Background & Composition
By and large, the Beatles had avoided publicly expressing their political views in their music, with "Taxman" being their only overtly political track thus far. Viewed as leaders of the counterculture, the band – particularly Lennon – were under pressure from Leninist, Trotskyist and Maoist groups to actively support the revolutionary cause. Lennon decided to write a song about the recent wave of social upheaval while the Beatles were in Rishikesh, India, studying Transcendental Meditation. He recalled, "I thought it was about time we spoke about it, the same as I thought it was about time we stopped not answering about the Vietnamese war [in 1966]. I had been thinking about it up in the hills in India." Lennon began writing the song there and completed it in England in May, inspired especially by events in France.
Around the fourth week of May 1968, the Beatles met at Kinfauns, George Harrison's home in Esher, to demonstrate their compositions to each other in preparation for recording their next studio album. A recording from that informal session released in the White Album's Super Deluxe version shows that "Revolution" had two of its three verses intact. The lines referencing Mao Zedong – "But if you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao / You ain't gone make it with anyone anyhow" – were added in the studio. While filming a promotional clip later that year, Lennon told director Michael Lindsay-Hogg that it was the most important lyric in the song. By 1972, Lennon had changed his mind, saying: "I should have never said that about Chairman Mao."
Recording
The Beatles began the recording sessions for their new album on 30 May, starting with "Revolution 1" (simply titled "Revolution" for the first few sessions). At this first session, they concentrated on recording the basic rhythm track. Take 18 lasted 10:17, much longer than the earlier takes, and it was this take that was chosen for additional overdubs recorded over the next two sessions.
During overdubs which brought the recording to take 20, Lennon took the unusual step of performing his lead vocal while lying on the floor. He also altered one line into the ambiguous "you can count me out, in". He later explained that he included both because he was undecided in his sentiments.
On 21 June, the first part of take 20 received several overdubs and became officially titled "Revolution 1". The overdubs included a lead guitar line by Harrison and a brass section of two trumpets and four trombones. Final stereo mixing was completed on 25 June. The final mix that would ultimately be included on the "White Album" included the hurried announcement of "take two" by Geoff Emerick at the beginning of the song.
Lennon wanted "Revolution 1" to be the next Beatles single, but Paul McCartney was reluctant to invite controversy, and argued along with Harrison that the track was too slow for a single. Lennon persisted, and rehearsals for a faster and louder remake began on 9 July. Recording started the following day.
Revolution 1
Beatles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
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
@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.
@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