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
The “Iron Lady” is an epithet of the electric chair in this protest song against the death penalty.
In the liner notes of the album Ochs wrote:
“A century from now, intelligent men will read in amazement about the murder of Caryl Chessman and wonder what excuse for a society flourished in these t...
[Verse 1]
Have you seen the iron lady's charms?
Legs of steel, leather on her arms
Taking on a man to die
A life for a life, an eye for an eye
And death's the iron lady in the chair
[Verse 2]
Stop the murders, deter the crimes away
Only killing shows killing doesn't pay
Yes that's the kind of law it takes
Even though we make mistakes
And sometimes send the wrong man to the chair
[Verse 3]
In the death row waiting for their turn
No time to change, not a chance to learn
Waiting for someone to call
Say it's over after all
They won't have to face the justice of the chair
[Verse 4]
Just before they serve him one last meal
Shave his head, oh they ask him how he feels
Then the warden comes to say goodbye
Reporters come to watch him die
Watch him as he's strapped into the chair
[Verse 5]
And the chaplain, he reads the final prayer
Be brave my son, the Lord is waiting there
Oh murder is so wrong you see
Both the Bible and the courts agree
That the state's allowed to murder in the chair
[Verse 6]
In the courtroom, watch the balance of the scales
If the price is right, there's time for more appeals
The strings are pulled, the switch is stayed
The finest lawyers fees are paid
And a rich man's never died upon the chair
[Verse 7]
Have you seen the iron lady's charms?
Legs of steel, leather on her arms
Taking on a man to die
A life for a life, an eye for an eye
And death's the iron lady in the chair
Iron Lady was written by Phil Ochs.
Iron Lady was produced by Jac Holzman.