Phil Ochs’ songs were warning flares that still burn, lighting the skies across the decades. The whole song takes on eerie new meanings after the violent Jan. 6 attack on Congress.
lyrics
6. Days of Decision (Phil Ochs)
The shadows of doubt are in many a mind,
Lookin' for an answer they're never gonna find,
But they'd better decide 'cause they're runnin' out of time,
For these are the days of decision.
The games of stalling you cannot afford,
Dark is the danger that's knocking on the door,
And the far-reaching rockets say you can't wait anymore,
For these are the days of decision.
In the face of the people who know they're gonna win,
There's a strength that is greater than the power of the wind,
And you can't stand around when the ice is growing thin,
For these are the days of decision.
I've seen your heads hiding 'neath the blankets of fear,
When the paths they are plain and the choices are clear,
But with each passing day, boys, the cost is more dear
For these are the days of decision.
There's many a cross that burns in the night,
And the fingers of the fire are pointing as they bite,
Oh you can't let the smoke keep on blinding all your sight,
For these are the days of decision.
Now the mobs of anger are roamin' the street,
From the rooftops they are aimin' at the police on the beat,
And in city after city you know they will repeat,
For these are the days of decision.
There's been warnin's of fire, warnin's of flood,
Now there is the warnin' of the bullet and the blood,
From the three bodies buried in the Mississippi mud,
Sayin' these are the days of decision.
There's a change in the wind, and a split in the road,
You can do what's right or you can do what you are told,
And the prize of the victory will belong to the bold,
Yes, these are the days of decision.
credits
from FLARE,
released August 31, 2022
PW: vocals, guitars
Gretchen Schultz: vocals
Chico Huff: bass
Matt Scarano: drums
Grounded in rural blues and gospel traditions, Pat Wictor's lean, poetic songs and expressive guitar playing are seasoned
with jazz, pop, improvisational surprise, and philosophy. He first gained attention as an acoustic lap slide guitarist, and a sought-after collaborator and session musician. His evolving projects push his own musical boundaries ever outward...more
supported by 6 fans who also own “Days of Decision”
Because she’s the best musician I know! I know her dad, who in my opinion was the best musician I knew until Abbie came along. If you know music she’s by far the most wonderful musician around. You need to hear her music.you will not be disappointed. uncleguy
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