Take It Out Of My Youth Lyrics - Phil Ochs

The young night was thirsty as I entered the back of the bar 

The smoke held the air, as the floating tables were scarred, 

In back of the counter the man asked "what can I do? " 

And all I could say was "one on the way, take it out of my youth." 

And the voice from the jukebox was singing much more than a song 

The magic of music picked up my mind and was gone 

Caressed by a corner I sat in the shadows of blue 

My glass quickly drained, I called out the name 

Said take it out of my youth. 

My eyes were drawn to the dancers forsaking their days 

Swaying and swirling they shook with the passions of play 

In total abandon the freedom of frenzy it grew 

And just as before, I'll have one more 

And take it out of my youth. 

The women were wearing the paint that covered their frowns 

Fluid and flowing and formed in the loose fitting gowns 

So I said to my friend, let's do it again 

And take it out of my youth. 

And the sounds were obscene as the wine-drop visions were blurred 

As the hours escaped to dungeons of wet empty words 

My mind was swimming in a sea too familiar to fool 

So I gave him the sign, just one more time 

And take it out of my youth. 

Now a toast to tomorrow as we dance on the fast rollin' logs 

And a toast to today as frustration is drowned in the fog 

Lost to the world, lost to each other, it's true 

The signal was down, just one more round, 

And take it out of my youth. 

And the world disappeared as though shot with a warm whisky gun 

As proudly we played and frolicked in desperate fun 

The cold night was laughing and waiting outside of the room 

So here's where I'll stand and drink with the damned 

And take it out of my youth.