Revolution 1
Beatles Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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 you can count me out, in
Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Don't you know it's gonna be alright

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 you is brother you'll have to wait

Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Don't you know it's gonna be alright

You say you'll change the constitution, well you know
We'd all love to change your head
You tell me it's the institution, well you know
You better free your 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 alright
Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Don't you know it's gonna be alright

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Alright, alright, alright, alright, alright
Alright, alright, alright, alright, alright
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh





Alright, alright

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song "Revolution 1" by the Beatles is a response to the social and political changes happening during the late 1960s. The song starts with the line "You say you want a revolution, well, you know, we all want to change the world." This line is a nod to the youth counterculture movement of the time that was pushing for societal reforms.


However, the song suggests that the "revolution" should be achieved through non-violent means. The line "But when you talk about destruction, don't you know that you can count me out" indicates that the Beatles did not want to be associated with violent protests or destructive behavior.


The song also critiques the implementation and execution of radical ideas. The verse "You say you got a real solution, well, you know, we'd all love to see the plan." is the Beatles asking for clarity on the plan of implementing a revolution. The song is cautionary, and the lyrics imply that genuine changes take time and careful execution.


Overall, the song critiques the radicalization of social and political movements and advocates for reform through peaceful means. The ultimate message of the song is hope, with the repeated "Don't you know it's gonna be alright" implying that despite the dark and violent times, things will eventually get better.


Line by Line Meaning

You say you want a revolution, well you know
You express a desire for a great and sudden change to the established order, but that this idea is not new or unique.


We all want to change the world
This change is not limited to any one individual but is a universal desire.


You tell me that it's evolution, well you know
You suggest that rather than a sudden change, this revolution constitutes a natural and gradual development.


We all want to change the world
As before, this desire is not limited to any one individual but is universal.


But when you talk about destruction
However, when you speak of destruction as part of this revolution, I cannot support you.


Don't you know you can count me out, in
In other words, I want nothing to do with this aspect of the revolution.


Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Regardless, you continue to pursue this revolution, to which I try to reassure that the outcome will be okay.


Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Again, I try to comfort you about the future outcome of your actions.


Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Once more, I offer my assurance that things will turn out okay.


You say you got a real solution, well you know
You claim to have a real and tangible solution to the problems of society.


We'd all love to see the plan
Everyone would love to learn more about this plan.


You ask me for a contribution, well you know
You seek my assistance or donation to whatever cause you are promoting.


We're doing what we can
Even though we may not be able to provide as much support as you might like, we are still doing what we can to help.


But if you want money for people with minds that hate
However, if you require funding from supporters who hold dislike or hatred towards others, I cannot help you.


All I can tell you is brother you'll have to wait
In these circumstances, all I can do is ask you to be patient in your search for additional support.


Don't you know it's gonna be alright
I once again try to reassure you that things will turn out okay despite this setback.


Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Again, I offer my assurance that things will turn out fine.


Don't you know it's gonna be alright
One last time, I try to comfort you about the future outcome of your actions.


You say you'll change the constitution, well you know
You state your intent to change fundamental governing documents, but this idea is not well received.


We'd all love to change your head
Instead, it would be more desirable for you to alter your perspective or mindset.


You tell me it's the institution, well you know
You attribute societal problems to larger organizations or systems, which I acknowledge is a common viewpoint.


You better free your mind instead
Rather than attempting to change the institution, you would be better served by freeing your mind from preconceived notions or biases.


But if you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao
However, if you choose to outwardly display support for controversial political figures such as Chairman Mao, your message may not gain traction.


You ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow
In other words, your actions may cause your efforts to be largely unsuccessful regardless of their merit.


Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Despite this, I continue to reassure you that everything will be okay in the end.


Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Again, I offer my assurance that you should not be concerned about the eventual outcome.


Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Once more, I try to comfort you about the future outcome of your actions.


Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Background vocals to the song.


Alright, alright, alright, alright, alright
Closing vocals of the song.


Alright, alright, alright, alright, alright
Closing vocals of the song.


Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Closing vocals of the song.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@leokimvideo

George found the fuzz box, Metal was made

@AmericanGothic1313

Link Wray fuzzed before.

@andrewross1275

Tony Iommi turned fuzz to metal

@terrybartak7811

+leokimvideo Johns Epiphone Casino using the tailpiece Gibson p90 pickup and a 22 watt Fender Deluxe amplifier dimed. No fuzz box.

@whotendsthefire7234

+Captain Andrew no Hendrix made the sound.evrybody else just followed....

@NickS-lz5vk

+Robert Dominguez In this song, yes... George did use the fuzz box back in 65/66 for the song Think for yourself.

188 More Replies...

@jaysutcliff

0:00 watching by myself
1:53 parents walk in

@cleanfrog3702

Floridarulz best comment I’ve ever seen on a Beatles vid lmao

@mairead1174

Omg 😂😂

@mathara.s841

Come Together isolated vocal is way more than that

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