The Beatles

Lyrics

[Intro]
Aah!

[Verse 1]
You say you want a revolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world

[Pre-Chorus]
But when you talk about destruction
Don't you know that you can count me out

[Chorus]
Don't you know it's gonna be alright?
Alright
Alright

[Verse 2]
You say you got a real solution
Well, you know
We'd all love to see the plan
You ask me for a contribution
Well, you know
We're all doing what we can
[Pre-Chorus]
But if you want money for people with minds that hate
All I can tell you is, brother, you have to wait

[Chorus]
Don't you know it's gonna be alright?
Alright
Alright

[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 3]
You say you'll change the constitution
Well, you know
We all want to change your head
You tell me it's the institution
Well, you know
You better free your mind instead

[Pre-Chorus]
But if you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao
You ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow

[Chorus]
Don't you know it's gonna be
Alright
Alright
Alright
[Outro]
Alright (alright), alright (alright)
Alright (alright), alright (alright)
Alright (alright), alright (alright)
Alright, alright!

Revolution is the B-side of the famous single “Hey Jude” by The Beatles. The song, written by John Lennon, was recorded in 1968, during a period of social unrest and political activism in the United States and around the world. Lennon's lyrics express doubt about some of the tactics employed by protesters at the time, including violent actions and calls for revolution.

The song was originally recorded as the calmer, bluesier “Revolution I,” which featured Lennon's vocal alongside acoustic guitars and a slower tempo. Lennon also used one of the takes to create the avant-garde sound collage “Revolution 9,” which appeared on The Beatles' White Album.

Despite John's preference for the slower version of the song, Paul McCartney and George Harrison felt that it should be reworked as a faster, harder rock track. In the end, the band recorded a new version of the song, which featured Lennon's distorted vocal and guitar, along with a driving drumbeat and screaming feedback.

About Revolution

Revolution is a song that reflects the spirit of its times. The late 1960s were a time of great social upheaval and political unrest. The Vietnam War was raging, and young people around the world were questioning the status quo and demanding change. Lennon was certainly part of this movement, and Revolution represents his complex relationship with the radical politics of the era.

In the song, Lennon expresses his frustration with those who advocate violent revolution, and he urges his fellow activists to "count me out". He sings, "You say you want a revolution, well, you know, we all want to change the world," but he then adds, "But when you talk about destruction, don't you know that you can count me out." These lines have been interpreted in different ways over the years, with some seeing them as Lennon's rejection of violence, while others believe they are his attempt to distance himself from the radical left.

Another notable feature of the song is the use of feedback and distortion. Lennon's guitar parts are heavily distorted, and there are moments of piercing feedback that punctuate the track. This was a deliberate attempt to create a "dirty," aggressive sound that reflected the anger and frustration of the time. The use of feedback was also a nod to the experimental music of the time, which explored the limits of sound and pushed the boundaries of what was considered "music."

Revolution's impact on music history is significant. The song was one of the first examples of a mainstream rock band taking a political stance in its music. It inspired other artists to write songs that were critical of the establishment and spoke to the hopes and fears of young people around the world. Revolution paved the way for the socially conscious music of the late 1960s and 1970s, and it remains a symbol of a time when music was seen as a powerful force for change.

Despite its status as a classic rock song, Revolution is not without controversy. In particular, Lennon's use of the phrase "count me out" has been the subject of much debate. Some have accused Lennon of being hypocritical, arguing that his later activism and outspoken views put him firmly in the camp of those who advocate revolution. Others have suggested that Lennon was simply ambivalent about the radical politics of his time, and that he was expressing a more nuanced view of social change.

Regardless of these debates, Revolution remains a powerful and influential song. From its aggressive sound to its provocative lyrics, the track captures the energy and idealism of a generation that was seeking to remake the world in its own image. As such, it will always be remembered as one of the most important songs of the 1960s, and a landmark in the history of rock music.

In Conclusion

Revolution represents the spirit of its times, reflecting the social and political upheavals of the late 1960s. Lennon's lyrics express ambivalence about the tactics employed by activists at the time, while also embodying the hopes and fears of a generation that was seeking to change the world. The song's aggressive sound and use of distortion and feedback were groundbreaking at the time, paving the way for the socially conscious music that followed. Despite its controversial lyrics, Revolution remains a classic of rock music, and a testament to the power of art to inspire change.

• Release Date: August 26, 1968
• Artist: The Beatles