Phil Ochs: What Are You Fighting for?

C F Em Oh, you tell me that there's danger to this land, you call your own F Em Am And you watch them build the war machines right beside your home C F Em And you tell me that you're ready to go marchin' to the war. Dm G7 C Oh, I know, you're set for fightin', but what are you fightin' for? Before you pack your rifle and sail across the sea, Just think upon the southern part of the land that you call free! Oh, there's many kinds of slavery and we've found many more. Yes, I know, you're set for fightin', but what are you fightin' for? And before you walk out on your job in answer to the call, Just think about the millions, who have no job at all And the men, who wait for handouts with their eyes upon the floor! I know you're set for fightin', but what are you fightin' for? This verse is not in the sheet music: Turn on your TV, turn it on so loud And watch the fool a-smiling there and tell me that you're proud! And listen to your radio, the noise, it starts to pour. Oh, I know, you're set for fightin', but what are you fightin' for? Read your morning papers, read every single line And tell me, if you can believe that simple world you find! Read every slanted word, till your eyes are getting sore! I know, you're set for fightin', but what are you fightin' for? And listen to your leaders, the ones, that won the race, As they stand right there before you and lie into your face! If you ever try to buy them, you know, what they stand for. I know, you're set for fightin', but what are you fightin' for? Put ragged clothes upon your back and sleep upon the ground And tell police about your rights, as they drag you down And ask them, as they lead you to some deserted door: Yes, I know, you're set for fightin', but what are you fightin' for? But the hardest thing, I'll ask you, if you will only try, Is take your children by their hands and look into their eyes! And there you'll see the answer, you should have seen before: If you'll win the wars at home, there'll be no fighting anymore.