7 Quotes & Sayings By Phil Ochs

Born in Philadelphia to first-generation American parents, Phil Ochs was raised in the affluent suburb of Berwyn, Pa. He attended the University of Minnesota, where he studied journalism and political science, but after a brief stint at the Chicago Daily News, he dropped out to pursue music full-time. After landing a job at WFIL-TV in Philadelphia, Ochs met folk singer Richie Havens, who also shared an interest in politics and social reforms. The two began writing songs together and formed the duo known as the Highwaymen Read more

The pair would go on to record nine albums for Elektra Records before parting ways in 1971.

The only way to Cuba is with the CIA.
1
The only way to Cuba is with the CIA. Phil Ochs
One good song with a message can bring a point...
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One good song with a message can bring a point more deeply to more people than a thousand rallies. Phil Ochs
But our land is still troubled by men who have...
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But our land is still troubled by men who have to hate. They twist away our freedom, and they twist away our fate. Fear is their weapon, and treason is their cry. We can stop them if we try. Phil Ochs
4
You can do what's right, or you can do what you are told. Phil Ochs
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Even though you can't expect to defeat the absurdity of the world, you must make the attempt. That's morality, that's religion, that's art, that's life. Phil Ochs
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In such ugly times, the only true protest is beauty. Phil Ochs