Revolution

The Beatles

About Revolution

"Revolution" is a song by the English rock band the Beatles, written by John Lennon and credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership. Three versions of the song were recorded in 1968, all during sessions for the Beatles' self-titled double album, also known as "the White Album": a slow, bluesy arrangement (titled "Revolution 1") that would make the final cut for the LP; an abstract sound collage (titled "Revolution 9") that originated as the latter part of "Revolution 1" and appears on the same album; and the faster, hard rock version similar to "Revolution 1", released as the B-side of "Hey Jude". Although the single version was issued first, it was recorded several weeks after "Revolution 1", as a remake specifically intended for release as a single. Inspired by political protests in early 1968, Lennon's lyrics expressed sympathy with the need for change but doubt in regard to some of the tactics. When the single version was released in August, the political left viewed it as betraying their cause. The release of "Revolution 1" in November indicated Lennon's uncertainty about destructive change, with the phrase "count me out" recorded instead as "count me out – in". Although Lennon subsequently espoused the need for Maoist political revolution, particularly with his 1971 single "Power to the People", in one of the final interviews he gave before his death in 1980, he reaffirmed the pacifist sentiments expressed in "Revolution". 


Year:
2014
3:27
126 
#5

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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

But when you talk about destruction
Don't you know that you can count me out
Don't you know it's gonna be 
All right, all right, all right

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 doing what we can

But if you want money for people with minds that hate
All I can tell is brother you have to wait
Don't you know it's gonna be 
All right, all right, all right

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 you mind instead

But if you go carrying pictures of chairman Mao
You ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow
Don't you know it's gonna be 
All right, all right, all right
All right, all right, all right
All right, all right, all right
All right, all right

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The Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. They became the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed act in the history of popular music. Their best-known lineup consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Rooted in skiffle and 1950s rock and roll, they later utilised several genres, ranging from pop ballads to psychedelic rock, often incorporating classical and other elements in innovative ways. In the early 1960s, their enormous popularity first emerged as "Beatlemania", but as their songwriting grew in sophistication, they came to be perceived by many fans and cultural observers as an embodiment of the ideals shared by the era's sociocultural revolutions. more »

57 fans

Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Origin of the Song
"Revolution" is a song by the Beatles, primarily written by John Lennon and credited to Lennon–McCartney. This song was released in 1968.
Album Inclusion
The song was included in the white album titled "The Beatles" and was also later released as a single as a B-side to "Hey Jude."
Political Context
The song was created during a politically charged period when protests, uprisings, and the volatile political climate influenced the mood of Lennon's writing.
Song Versions
There are three versions of this song: "Revolution 1," "Revolution 9," and a faster, electrified version known simply as "Revolution."
Lyrics Interpretation
The lyrics convey Lennon’s mixed feelings about the idea of a revolution. It allows violence for necessary political change, yet discourages it by promoting peaceful strategies.
Music Video
The Beatles performed "Revolution" on the first-ever worldwide satellite broadcast, "Our World," reaching approximately 400 million people.
Controversy
Initially, the BBC banned the song due to its political nature. The line "But if you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao, you ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow" was considered controversial.
Unique Sound Effects
For the song, John Lennon wanted a "fuzz" sound on his vocal, which was recorded through a DI box with the wailing distortion added afterward.
Instrumentation
Electric guitars powered much of the song. Lennon played a loud, feedback-ridden solo that evinced strong emotions.
Sales and Rankings
Despite its B-side placement, "Revolution" reached the number 12 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. In the UK, "Hey Jude" and "Revolution" together topped the UK Singles Chart.
Pop-Culture Impact
This song is frequently referenced in pop-culture, indicating its impact on listeners and society at large.

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    Revolution

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1968

    Billboard #12


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