Cross My Heart
Phil Ochs
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I don't know But it seems that every single dream's Bm Painted pretty pictures in the air D e And it tumbles in despair F#m And it starts to bend G a Until by the end it's a nightmare Bm e a f#m I'm gonna give all I've got to give A f#m c g a Cross my heart, and I hope to live I don't know But it's true, so many things you do Please you so they leave feeling warm It's the calm before the storm For the habit grows and before you know it you're deformed I'm gonna give all I've got to give Cross my heart, and I hope to live I don't know But I see that every thing is free When you're young and treasures you can take But the bridge is gonna break You reach the end screaming It's all been a mistake I'm gonna give all I've got to give Cross my heart, and I hope to live I don't know But it seems that every single dream's Painted pretty pictures in the air Then it tumbles in despair And it starts to bend Until by the end it's a nightmare I'm gonna give all I've got to give Cross my heart, and I hope to live
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Written by: PHIL OCHS
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Release Information"Cross My Heart" is a song written by American folk singer-songwriter Phil Ochs. The track was initially released in 1966 as part of Ochs' third album called "Phil Ochs in Concert".
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Live RecordingUnlike his previous two albums which contained studio recordings, "Phil Ochs in Concert" including the song "Cross My Heart" was a live album, recorded in concert at venues in Boston and New York City.
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Anti-War MessageOchs was known for his protest songs and "Cross My Heart" is no exception. Some listeners interpret the song as a commentary on the Vietnam War, which was escalating at the time of its release.
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Unique StyleThe song showcases Ochs' unique blend of folk music with a more politico-personal songwriting style that distinguished him from many of his contemporaries.
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Topical LyricsOchs was praised for his ability to write topical songs that responded to current events and social issues. This is evident in "Cross My Heart", as the lyrics convey a palpable sense of the tense, troubled political climate of the mid-1960s.
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LegacyThough not as well-remembered as some of Ochs' other songs like "I Ain't Marching Anymore" or "There but for Fortune", "Cross My Heart" remains a powerful testament to Ochs' searing, emotionally-charged songwriting style.
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Personal ReflectionThis song was one of Ochs’ more personal ballads that encapsulated his ideological struggles concerning love, trust, and disappointment. It is said to reflect his faith in humanity and his alternating hope and despair for its future.
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Intimate PerformanceThe live recording of "Cross My Heart" highlights the intimate and powerful style of Phil Ochs' performances, making listeners feel as if they are in the concert hall with him, experiencing the intense emotions conveyed through his music.
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Rare AvailabilityInterestingly, "Cross My Heart" is not easily available on popular music streaming platforms, making it a somewhat rare find for fans of Phil Ochs.
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The Artist’s DemiseTragically, Phil Ochs ended his own life in 1976, adding a poignant and sorrowful note to the legacies of his songs like "Cross My Heart". Today, Ochs' music, including this impactful song, is celebrated and remembered for its potent social and political commentary.
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"Cross My Heart Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5324124/Phil+Ochs/Cross+My+Heart>.
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