Draft Dodger Rag - Smothers Brothers and George Segal

From 1967, the Smothers Brothers stood virtually alone, among contemporary performers of that time, opposing the Vietnam War (Conflict, or whatever you want to call it). This was their version of a Phil Ochs' song, "Draft Dodger Rag", with guest star George Segal.
I do not own this video, nor do I purport to own it.

[@obfuscated3090]

That was far more controversial at the time than what any comedian does today. Younger generations should know what giant balls it took for them to do this kind of material in that era.

[@flynnlizzy5469]

The only ones with BIGGER BALLS were the ones who actually enlisted !

[@drmarkrieke]

Their show was canceled because of their anti war stance…

[@nagannatellyu6581]

Let somebody else get killed. I can’t go. Got it.

[@barryharrison9316]

Yes and Pete Seeger , Tom Paxton , The Weavers before them.

[@barryharrison9316]

Just listen to Pete Seeger sing *that's what I learned I school*

[@orangemikelowrey520]

Back in 1971, I sang this on on the U.S. Selective Service bus as they drove us to our pre-induction physical in Memphis. When they has us strip down, they discovered I was also wearing my pink nylon boxer shorts. Oddly enough they didn't take me, even though my draft lottery number was 7 [out of 365].

[@christinebridges5700]

Ah haa haaa haaaa. Good one.

[@janinecox256]

That trick actually worked?

[@orangemikelowrey520]

I was overweight and generally not in good physical shape, but just as obviously intelligent. I think they decided I would be much more trouble as a conscript than I could possibly be worth. @@janinecox256

[@heathkish6901]

It warms my heart knowing that despite not being as recognized as Seeger or Dylan, the world will never forget Phil Ochs. Rest in peace, you beautiful bastard!

[@elisestamper624]

The Highwayman❤

[@blackholeentry3489]

I'm about to turn 83 and never even heard of him until this song.

[@margaretross9150]

I wonder why Phil wasn't invited on the show to sing his own brilliant song. I suspect he was too hot (i.e. committed, brave, outspoken) for CBS. The suits probably shuddered at the mention of his name.

[@christinebridges5700]

Sorry to say, I cannot remember the man.

[@username-yc3bd]

people showing their ignorance proudly

[@roguecow9632]

Make THIS America Great Again, I miss it.

[@romanclay1913]

In 1971, I totally opposed the Vietnam War, but I was #41 in the draft lottery. I was at UCLA, so I had a 2-S student deferment but once I graduated, I would be reclassified 1-A and drafted. I went to free draft counseling at Papa Bach Bookstore(eternal gratitude to the lawyer who donated his time) and was told to go regularly to Student Health Center and build up a case on my knee, which had had surgery in HS. Three month before I graduated, I requested an early physical, which was an all-day event with hundreds of others. Because I had letters about my 'bad knee,' I was directed to a MD specialist, who examined my knee. Then he started writing at his desk. He seemed to scribble for hours. I finally asked, "What do you think, doc?" Then he said the words I longed to hear: "You're out, son."

[@whatsup7253]

Proud draft Dodger

[@Blackshirt123]

RIP, George Segal. And thank you.

[@arturoskylar9334]

Instablaster

[@Edelweiss-hh6tk]

I love listening to him playing the banjo. I remember him doing it in an episode of "Just Shoot Me."

[@maryzambrana7141]

And sadly Tommy is now gone. Thank goodness for videos like this to remind us of the brothers and their friends.

[@BlasphemousBill2023]

RIP Tom

[@carlhitchon1009]

OMG. I didn't recognize him until you mentioned it.

[@tedcabana]

Fair well to Tommy smothers. I sure enjoyed your music growing up in those days. Thanks for all the songs and jokes.

[@tonybenn1000]

We are all going to be forgotten some day. But Phil Ochs, and this song should never ever be forgotten, if you love life, freedom and justice!

[@IMeMineWho]

Not all of us will be forgotten. It is important for us to do good things and fight for things our parents taught us. We should try to do good and art so that our efforts be remembered, but just as important that our parents, grandparents and their inspirations be remembered as much as we wish to be remembered. Aspire and inspire for as long as we have breath!

[@kathleenferguson3296]

My uncle sang this in WW2. Phil got ideas from somwhere. He updated it to our time.

[@blackholeentry3489]

@@IMeMineWho What makes you believe our parents had any grip on reality? My mother was a good part American Indian, my dad was from England and she was much more educated than my dad. Growing up in rural Oregon, I developed an early interest in astronomy, which my dad had absolutely no interest in at all...his main interest was baseball, which in essence is grown men still playing children's games. (Once heard that on a car radio talk show) I have witnessed classic 'flying suacers' up close, going all the way back to the late 60's....We are NOT alone within this vast two trillion galaxy universe. I have attended the McMenamins UFO conference three times within the last five years, where I've chatted with many others with similar experiences and viewpoints. That is MY reality. BHE

[@blackholeentry3489]

@@kathleenferguson3296 Interesting. I never heard this until just recently. I first married in 1960. Not too long after that, the Viet Nam war began to heat up and you cannot believe how much I sweated about being drafted. My first son was born in '63 and one of the great things about it.....altered my draft status.....and two days after it happened, I made a trip 20 miles to the local draft board to make sure my status was altered. I've long said....When war is inevitible, if the countries leaders had to do battle, say a duel via handguns, war would end overnight. BHE

[@blackholeentry3489]

@@IMeMineWho My father, bless his heart, taught me to steal, gamble and rob....and, I've attained quite a sucessfull career from it! Must have done me well, for even at the age of 82, still ride a blazingly fast motorcycle down my hilly driveway to collect the mail....a Honda 50cc.

[@alevine1951]

Phil Ochs deserved mention - very sad story of an important figure being slowly forgotten.

[@tonybenn1000]

I Think they murdered him. But what a great job the boys did on his song here, love it.

[@spreckrosekrans667]

Yes Phil Ochs!

[@bailenangall9007]

I learned this brilliant Phil Ochs' song at a summer camp in Ireland in1974 from an amazing 15 year old Jewish New Yorker girl. I never bothered to write down the words, because I remembered them instantly from the first hearing. I have played it many times since, and in my college days it always went down a bomb at the folk clubs I used to play in. Of course, those were pre-internet days, so this is actually the first time I have ever heard it performed ... some 47 years later!

[@pattirogness9025]

Oh, Phil Ochs...Gone for so long now. Will always miss him and his amazing songwriting and singing.

[@leftynotliberal]

Phil Ochs' daughter is working on a film about him.

[@tlopblog]

As a child (of the 60s), my first exposure to comedy was through a Smothers Brothers record and my first exposure to Phil Ochs was the Draft Dodger's Rag. Putting these two together is like a little dream and I'm so glad I got to see it here.

[@frednorris828]

Remembering George Segal: 1934-2021 RIP to you sir!

[@judithliebaert]

Their show was cancelled for their outspoken views against the Vietnam War. I remember this song. I can still sing the chorus without missing a word. LOL

[@donaldzahnke2123]

Same here i know the entire song

[@cat_city2009]

I wish media people nowadays had spines like that.

[@JackycClark]

@@cat_city2009 Wish anyone had spines like that . I remember the show , but was too young to fully get it .

[@Mftjan2000]

So can l :)

[@JackycClark]

@Sonic the Artist Antithesis of the code of conduct being expressed in that comment section . Don't sing , play an instrument , computer generated tones w/ a bought & paid for beat .

[@TyStephens]

They were some of the bravest men, EVER!!! AND, FUNNY!! Love you, Tommy! Rest In Paradise. 🙏🏽💔😥

[@michaelj.r457]

R.I.P to the great George Segal. From holding your own against Burton and Taylor to trading laughs with David Spade and Wendie Malick to Retired at 35 to The Goldbergs. A life well lived!!

[@draftkingo5338]

💩 shit

[@galacruse2318]

George could do ANYTHING ❤❤❤❤❤

[@josephshafer1134]

The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour is one of the most important programs in television history!

[@IMeMineWho]

May I say in addition to the brashness of doing this song itself, the amount of skill and talent to be able to improv, harmonize as well as focus on each other while playing their instruments is amazing. Someone I love was friends with them.

[@alan1james]

EPIC!

[@amy62]

Absolutely. Right on✌️

[@linengray]

Remembering you George you rebel you. Rest in Peace.

[@draftkingo5338]

💩

[@nnass262]

@@draftkingo5338 eat it

[@rainbowsend6310]

Rest In Peace George. Thanks for the laughs

[@rickkinki4624]

God, I can remember the Smothers Brothers singing this song. I am really getting old, but at least I do remember it!

[@MichaelSSmith-hs5pw]

I wish I would have known about this song when I got drafted in 1968! Later we sang it in the jungle of Phu Loi. Along with, we gotta get out of this place.

[@mackb909]

Great live cover of Phil Ochs's classic antiwar song by three thorough professionals.

[@winstonelston5743]

I remember that song from first run on TV closer to sixty years ago than fifty. I never thought I'd hear it again. Thanks for posting it.

[@davidhenry2190]

Thank you for posting this song by the Smothers Brothers. It was absolutely brave of them to sing such an anti war song as this.

[@danflisser5171]

George Segal (RIP) on banjo?! On a Phil Ochs tune! This clip is a treasure!

[@ruthresetar5940]

I had absolutely no idea George Segal played the banjo and sang! Hidden gem.

[@christinebridges5700]

Underrated entertainer, in a big way. He's had a good long run though. I wonder if he ever picked a string with Steve Martin?

[@bessied.5694]

He didn't play the banjo. He tuned it like a ukulele and just stummed chords. He also appeared regularly on various talk shows with it and with the Beverly Hills Unlisted Jazz Band as well as making at least one album. All of that stated, he wasn't much of a singer or musician.

[@winstonelston5743]

Hey! I saw this on TV back in the day, My Mom, as I recall, was scandalized, my Dad (air medals in Pacific and Europe theaters in WWII and in Korea and I don't know where the distinguished flying cross came from, he never talked about it) chuckled.

[@LLewis-vu9qf]

​@@bessied.5694 -- He was more of a musician than someone who never even attempted to play an instrument. Being able to play chords quickly and cleanly while singing is a skill in itself. As an actor, his livelihood didn't depend on his singing well. IMO he sang at least as good as....say.... William Shatner.

[@MsCatreona]

Always loved it when George played his banjo. There's nothing good to watch on television anymore, certainly nothing with the mix of intelligence and humor of the Smothers Brothers, and great music too.

[@luiscorreia847]

Watch the goldberg's. He is magic on it

[@basilmarasco1975]

@@luiscorreia847 He has never given a bad performance.

[@weldin]

There’s tons good on tv, but nothing like this

[@OofusTwillip]

My grandfather only went to school until he was 13, but he was very wise. He said that old men keep starting wars, because they feel safe staying far from the battles, while young men get sent to fight and be killed in those wars. There would be far fewer wars if the old men who start them had to fight them themselves, hand to hand, until they destroyed each other.

[@garyharris6883]

I'm 69 years young. I remember this song.

[@LordGreystoke]

Wow. Actually listen to the words of this song. This is seriously heady material to be promoting on network television back in 1967. A bit FU (couched as a silly song) to the common civilian who talks with a big mouth but finds an excuse to fight. No other program even came close to expressing this kind of political theater at the time. Hats off to the Smothers!

[@NondescriptMammal]

they eventually managed to get their show cancelled for being "too controversial" and pissing off the censors and the establishment with satire that targeted the war, the president, racism etc.

[@frankverdino477]

Not aimed at the "powers that be" as much as the common civilian that talks about how much we need to go to war for this or that, then find an excuse why they personally should be exempt.

[@WillyPete13]

What I really love is that even grouchy, crochety, old Lyndon Baines Johnson knew that Freedom of Speech meant that even the President of the united States could be made fun of by a couple of folks singers, and he took the fact with humor, not sour grapes...

[@Tallhandsome77]

And FU to the powers that be, from me, today.

[@SThompsonRAMM_1203]

@@NondescriptMammal , remember, according to Tommy Smothers, the show was never canceled. They were fired!

[@voiceofraisin241]

I remember my dad watching this show. I also remember he did his share of laughing. Of course I was too young to understand. RIP dad.

[@marksandoval3126]

The best variety show of it's tme! My whole family watched the show together!

[@johnrusso9246]

You kept us laughing throughout the 70’s Thnx Much George..You RIP..

[@draftkingo5338]

💩

[@mackb909]

RIP Tom Smothers (1937-2023).

[@5trickpa4]

Another great Phil Ochs song!

[@tombloom99]

I was 18 in 1965 and thought the same as now, that war was beyond stupid. Same for Bush's Iraq invasion. The Smothers Brothers were the best, if only we could learn from them.

[@Bondek1996]

RIP George and now, RIP Tommy

[@lynnglidewell7367]

I aways liked George Segal. I liked him twice as much when he had a banjo in his hands! RIP fella

[@user-wr6db6nw8t]

Oh my lord! This is great! I actually can't believe they allowed this to air!

[@kestech1]

RIP Tommy! Love this song!

[@robarnum7180]

I remember watching this when it was first broadcast , astonished that they got away with it! But thought it was funny as hell!

