Farewells & Fantasies cover

Farewells & Fantasies

Phil Ochs · 1997

231 min · 53 tracks · folk music

A reflective tapestry of folk melodies and poignant lyrics that explore social justice, love, and the human experience.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    What's That I Hear Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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    Power and the Glory — This track encapsulates Ochs' signature blend of protest and poignancy, directly critiquing societal injustices while maintaining a hopeful tone. Its catchy melody contrasts with the serious message of disillusionment towards power structures.
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    I Ain't Marching Anymore — A reimagining of Ochs' earlier anti-war anthem, this version underscores the cyclical nature of conflict and the personal toll it takes. It serves as a powerful reminder of the artist's long-standing commitment to pacifism.
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    Here's to the State of Mississippi — This track stands out for its raw emotional intensity, addressing systemic racism and injustice in America. Its narrative style effectively brings historical context to contemporary issues, showcasing Ochs' role as a voice for the marginalized.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • introspective reflections on society
  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • long listening for deep engagement
  • thought-provoking narratives and themes
  • ideal for contemplative afternoons

Maybe skip if you

  • want instant gratification tracks
  • prefer short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Marks Ochs' return to music after a long hiatus, showing continued relevance and thematic depth.
Themes
systemic racism· Mississippi injustice· anti-war sentiment
Career context
Released in 1997, Farewells & Fantasies marked Phil Ochs' return to music after a lengthy hiatus and significant personal struggles. This album came nearly two decades after his last studio effort, showcasing his enduring commitment to social commentary through song despite the changing musical landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Bob Dylan· Leonard Cohen· Tom Paxton

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 What's That I Hear Start here 2:03
  • 2 The Bells 3:09
  • 3 Morning 2:29
  • 4 Bound for Glory 3:20
  • 5 The Highwayman 6:47
  • 6 Power and the Glory 2:19
  • 7 That's What I Want to Hear 3:10
  • 8 Links on the Chain 4:23
  • 9 Love Me, I'm a Liberal 4:31
  • 10 Too Many Martyrs 2:50
  • 11 In the Heat of the Summer 3:06
  • 12 Here's to the State of Mississippi 5:57
  • 13 I'm Going to Say It Now 2:57
  • 14 One More Parade 3:21
  • 15 Draft Dodger Rag 2:12
  • 16 I Ain't Marching Anymore 2:35
  • 17 We Seek No Wider War 4:22
  • 18 Ringing of Revolution 7:05
  • 19 When I'm Gone 4:01
  • 20 Song of My Returning 5:15
  • 21 There but for Fortune 2:46

Disc 2

  • 1 The War Is Over 4:24
  • 2 I Ain't Marching Anymore 2:52
  • 3 White Boots Marching in a Yellow Land 3:33
  • 4 Is There Anybody Here? 3:23
  • 5 Santo Domingo 5:58
  • 6 Song of a Soldier 4:05
  • 7 Cops of the World 5:00
  • 8 Bracero 4:08
  • 9 Canons of Christianity 5:51
  • 10 I Kill Therefore I Am 2:57
  • 11 The Confession 3:21
  • 12 William Butler Yeats Visits Lincoln Park and Escapes Unscathed 3:30
  • 13 A Toast to Those Who Are Gone 3:31
  • 14 Changes 4:41
  • 15 The Doll House 4:40
  • 16 When in Rome 13:14

Disc 3

  • 1 Pretty Smart on My Part 3:18
  • 2 The World Began in Eden and Ended in Los Angeles (live) 3:27
  • 3 Tape From California (live) 3:50
  • 4 Chords of Fame 3:33
  • 5 Gas Station Woman 3:31
  • 6 Miranda 5:19
  • 7 Outside of a Small Circle of Friends 3:43
  • 8 Cross My Heart (demo version) 4:28
  • 9 Flower Lady 6:04
  • 10 The Scorpion Departs but Never Returns 4:17
  • 11 Pleasures of the Harbor 8:09
  • 12 Jim Dean of Indiana 5:04
  • 13 Rehearsals for Retirement 4:12
  • 14 Doesn't Lenny Live Here Anymore 6:14
  • 15 No More Songs 4:19
  • 16 Crucifixion (live) 7:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata