The song appeared in two distinctly different incarnations, a raucous electric Revolution, released as a single, and a slowed Revolution 1, which appeared on The Beatles, also known as the White Album. A third connected piece written by Lennon, the heavily experimental "Revolution 9", appeared on the same White Album side as "Revolution 1", on the second side of the second disc.
Revolution
Beatles Lyrics
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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 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
The lyrics to "Revolution" by The Beatles address the idea of change and revolution in society. In the first verse, John Lennon sings about how we all want change and revolution, but he questions the methods necessary to achieve it. He asks if it's really about destruction and violence, which he opposes. He reassures everyone that despite the potential for violence, everything will be alright.
In the second verse, Lennon acknowledges that there are solutions needed, but clarifies that he wants to see a real plan. He notes how they are all doing what they can and are willing to contribute, but references those with "minds that hate" who shouldn't receive financial support. Again, he reassures everyone that everything will eventually be alright.
In the bridge, Lennon takes a more personal approach and addresses those trying to change the world through force or with pictures of Chairman Mao. He suggests that those methods won't work and urges people to free their minds, take a step back, and look at the bigger picture before attempting to change everything in one fell swoop.
Overall, "Revolution" is a call for change, but not at the cost of violence, confusion or instability. It is a message to come up with well thought out solutions and plans, and not to blindly follow anyone or any party.
Line by Line Meaning
You say you want a revolution
You claim to desire a drastic change in society or government
Well, you know
As everyone already knows or expects
We all want to change the world
We all share the desire for progress and improvement in our world
You tell me that it's evolution
You assert that such changes will occur naturally and gradually over time
But when you talk about destruction
However, when you mention violent or extreme measures to achieve this change,
Don't you know that you can count me out
You should know that I won't be a part of it or support such actions
Don't you know it's gonna be all right, all right, all right
There's no need to worry or stress, because everything will be fine in the end
You say you got a real solution
You claim to have a concrete plan or approach to create this revolution or change
We'd all love to see the plan
We would all be interested in seeing and evaluating the specific details of your proposed solution
You ask me for a contribution
You request financial or other support to help make your plan a reality
Well, you know
As previously mentioned or expected
We're doing what we can
We are already making a valid effort with the resources and abilities we have
But if you want money for people with minds that hate
However, if you plan to use funds or resources to advance a hateful, divisive cause,
All I can tell is brother you have to wait
I can only advise you to be patient, because such support won't come from me or those who desire peaceful change
You say you'll change the constitution
You propose altering the fundamental laws and principles of the country or government
We all want to change your head
We all strive to challenge or transform the way you think about key issues and values
You tell me it's the institution
You claim that the establishment or system is responsible for the issues and problems targeted for change
You better free you mind instead
You should focus on liberating your own thoughts and beliefs, in order to make a positive impact on the world
But if you go carrying pictures of chairman Mao
However, if you advocate for communism or support extremist leaders like Mao Zedong,
You ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow
You won't succeed in convincing people or making meaningful progress with such a divisive ideology
All right, all right, all right
Everything will still be fine and dandy in the end
All right, all right, all right
No need to worry or stress, just keep calm and carry on
All right, all right, all right
Things will turn out okay, and we'll all be alright
All right, all right
Rest assured that everything will be fine, and don't panic
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN LENNON, PAUL MCCARTNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind