Meaning of "One More Parade" by Phil Ochs

"One More Parade" by Phil Ochs captures the grim reality of war and the cycle of violence that repeats throughout history. The lyrics paint a picture of young, eager soldiers ready to fight and die for their country, being celebrated as heroes in a parade. The repetition of "One more parade" throughout the song emphasizes the continuous nature of conflict and how humanity seems doomed to repeat the same mistakes. The mention of mothers waving and weeping, the widows crying into their shrouds, and the mention of the world in flames all highlight the devastating impact of war on families and societies. Ochs also criticizes the conformity and lack of individuality in the military by emphasizing how everyone looks the same when marching together, highlighting the dehumanizing aspect of war. Overall, the song serves as a powerful anti-war anthem that condemns the glorification of violence and questions the true cost of war.