Encores Lyrics - Phil Ochs

Centuries took holidays 

Before these days 

Became desperately clear 

That chariots full of christmas cheer 

Could never draw the child near 

But this year 

One of the last remaining years 

Santa claus is a sniper 

On the roof of macy's 

Picking off the customers 

Splattering packages 

And miscellaneous toes 

Everywhere. 

Missionaries built milleniums 

And caravans of cucumbers were exchanged 

Before the sin of sharing was uncovered 

And the chocolate bayonets were deranged 

But this year 

One of the last remaining years 

The soul brother reindeer 

Having nothing but nothing to fear 

Have destroyed all possessions 

As the holiest of gifts. 

Hymns have swallowed histories 

And faded into love 

Before a winter full of autumns 

Had covered up their harmonies 

But this year 

Though one of the last remaining years 

The fading matinee idol 

Clutching the memories 

Of his almost unforgettable performance 

Turns sadly away 

From the diminishing applause 

Of his most terrified believers.