Power and the Glory (Phil Ochs)
This is probably one of Phil’s strongest songs; a patriotic anthem that suggested that patriotism demands that we stand up for what is right even if that means opposing the government of the day and the system that applies. It’s certainly a different view of patriotism.
The song was originally recorded as a Broadside demo. That version contained a very strong verse that was later dropped because Phil thought that it did not fit in with the more positive sentiments of the song. Personally, I love the omitted verse. It’s powerful and I reckon it fits in fine. It also expresses the view that there are factions within the country who demand opposing. That seems to address the core of what Phil was suggesting. It’s a clarion call to fight for a better future: ‘But this land is still troubled by men who have to hate. They twist away our freedom and twist away our fate. Law is their weapon and treason is their cry. You can stop them if you try.’
The brightly picked guitars and potent strummed melody, work with Phil’s rousing vocals to create a majestic anthem of uplifting optimism; a challenge to us all. It extols the beauty and wonder of the landscape, a land full of boundless potential, and extols us to make it as wonderful as it could be. Can we make a country based on freedom and equality? Will we do justice to the majesty of this wondrous land? The song is one of great hope and optimism.
The vision that Phil is offering is one of harmony and prosperity for all. It’s the diametric opposite of the poverty and gang wars of the previous track. This patriotism looks towards a glorious future in a truly wonderful country. The underlying message is that this can only be achieved by doing away with greed, elitism and racism. This glorious country could be a utopian paradise with the right justice and social fairness. ‘Tell me, who could ask for more? Yet she’s only as rich as the poorest of her poor. Only as free as the padlocked prison door. Only as strong as our love for this land. Only as tall as we stand! The challenge is for us to make it as great as it could become: ‘Here is a land full of power and glory, beauty that words cannot recall. Oh her power shall rest on the strength of her freedom. Her glory shall rest on us all (on us all).’
It is undoubtedly one of Phil’s most stirring anthems. No wonder it received a standing ovation when performed at the 1963 Newport Festival.
Phil Ochs On Track: Every Album, Every Song: Amazon.co.uk: Opher Goodwin: 9781789523263: Books