[@manfrommeeteetse3880]

Likewise

[@brucelevine6517]

that changed a few of the words in the song yes sarge give them hell I wish you well kill a thousand or so and if you ever have a war without blood and gore I'll be the first to and " I hate jo an lye and I hope he dies"

[@amy62]

The Smothers brothers were a great team. They spoke truth to power; & they were funny too.☮️

[@tonybenn1000]

My God, what a performance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@rph111745]

Used to watch them whenever I was able to. Missed most of the 1967 shows, because I was in the army.

[@manfrommeeteetse3880]

Thank you for your service. I hope you pull through okay.

[@DEP717]

On Network TV, too. Whoo. Seriously putting it out there.

[@Cagliostro81]

David Powell- Right?!

[@billanthony7896]

Yeah... Except, it got them kicked off the air!

[@JackycClark]

@@billanthony7896 Courage isn't always rewarded the way we want . Still , no ones commenting on the guys that cancelled the show . Smothers Brothers & their guests had backbones .

[@NondescriptMammal]

For being basically a goofball comedy musical act, almost a throwback to vaudeville... they were as brave and bold as anybody on network TV at the time. and their humor had more depth and nuance than most comedians of the era. And yet I have to admit my favorite song of theirs was the uncontroversial Mediocre Fred.

[@bobcobb3654]

They used the vaudeville image as a camouflage. Once Tom Smothers got creative control in the third season, he wasn’t shy about tackling things that were network taboos.

[@rustyrelicsfarm2406]

Still holds up in 2020. MAKE LOVE NOT WAR I am 23 and Thats my main motto in life.

[@sleepinglioness5754]

Those were the days. Let perpetual light shine upon George Segal. Thank you George for the wonderful memories.

[@Mftjan2000]

Loved this song....Viet Nam era.

[@danadowling2012]

Rest in peace, Tommy!

[@altfactor]

The Smothers Brothers originally came to CBS in 1965 in a half-hour sitcom that neither Tom nor Dick liked. Neither did the major TV critics. At the end of the first season, the Smothers' sitcom ended, but the Smothers Brothers were still under contract to CBS and had to do some sort of show. The two suggested an hour-long variety show aimed at viewers between 15 and 35 years of age. CBS readily agreed, thinking "What could possibly go wrong?". They soon found out.

[@1916lunt]

Love you George. Miss you

[@georgemastellone5620]

RIP Tom Smothers

[@ianmichalski7997]

RIP George and Tommy 😔

[@Condorman12]

Rest In Peace , George.

[@draftkingo5338]

💩

[@guysabol8743]

I used to sing this way back in 1975 draftdodger rag.. even got applause for it

[@DavidLS1]

In 1973, I was also Canada bound. Luckily, that's the year they ended the draft.

[@guitarenigma]

Fun. Loved this show and R.I.P. George.

[@bananacat3109]

this was 39 years before i was born. actual banger song I completely agree with

[@pgc8509]

🥀RIP George Segal

[@tonybenn1000]

This has to be the best anti War song of all time, but there are many others, and I love them all. IF the rich want War, let them die on the front lines!

[@charliesmith4072]

Interestingly, that was how the Romans did it. When they had a draft, the children of the rich and powerful were the first called up.

[@nedludd7622]

Have you heard the French song "Le Déserteur" by Boris Vian? It was banned from the airwaves in France in the 50's. In English, "The Deserter". Here it is with good English subtitles. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGHJqZmlnMSGnrs I don't know of a version sung in English, though I heard that the Chad Mtichell Trio recorded it but haven't been able to find it;

[@altfactor]

This was one of many segments that caused considerable headaches for CBS-TV censors. I had heard that initially, the Smothers Brothers show was broadcast live (to the East Coast; on a three hour tape delay to the West Coast), but in 1968, CBS insisted that the show be taped in advance so censors could better control the program's content.

[@MisterGuitarItalia]

Rare courage and talent. An example to us all...

[@hookywooky]

Absolutely brilliant. Kudos to George and the Brothers.

[@margaretross9150]

Agreed. And to Phil Ochs, a brave and brilliant American.

[@davidcarson8950]

Wasn’t around to in those days. Great music was before my time. But I love how it still lasts.

[@blackholeentry3489]

I grew up with these guys and NEVER heard this one before. Believe me, I sweated the draft because of the Viet Nam war being hot and heavy at that time.

[@lukehauser1182]

Wow - can't believe my grandparents let us watch this on our one family TV - I think we traded for letting them watch Andy Griffith!

