possess his land.
He could farm it with his hands, he was free to make a stand
He could cultivate it independently and express his opinion without external pressure.
He could live a life of toil, with his future in the soil,
He could have a hardworking existence, with his success dependent on the land's fertility.
But it was a long time ago.
Unfortunately, this era is no longer present.
Time was when a man could have his pride,
There was a time when a man's dignity could be maintained.
There was justice on his side, and there was no need to hide,
Equity prevailed, and he had no reason to conceal anything.
The world was far away, there was truth in every day,
He was isolated from the world, and honesty was evident daily.
But it was a long time ago.
Unfortunately, this era has elapsed.
(repeat third verse)
Repetition of the third verse.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
joel mathias
This song truly portrays the poetic sensitivity that Phil Ochs had; though Phil Ochs being a passionate advocate for change, he could write such a beautiful song expressing nostalgia for the refined feelings of a time gone by.
Tarja Taylor
Love this truly a sweet song for all of us
Ryan Matthews
the sound at 0:58 was that part of the song or just a background noise? because it fit really well in there
Casey Corbett
I have a feeling those sounds were added in because they match perfectly, maybe just a key board. It matches with the rhythm and the beeps are perfectly spaced and the same pitch just the second a few notes lower, plus it gives that feel of "man time really has gone by from when people just had their own land and lived simply, riding in to town once a week or so for necessities." Cause now theres traffic and people right outside your home. It also strikes me as added because because two different cars honking at different times in the same way, there's not really any other sounds outside. Idk, what do you guys think? Regardless it adds a helluva lot to the song, and I think Phil wanted it in there!
Sir André LeFae de L'inoge
We need you, Phil, now more than ever...
Rick Nowels
great song phil. love ya.
Krutponken
I've always wondered that as well. It does fit really really well, but still I'd guess it's background noise.
Jeff Matuszak
That noise at :58? Angels. A chorus of them. Phil wasn't human.
Brien da Mathhatter
The fact you can type this out without phil ochs in the title, and the song DOESN'T exist
Luke Hawksbee
It sounds like there is traffic noise throughout the video (e.g. 0.43 sounds like someone's horn beeping). I'd guess he recorded it in a room with an open window near a road.