Published 1964 Genre Protest song, folk Label Elektra | Released 1965 Length 2:32 Writer(s) Phil Ochs | |
"I Ain't Marching Anymore" (sometimes titled "I Ain't Marchin' Anymore" or "I Ain't A-Marching Anymore") is an anti-war song by Phil Ochs, a U.S. protest singer from the 1960s known for being a passionate critic of the American military industrial complex. Originally released on his 1965 album of the same name, "I Ain't Marching Anymore" is one of Ochs' best-known songs.
Contents
Ochs wrote "I Ain't Marching Anymore" as American involvement in the Vietnam War was beginning to grow. The song criticizes all of American military history from the perspective of a weary soldier who has been present at every single war since the War of 1812. The chorus notes that "it's always the old who lead us to the war, always the young to fall" and asks whether the price of military victory has been too high.
Ochs said of the song that it "borders between pacifism and treason, combining the best qualities of both." He also wrote "the fact that you won't be hearing this song on the radio is more than enough justification for the writing of it."
According to one biographer, "I Ain't Marching Anymore" "instantly became [Ochs'] signature song". Ochs performed it at concerts and rallies for the remainder of his career, almost always drawing cheers from the audience.
Ochs performed the song in 1967 on the ABC television special Dissent or Treason, one of the rare instances in which he appeared on a national American television broadcast. In August 1968, Ochs performed "I Ain't Marching Anymore" during the protests outside the Democratic National Convention, inspiring hundreds of young men to burn their draft cards. Ochs described it as the highlight of his career.
Ochs' Chicago triumph turned to farce when he was called as a witness in the trial of the Chicago Seven, who were charged with conspiracy and other crimes related to the protests. The defense attorneys asked Ochs to sing "I Ain't Marching Anymore", but the judge wouldn't allow it. Instead, Ochs recited the lyrics.
Folk-rock version
In 1966, Ochs recorded a folk-rock version of "I Ain't Marching Anymore". He was accompanied by The Blues Project and a bagpipe player. The new version of the song was released as a single in the U.K. and as a flexi disc in Sing Out! magazine. Critic Richie Unterberger wrote of the folk-rock version, "If ever there was a successful reworking of a plaintive acoustic song into a dynamic electric one, this ... was it". The single failed to chart.
Cover versions
"I Ain't Marching Anymore" has been covered by several performers, including: