In 1972, Ochs was asked to write the theme song for the film Kansas City Bomber. The task proved difficult, as he struggled to overcome his writer's block. Although his song was not used in the soundtrack, it was released as a single.Schumacher, pp. 263–264, 269, 271. thumb|Phil Ochs performing at Stables in East Lansing, Michigan, May 1973 In mid-1972, Ochs traveled to Australia and New ZealandSchumacher, pp. 264–271. and then to Africa the following year, where he visited Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, and South Africa. While visiting Tanzania one night, he was attacked and strangled by robbers in Dar es Salaam, which damaged his vocal cords, causing a loss of the top three notes in his vocal range. The attack also exacerbated his growing mental problems, and he became increasingly paranoid. Ochs believed the attack may have been arranged by US government agents, perhaps the CIA. Still, he continued his trip, even recording a single in Kenya, "Bwatue".Schumacher, pp. 279–285.
In 1972, Ochs was asked to write the theme song for the film Kansas City Bomber. The task proved difficult, as he struggled to overcome his writer's block. Although his song was not used in the soundtrack, it was released as a single.Schumacher, pp 263–264, 269, 271 thumb|Phil Ochs performing at Stables in East Lansing, Michigan, May 1973 In mid-1972, Ochs traveled to Australia and New ZealandSchumacher, pp. 264–271. and then to Africa the following year, where he visited Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, and South Africa. While visiting Tanzania one night, he was attacked and strangled by robbers in Dar es Salaam, which damaged his vocal cords, causing a loss of the top three notes in his vocal range. The attack also exacerbated his growing mental problems, and he became increasingly paranoid. Ochs believed the attack may have been arranged by US government agents, perhaps the CIA. Still, he continued his trip, even recording a single in Kenya, "Bwatue".Schumacher, pp. 279–285.