There’s nothing more American than a good ol’ protest song and Phil Ochs’ album I Ain’t Marching Anymore has a ton of them. Released in the midst of the Vietnam War, Ochs showcases his brand of protest song poetry by diving headfirst into critiques of war, racism, and social injustice. The title track captures the disillusionment of a weary soldier, while songs like “Here’s to the State of Mississippi” and “Talking Birmingham Jam” fiercely confront systemic racism in the American South. “Draft Dodger Rag” takes a humorous angle to mock the hypocrisy of pro-war Americans who avoid combat, and “Iron Lady” condemns the death penalty with poignant clarity. But the album also finds it feet with a nuanced political stance, mixing biting satire with a tribute to JFK on the song “That Was the President” which drew criticism from his more radical peers when it was released shortly after JFK’s assassination. If you’re looking for a historical account of one of the most contentious moments in American history I Ain’t Marching Anymore has you covered.
Standout Songs: “I Ain’t Marching Anymore”, “Draft Dodger Rag”, “Talking Birmingham Jam”, “That Was the President”
