Draft Dodger Rag
Phil Ochs
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Draft Dodger Rag Phil Ochs Written by Phil Ochs Oh, I'm just a typical American boy from a typical American town I believe in God and Senator Dodd and a-keepin' old Castro down And when it came my time to serve I knew "better dead than red" But when I got to my old draft board, buddy, this is what I said: CHORUS Sarge, I'm only eighteen, I got a ruptured spleen And I always carry a purse I got eyes like a bat, and my feet are flat, and my asthma's getting worse Yes, think of my career, my sweetheart dear, and my poor old invalid aunt Besides, I ain't no fool, I'm a-goin' to school And I'm working in a DEE-fense plant I've got a dislocated disc and a wracked up back I'm allergic to flowers and bugs And when the bombshell hits, I get epileptic fits And I'm addicted to a thousand drugs I got the weakness woes, I can't touch my toes I can hardly reach my knees And if the enemy came close to me I'd probably start to sneeze I'm only eighteen, I got a ruptured spleen And I always carry a purse I got eyes like a bat, and my feet are flat, and my asthma's getting worse Yes, think of my career, my sweetheart dear, and my poor old invalid aunt Besides, I ain't no fool, I'm a-goin' to school And I'm working in a DEE-fense plant Ooh, I hate Chou En Lai, and I hope he dies, Onething you gotta see That someone's gotta go over there And that someone isn't me So I wish you well, Sarge, give 'em Hell! Kill me a thousand or so And if you ever get a war without blood and gore I'll be the first to go Yes, I'm only eighteen, I got a ruptured spleen And I always carry a purse I got eyes like a bat, and my feet are flat, and my asthma's getting worse Yes, think of my career, my sweetheart dear, and my poor old invalid aunt Besides, I ain't no fool, I'm a-goin' to school And I'm working in a DEE-fense plant
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Written by: PHIL OCHS
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Artist Background“Draft Dodger Rag” is a satirical anti-war song by Phil Ochs, a folk singer and songwriter popular during the 1960s, known for his sharp wit and social commentary.
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Song ThemeThe song humorously highlights the methods young men used to evade the draft during the Vietnam War era. Using humour, Ochs intended to bring attention to the serious issue of compulsory military service.
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Date and AlbumThe song was released in 1965, on Ochs' second album "I Ain't Marching Anymore".
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Song ContentThe lyrics are composed from the perspective of a draft dodger, listing various reasons for not being able to serve in the army, from flat feet to homosexuality, which at the time was a disqualification for military service.
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Unique Aspect"Draft Dodger Rag" stands out for its upbeat tempo and light, humorous lyrics, which paradoxically contrast with the seriousness of the Vietnam War era.
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InfluenceThe song's approach to the controversial subject helped spark conversation about the morality and legitimacy of the draft and the Vietnam War itself, making it a crucial part of the anti-war movement.
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Cover Versions"Draft Dodger Rag" has been covered by several other artists like Pete Seeger, reinforcing its significance in folk and anti-war music repertoire.
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Song RecognitionIt's one of Ochs’ most recognized songs, and is often praised for its clever lyrics and satirical commentary on a highly divisive subject.
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Pop Culture ReferenceThe song was featured in the 2018 movie "The Trial of the Chicago 7" which dramatizes the 1969 trial of seven defendants charged with conspiracy arising from the countercultural protests in Chicago at the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
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Live PerformanceOchs frequently performed "Draft Dodger Rag" at anti-Vietnam War demonstrations and peace rallies, further highlighting the song's importance in the protest movement.
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Citation
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"Draft Dodger Rag Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/4963520/Phil+Ochs/Draft+Dodger+Rag>.
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