Power and the Glory
Phil Ochs
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Come and take a walk with me thru this green and growing land Walk thru the meadows and the mountains and the sand Walk thru the valleys and the rivers and the plains Walk thru the sun and walk thru the rain 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) From Colorado, Kansas, and the Carolinas too Virginia and Alaska, from the old to the new Texas and Ohio and the California shore 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 But our land is still troubled by men who have to hate They twist away our freedom & they twist away our fate Fear is their weapon and treason is their cry We can stop them if we try
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: PHIL OCHS
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Creation"Power and the Glory" was written by American singer-songwriter Phil Ochs. He was best known for his critical, satirical, and topical songs in the 1960s.
|
Album InclusionThe song was featured in "All the News That's Fit to Sing," Phil Ochs' debut album. The album was released in 1964, dealing primarily with topics of civil rights and political issues of the time.
|
Patriotism ThemeDespite his reputation for writing critical songs, "Power and the Glory" is a patriotic anthem, celebrating the beauty and ideals of America.
|
Notable LyricsIt contains the famous lines: "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."
|
Folk GenreLike many of Ochs' songs, "Power and the Glory" falls into the folk genre. It uses the tune of the traditional American folk song "The Wagoner's Lad."
|
Reflects National StrugglesEven though it gives a generally positive view of America, it also acknowledges the struggles within the nation, suggesting a patriotic but critical view of the country.
|
DedicationThe song was dedicated to American civil rights and labor union leader Cesar Chavez.
|
Song's PopularityOchs' version became a standard in the folk community, covered by many other artists and used at various gatherings and protests.
|
Cinematic Appearance"Power and the Glory" was used in the documentary movie named "Phil Ochs: There but for Fortune," a 2010 American documentary film on the life and career of Phil Ochs.
|
Ochs's Personal BeliefsThe song serves as a strong representation of Ochs's personal beliefs, blending his love for his country with his desire for social justice.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Power and the Glory Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2023. Web. 1 Dec. 2023. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/30590926/Phil+Ochs/Power+and+the+Glory>.
Discuss the Power and the Glory 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