About the song
Key Points
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Multiple Versions: There are three main versions of “Revolution” released by the Beatles:
- Revolution 1: A slower, blues-infused take, featured on the “White Album” (1968).
- Revolution: A faster, hard rock version, released as a B-side single to “Hey Jude” (1968).
- Revolution 9: An avant-garde sound collage, also on the “White Album” (1968), derived from an extended ending jam to “Revolution 1”.
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Written by John Lennon: It was his response to the political protests of the late 1960s.
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Lyrical Focus:
- Ambiguity: Though Lennon sympathized with the need for change, he was wary of violent revolution. This led to conflicting messages within the lyrics:
- “Count me out” (in “Revolution 1”) vs. “Count me in” (in the single version).
- Need for change: Acknowledging the desire to transform society and fix problems like poverty.
- Uncertainty about methods: Calling for plans and solutions rather than mindless destruction.
- Ambiguity: Though Lennon sympathized with the need for change, he was wary of violent revolution. This led to conflicting messages within the lyrics:
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Musical Styles:
- Revolution 1: Slow-tempo with laid-back vocals, bluesy guitar, and prominent brass.
- Revolution: Driving rock, heavily distorted guitars, and Lennon’s passionate, almost screaming delivery.
Interesting Facts
- Distortion: The hard-rocking “Revolution” single features a heavily overdriven guitar sound, an intentional break from the band’s usual cleaner tones.
- Nike Ad: “Revolution” was controversially licensed for a Nike commercial in the 1980s.
- “Count me out/in” Change: The shift between the two versions reflects Lennon’s own shifting hesitation and then more confident feelings about revolutionary movements.
Video
Lyrics
I take two, okay
You say you want a revolutionWell, you knowWe all want to change the worldYou tell me that it’s evolutionWell, you knowWe all wanna change the world
But when you talk about destructionDon’t you know that you can count me out, in
Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right? (Ah, shu-bi-do, ah)Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right? (Ah, shu-bi-do, ah)Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right? (Ah, shu-bi-do, ah)
You say you got a real solutionWell, you knowWe’d all love to see the planYou ask me for a contributionWell, you knowWe all doing what we can
But if you want money for people with minds that hateAll I can tell is, brother, you have to wait
Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right? (Ah, shu-bi-do, ah)Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right? (Ah, shu-bi-do, ah)Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right? (Ah, shu-bi-do, ah)
You say you’ll change the constitutionWell, you knowWe’d all love to change your head (ah, shu-bi-do, ah)You tell me it’s the institutionWell, you knowYou better free your mind instead (ah, shu-bi-do, ah)
If you go carrying pictures of chairman MaoYou ain’t gonna make it with anyone anyhow
Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right? (Ah, shu-bi-do, ah)Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right? (Ah, shu-bi-do, ah)Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right? (Ah, shu-bi-do, ah)
All, all, all, all (ah, shu-bi-do, ah)All, all, all, all right (ah, shu-bi-do, ah)All right, all right (ah, shu-bi-do, ah)All right, all right (ah, shu-bi-do, ah)
All right, all right (ah, shu-bi-do, ah)All right, all right (ah, shu-bi-do, ah)All right (ah, shu-bi-do, ah)
All right, all right (ah, shu-bi-do, ah)All right, all right (ah, shu-bi-do, ah)