Love Me, I'm a Liberal
Phil Ochs
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
pre> E a e a I cried when they shot medgar evers E c#m Tears ran down my spine E a e I cried when they shot mr. kennedy F#7 b7 As though i'd lost a father of mine E a e But malcolm x got what was coming G#m a He got what he asked for this time E c#m a b7 e So love me, love me, love me, i'm a liberal I go to civil rights rallies And i put down the old d.a.r. I love harry and sidney and sammy I hope every colored boy becomes a star But don't talk about revolution That's going a little bit too far So love me, love me, love me, i'm a liberal I cheered when humphrey was chosen My faith in the system restored I'm glad the commies were thrown out Of the a.f.l. c.i.o. board I love puerto ricans and negros As long as they don't move next door So love me, love me, love me, i'm a liberal The people of old mississippi Should all hang their heads in shame I can't understand how their minds work What's the matter don't they watch les crain? But if you ask me to bus my children I hope the cops take down your name So love me, love me, love me, i'm a liberal I read new republic and nation I've learned to take every view You know, i've memorized lerner and golden I feel like i'm almost a jew But when it comes to times like korea There's no one more red, white and blue So love me, love me, love me, i'm a liberal I vote for the democtratic party They want the u.n. to be strong I go to all the pete seeger concerts He sure gets me singing those songs I'll send all the money you ask for But don't ask me to come on along So love me, love me, love me, i'm a liberal Once i was young and impulsive I wore every conceivable pin Even went to the socialist meetings Learned all the old union hymns But i've grown older and wiser And that's why i'm turning you in So love me, love me, love me, i'm a liberal /pre>
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Written by: PHIL OCHS
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Song Structure"Love Me, I'm a Liberal" by Phil Ochs is known for its unique song structure. The sung verses are interspersed with spoken rants that serve as a form of political satire.
|
Songwriter BackgroundPhil Ochs, the songwriter, was an American protest singer and songwriter who was active during the 1960s and 1970s. He is known for his sharp wit, sardonic humor, earnest humanism, and political activism.
|
Political SatireThe song is a political satire directed towards liberals who Ochs perceived as having deserted the causes they once championed.
|
Lyric ChangesOchs would often update the lyrics in line with current events at the time of performance, making the song consistently relevant to its audience.
|
Album Appearance"Love Me, I'm a Liberal" first appeared on Ochs' 1966 live album 'Phil Ochs in Concert.'
|
Song's InfluenceThe song has been covered and adapted by several other artists, including Kevin Devine and Jello Biafra.
|
Lyrics ContentThe lyrics of the song detail a character who superficially supports progressive causes, but is revealed to be hypocritical and not willing to support real systemic change, which reflected Och's disillusionment with the political left at the time.
|
Performance StyleOchs often performed "Love Me, I'm a Liberal" with a comedic tone, using humor to criticize what he saw as the hypocrisy of liberal politics.
|
Song's ReceptionDespite its controversial message, or perhaps because of it, "Love Me, I'm a Liberal" remains one of Ochs' most popular and enduring songs.
|
Contribution to Folk MusicOchs’ song, including "Love Me, I'm a Liberal," is regarded as a significant contribution to the folk music genre and its tradition of protest songs.
|
Updated VersionsSeveral musicians, including contemporary folk artist Zoe Boekbinder, have updated "Love Me, I'm a Liberal" to reflect more current concerns, demonstrating the song's ongoing relevance.
|
Discography AccomplishmentThe song has also been included in several Ochs' compilations, including 'The Broadside Tapes 1' and 'Amchitka,' further cementing its place in Ochs' discography.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Love Me, I'm a Liberal Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/30398519/Phil+Ochs/Love+Me%2C+I%27m+a+Liberal>.
Discuss the Love Me, I'm a Liberal Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In