Outside of a Small Circle of Friends

Phil Ochs

About Outside of a Small Circle of Friends

"Outside of a Small Circle of Friends" is a song by Phil Ochs, a U. S. protest singer from the 1960s. "Outside of a Small Circle of Friends", which was originally released on Ochs' 1967 album Pleasures of the Harbor, became one of Ochs' most popular songs. Ochs was inspired to write "Outside of a Small Circle of Friends" by the case of Kitty Genovese, who was stabbed to death on March 13, 1964, outside her home in Queens, New York, while dozens of her neighbors reportedly ignored her cries for help. The song's refrain, and its title, came from a conversation Ochs had with an acquaintance: [It] came out of a chance remark, late at night at a coffeehouse. I was talking to a Canadian guy, and he said, "Oh, I'm sure it wouldn't interest anybody outside of a small circle of friends." I said, "What'd you say?" and I picked up a guitar and ZOOM, the chords came right away. The lyrics of "Outside of a Small Circle of Friends" condemn social apathy by relating different situations that should demand action on the part of the narrator, but in each case the narrator evades responsibility by giving a mundane excuse, and invariably concludes that "I'm sure it wouldn't interest anybody outside of a small circle of friends". The five scenarios include a woman who's being stabbed outside the window, an automobile accident that has left a car hanging on a cliff, the terrible living conditions in the city's ghetto, a magazine publisher who's been fined for publishing pornography, and a friend who's been arrested for smoking marijuana and sentenced to thirty years in prison. The song's arrangement provides a sharp contrast to its lyrics. For ironic effect Ochs wanted an upbeat arrangement. Producer Larry Marks and pianist Lincoln Mayorga produced an arrangement that is almost as memorable as the lyrics of the song. A decade after the song was recorded, Marks said: 


Year:
1990
4:04
56 
#1

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Look outside the window, there's a woman being grabbed
         C                 Em         F                G
They've dragged her to the bushes and now she's being stabbed
E                                 Am
Maybe we should call the cops and try to stop the pain
      F         Am               Dm                G 
But Monopoly is so much fun, I'd hate to blow the game
        C                Am       Eb 
And I'm sure it wouldn't interest anybody
Cm                            F
Outside of a small circle of friends.

Riding down the highway, yes, my back is getting stiff
Thirteen cars are piled up, they're hanging on a cliff.
Maybe we should pull them back with our towing chain
But we gotta move and we might get sued and it looks like it's gonna rain
And I'm sure it wouldn't interest anybody
Outside of a small circle of friends.

Sweating in the ghetto with the (colored/Panthers) and the poor
The rats have joined the babies who are sleeping on the floor
Now wouldn't it be a riot if they really blew their tops?
But they got too much already and besides we got the cops
And I'm sure it wouldn't interest anybody
Outside of a small circle of friends.

Oh there's a dirty paper using sex to make a sale
The Supreme Court was so upset, they sent him off to jail.
Maybe we should help the fiend and take away his fine. (*)
But we're busy reading Playboy and the Sunday New York Times
And I'm sure it wouldn't interest anybody
Outside of a small circle of friends

Smoking marihuana is more fun than drinking beer,
But a friend of ours was captured and they gave him thirty years
Maybe we should raise our voices, ask somebody why
But demonstrations are a drag, besides we're much too high
And I'm sure it wouldn't interest anybody
Outside of a small circle of friends

Oh look outside the window, there's a woman being grabbed
They've dragged her to the bushes and now she's being stabbed
Maybe we should call the cops and try to stop the pain
But Monopoly is so much fun, I'd hate to blow the game
And I'm sure it wouldn't interest anybody
Outside of a small circle of friends

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Phil Ochs

Philip David Ochs ( /ˈoʊks/; December 19, 1940 – April 9, 1976) was an American protest singer (or, as he preferred, a topical singer) and songwriter who was known for his sharp wit, sardonic humor, earnest humanism, political activism, insightful and alliterative lyrics, and distinctive voice. He wrote hundreds of songs in the 1960s and released eight albums in his lifetime. more »

2 fans

Written by: PHIL OCHS

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Album Release
"Outside of a Small Circle of Friends" is one of Phil Ochs's most famous songs and was first released on his 1967 album "Pleasures of the Harbor."
Social Commentary
The song is known for its biting social commentary. It criticizes the passivity and apathy of the general public towards social and political issues, and advices that change can only happen when people take matters into their hands.
Controversial Lyric
It contains a lyric referencing a real-life incident where 38 witnesses allegedly did nothing as Kitty Genovese was murdered in Queens, New York. This controversial line was censored in some radio stations.
Songwriting Technique
Ochs uses a technique known as irony in the song. The cheerful, upbeat music contrasts sharply with the dark, serious message in the lyrics.
Influences
Ochs's anti-establishment views that inspired the song were heavily influenced by the Civil Rights Movement and social-political environment in the 1960s.
Ban from Radio
The song was initially banned from many radio stations due to its controversial content, especially the line referencing recreational drug use.
Significant Impact
Despite being banned from radio, the song had a significant impact. It inspired many people to fight against apathy and take a stand for social justice.
Song Reputation
"Outside of a Small Circle of Friends" is considered one of Ochs's masterpieces and remains one of his most enduring and influential songs.
Unique Style
The song's unique blend of folk music with a catchy, pop-influenced melody is often cited as an example of Ochs's innovative approach to songwriting.
Musical Arrangement
The original recording features a complex musical arrangement including piano, harpsichord, and percussion, which was unusual for folk music at the time.
Legacy
The song's message about social responsibility and the danger of complacency continues to resonate with listeners, showing Phil Ochs's enduring influence as a songwriter and activist.
Influence on Music
"Outside of a Small Circle of Friends" is often cited as an influence by subsequent generations of socially conscious songwriters.

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