Phil Ochs Talking Pay T.V. lyrics

Walkin' down to Denver town
I watched the western sun go down
Thought that I would stop a while
Switch around my TV dial, got some free TV
Only price was a little boredom

Well, I'm not sure about my taste
But it seemed that TV land was a waste
I saw 30 westerns, 30 private eyes
30 doctors operated before my eyes
None of the operations was successful though
It's hard to operate with so much violence around

Well, every few minutes they'd take a break
For a profound message on a stomachache
They sold cures for dandruff, milk from the farm
Perfume for my underarms
I've had enough, I'm stickin' to greasy kid stuff

Well, the blood and gore was upon the floor
And I couldn't hardly stand no more
So I walked outside to get some air
A theater owner was standin' there
Carryin' a picket sign said, "Pay TV was un-American"


He said, "I'm against that pay TV
I've much rather have people pay me
A dollar for parkin', two for the show
Three for the baby sitter, there you go"
Get to see a wide screen spectacular
Hercules meets Godzilla, audience meets nausea

Well, pay TV is fine to see
You get much better quality
Broadway shows, heavy weight fights
First run movies every night
Viewers of Denver unite
You have nothing to lose but commercials

Well, people are afraid of somethin' new
They laughed at planes before they flew
You know you only get just what you buy
So give that pay TV a try
Remember families that pay together stay together