Children Of The Revolution
Bono - Gavin Friday - Maurice Seezer Lyrics
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La de da de da da da
Well you can bump and grind
If it's good for your mind
Well you can twist and shout
Let it all hang out
But you won't fool the
Children of the revolution
Children of the revolution
No no
Well you can tear a plane
In the falling rain
I drive a Rolls Royce
'Cause it's good for my voice
But you won't fool the
Children of the revolution
No you won't fool the
Children of the revolution
No no
La de da
La de da de da da da
La de da
La de da de da de da da da
La de da
La de da de da da da
La de da
La de da
You won't fool the
Children of the revolution
No you won't fool the
Children of the revolution
No you won't fool the
Children of the revolution
No you won't fool
No no
You won't fool the children
No no you can tie
The photographic tight
You won't make it
Oh la de da
La de da
La de da de da da da
La de da
La de da de da de da da
The song "Children of the Revolution" by Bono, Gavin Friday, and Maurice Seezer is a commentary on the idea of rebelliousness and the potential for counter-culture movements to still be co-opted by the mainstream. The lyrics suggest that even if someone tries to be countercultural by "bumping and grinding" or "twisting and shouting" or by driving a brand-name car, they still won't be able to deceive or fool the actual children of the revolution. The song seems to suggest that revolutionary ideas are not necessarily about being edgy or cool, but rather about advocating for and fighting for change in a genuine and significant way.
The repeated refrain of "la de da" underscores this point - it suggests that the actions of the people being critiqued (who are trying to act rebellious in surface-level ways) are empty and meaningless, and that the true revolutionaries are more grounded and principled. The song can be interpreted as a sort of warning against the potential for co-optation - even as certain ideas that were formerly thought of as radical or counter-culture become more mainstream and trendy, it's important to remember where they came from and not allow them to be diluted or weakened.
Line by Line Meaning
La de da
A nonsensical vocalization that serves as a musical interlude.
La de da de da da da
Another nonsensical vocalization, slightly longer than the previous one.
Well you can bump and grind
It is possible to engage in sensual dancing and physical movement, and this may be beneficial for certain mental states.
If it's good for your mind
The aforementioned physical activity is only worth engaging in if it has a positive effect on one's mental well-being.
Well you can twist and shout
Another type of physical movement that is available to people is twisting and shouting, which can be a form of expression or release.
Let it all hang out
In order to truly express oneself, it may be necessary to let go of inhibitions or conventions, and allow oneself to be free and uninhibited.
But you won't fool the
Despite engaging in various forms of expression and release, there will always be a segment of the population that will not be swayed or deceived by surface-level antics.
Children of the revolution
This segment of the population is comprised of those who are particularly savvy and astute, and are able to see past misleading behaviors.
No you won't fool the
The refrain is repeated, reiterating the idea that this group of people cannot be easily misled or deceived.
Well you can tear a plane
It is possible to engage in extreme or dangerous behavior, such as tearing apart an airplane.
In the falling rain
This action can potentially take place in the midst of inclement weather.
I drive a Rolls Royce
The artist is proclaiming their ownership of a luxurious vehicle.
'Cause it's good for my voice
The reason for owning such a vehicle is attributed to a benefit it provides to the singer's vocal abilities.
No no
Another vocalization that serves as a musical interlude, potentially indicating a change in tone or mood.
You won't fool
The refrain is repeated once again, emphasizing the idea that this group of people is particularly discerning and cannot be misled.
No no you can tie
Another nonsensical vocalization signaling a transition in the song.
The photographic tight
It is possible to secure photographs in a tight manner, potentially using one's hands.
You won't make it
Despite the aforementioned ability to secure photographs in a tight manner, this will not suffice in misleading or deceiving the aforementioned group of people.
Oh la de da
A final nonsensical vocalization to close out the song.
La de da de da da da
Another musical interlude that leads into the last repetition of the refrain.
La de da de da de da da da
The longest vocalization thus far, which serves as an elongated outro.
La de da
A final musical interlude before the song concludes.
La de da de da da da
The song's final vocalization.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Spirit Music Group
Written by: MARC BOLAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind