Cannons of Christianity - Phil Ochs video free download
Phil Ochs (1940-1976) was an American folk/protest singer known for his sharp wit and sardonic sense of humor. A movie recently came out about him called "Phil Ochs - There but for Fortune", which led to my discovery of his excellent music. I do not own the rights to this song. (c) WMG.
Lyrics:
Christian cannons have fired at my days
With the warning beneath the holy blaze
And bow to our authority
Say the cannons of Christianity
Oh the children will be sent to schools
Minds of clay are molded to their rules
Learn to fear all of eternity
Warn the cannons of Christianity
Holy hands will count the money raised
Like a king the Lord is richly praised
On a cross of diamond majesty
Say the cannons of Christianity
Missionaries will travel on crusades
The word is given, the heathen souls are saved
Conversions to our morality
Sigh the cannons of Christianity
Come the wars and turn the rules around
To bend your soul on the battle ground
And the Lord will march beside me
Drone the cannons of Christianity
Cathedral walls will glitter with their gold
And the sermons speak through silver robes
Building castles amidst the poverty
Say the cannons of Christianity
Worship now and wash your sins away
Drop the coins, fall to your knees and pray
Cleanse the world of all hypocrisy
Smile the cannons of Christianity
Christian cannons have fired at my days
With the warning beneath the holy blaze
And bow to our authority
Say the cannons of Christianity
The chords are: D A D Bm G C D
Comments
8 years ago
Celebrating Phil Ochs
I love the intro. Be sure to check out the Facebook group Celebrating Phil Ochs' 75th Birthday and the website Celebrating Phil Ochs.8 years ago
Mark C
He's talking more about the religion of Hypocrisy, which is everywhere.9 years ago
haruspex54
Hey, fundies, this one's for you!9 years ago
Antonio Serrano
He suffered a lot.9 years ago
Steve Roberts
I saw him perform at the Troubadour in West Los Angeles way back in 1971 my last year in High School. I had never heard his name before; an enthusiastic friend of mine dragged me to his concert. Next day I scoured the record shops of LA and bought all his albums. Five years later he took his own life. Aside from the movie, I suggest you read Michael Shumacher's bio "There But for Fortune": The Life of Phil Ochs". (I always wondered why he wasn't featured in the film.9 years ago
Robert Forsyth
Cannons of Christianity - Phil Ochs10 years ago
Ma La
I believe he meant both cannons and canons. Poetry allows such double meanings.10 years ago
lastgood2kiss
The actual sond title is "Canons (principles, laws, regulations, provisions, etc.) of Christianity." Not Cannons, even though the connotations wouldn't necessarily exclude a reading of "cannons." I didn't know him, but I sure miss him. What a tragic end.10 years ago
james alden
I couldn't say it any better than the 'top comments'....Thank You, Phil...Thank You!...11 years ago
FranzKafkaRockOpera
The introduction to this song is delightful. Thanks for the upload. :)11 years ago
TheUnintendedchaos
A great poet11 years ago
David M Garens
Important Voices11 years ago
Mari Anderson
David Rovics and Jim Page speak for us. Check out Rovics 'GLORY AND FAME'. Jim Page 'DIDN'T WE' his song about the WTO Battle in Seattle. Don't stop there listen to all their songs. Buy their CD's and support their cause.11 years ago
Annie Miller
Will check him out ... thanks!11 years ago
ThereAreNoUnionThugs
David Rovics? His voice is not quite as good but his words are just as good as Phils11 years ago
Monkof Magnesia
This man was truly a tortured genius. An amazing song writer and an amazing short, tragic life.11 years ago
Tor Hershman
Happy Humbug to all & to all a good bite11 years ago
shawn stipe
Awesome lyrics. I studying his lyrics in hopes that i can improve my own song writing.11 years ago
edgewise100
There's a version of this with much worse audio, but it has video and it's part of an interview on national television - I think it's Phil's first, but that's just a guess. Not saying it's better. I like being able to know what I'm hearing. :) Wonderful audio, and thank you so much for uploading this. :)11 years ago
Annie Miller
I am wondering where the voices are ... we need them now.Related Videos