[@davevanfunk8917]

Wonderful performance - love their additions to the original. I'm sure Phil Ochs loved it.

[@radtek2]

RIP Tommy 😢

[@cynthiaennis3107]

I so loved this! Happy to see this! ♥️🙌🏼

[@russwaring1192]

Phil Ochs desperately wanted a hit record to be played on the radio, but it never happened. He sadly took his own life in 1976.

[@crazyman8472]

Make love, not war. 😍

[@lynnpayne9519]

I am teaching this to my 18 year old son!

[@briangallagher2236]

It’s great how the Smaller Thera Brothers snuck in there and shook things up. They were as clean-cut as you can get. But in a short time, they had the best rock acts, references to drugs, and opposing the Vietnam war and censorship. They gave us a great show, and CBS a great headache.

[@taffbanjo]

Brilliant stuff!

[@tonybenn1000]

My God I loved these Guys, because I new they loved me. figure it out for yourself.

[@barrymccreary9565]

George such a tale nt smothers brothers so good

[@MrPlankinton]

After learning the Smothers' father had been captured by the Japanese in WWII and died in captivity, I understand their public dislike of War and the draft.

[@MrsRosencranz1]

And Dickie served in the Army Reserves right out of high school. They had given quite enough by then.

[@brendafegley3317]

I grew up during the Vietnam War.I just love political songs and satire.

[@rustyrelicsfarm2406]

What did you think of War Pigs by Black Sabbath?

[@joyflavell7385]

And Country Joe and the Fish And it's one two three what are we fighting for..

[@nealfry2230]

I really Love you Hayden Panettiere

[@ceeemm1901]

Wow the Afghan War sure missed these kinda songs on mainstream prime time TV.

[@kevinfitzmaurice4072]

George Segal (1934-2021)

[@davidabarak]

Heroes.

[@suesundowner6780]

Phil Ochs.

[@CosmicPen]

Make love not war. RIP George and Tommy. They were brave .

[@icaruscrane8846]

RIP, Phil.

[@MLampner]

I grew up with the original Phil Ochs version but this was incredibly brave as was having Pete Seeger on to sing the Big Muddy. Ss someone said at the time someone shut the door I feel a draft...

[@nuwavedave]

George Segal is hilarious as "Pops" on The Goldbergs!

[@Prauwlet213]

Amazing.

[@maryhyland]

Phil Ochs' commentary.

[@charsbridge]

RIP TOM

[@tomtwo8714]

George was great.

[@mwj5368]

Is this song and maybe other instances where it added up to their show being banned? They are courageous risking their livelihood and reputation. I quit watching television in 1968 so sometimes I watch parts that were the best of it. I vaguely remember this show and fun to see it now. Yes it was divisive times then like it is now the Smothers were heroes. I was kicked out of living with a family I paid room and board to while going to vocational school because I was against the Vietnam War, didn't like Nixon, and was going to vote for George McGovern presidential candidate considered a liberal at the time. I was consistently very polite and not overbearing about my point of view but I was rudely told to leave as soon as possible.

[@fredfetters8546]

Smothers’ dad was a West Pointer who died on the Bataan Death March!!

[@joelstein4657]

The difference between humor and seriousness. Phil Ochs never had to apologize for this song and never felt bad about it, I'm sure. I think Country Joe Mcdonald really did feel sorry about his "Vietnam Song". Equally accurate but one made us laugh.

[@potownrob]

RIP George Segal

[@starcrib]

Definitely cool.....who new segal played banjo🌿💥

[@nataliep.9047]

Marius M; He played banjo frequently on TV talk shows, only he didn't really play it. He just put it in ukulele tuning and strummed chords.

[@LLewis-vu9qf]

I'm always pleasantly surprised when I find an entertainer who is known for one thing is actually talented at something else. Jim Nabors (Gomer Pyle) sings as does Ken Curtis (Festus on Gunsmoke). Hugh Jackman is a great dancer - who knew! Grant Shaud (from Murphy Brown) is a very talented ventriloquist which came as a big surprise to me. Anyway, you get the idea. 😊 Also, just because Segal isn't picking the banjo doesn't mean he isn't 'really playing' it.

[@marcelinoperez2926]

Good Text to show the masses

[@lynnpurcell7583]

That was great.

[@ffranzos]

I smile at some of the lines they homogenized for the censor, but my favorite change was Tommy turning "epileptic fits" to "psychedelic fits."