Phil Ochs
Phil Ochs
Phil Ochs
Phil Ochs
Phil Ochs
Phil Ochs
Phil Ochs
Phil Ochs
Phil Ochs
Phil Ochs
Phil Ochs
Phil Ochs
Phil Ochs
Phil Ochs
Phil Ochs was a known protest singer of the 1960’s and 70’s. This song is one of many of Ochs' Vietnam War protest songs. In addition to its relevance in protesting the Vietnam War, it is notable for being satirical and also for being critical of the Domino Theory which was the American fear of the...
[Verse 1]
Oh, I'm just a typical American boy
From a typical American town
I believe in God and Senator Dodd
And in 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've 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 defense plant
[Verse 2]
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
Why I'd probably start to sneeze
[Chorus]
I'm only eighteen, got a ruptured spleen
And I always carry a purse
I've 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 defense plant
[Verse 3]
Ooh, I hate Chou En Lai, and I hope he dies
But one thing 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
[Chorus]
Yes, I'm only eighteen, I got a ruptured spleen
And I always carry a purse
I've 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 defense plant
Draft Dodger Rag was written by Phil Ochs.
Draft Dodger Rag was produced by Jac Holzman.