The Revolution
Caetano Veloso & David Byrne Lyrics
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Country music sung in bars
And when she sings the revolution's near
Beauty holds the microphone
And watches as we stumble home
And she can see the revolution now
Smoke and hands up women's blouses
Not like I expected it would be
Bubbles pop in every size
It's analyzed and criticized
And beauty knows that it is almost here
Beauty goes to her address
She shuts the door and climbs the stairs
And when she sleeps the revolution grows
Beauty rests on mattress strings
Wearing just her underthings
And when she wakes the revolution's here
And when she wakes the revolution's here
The lyrics of Caetano Veloso & David Byrne's song "The Revolution" speak to the idea of revolution being inspired by beauty and the unexpected nature of it. The song juxtaposes elements of traditional country music with revolutionary imagery to create a sense of both excitement and uncertainty.
The opening lines make reference to traditional instruments, such as amplifiers and old guitars, and the music played in country bars. However, it is when "she" sings that the revolution is near. The use of feminine pronouns in this song is of note, as it suggests a female figure being associated with the revolution.
The middle section of the song emphasizes the unexpected nature of revolution, describing it as being made up of dirt, fish, trees, houses, and even smoke and hands up women's blouses. The use of these everyday, seemingly disparate images gives the impression that revolution can come from anywhere, even from the mundane.
The final section of the song returns to the idea of beauty being a catalyst for revolution. The lines "Beauty rests on mattress strings / Wearing just her underthings" suggest a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, and the idea that even in moments of rest and quiet, the revolution continues to grow.
Overall, the song's lyrics suggest that revolution can come from unexpected sources, and that beauty and feminine energy can be powerful catalysts for change.
Line by Line Meaning
Amplifiers and old guitars
The tools and symbols of music and art that have been used for generations
Country music sung in bars
The shared stories and experiences of a community expressed through music
And when she sings the revolution's near
The power of music to inspire and bring together people in a common cause
Beauty holds the microphone
The power of a charismatic leader to command attention and inspire action
And watches as we stumble home
The struggle to maintain momentum and unity when faced with the challenges of daily life
And she can see the revolution now
The sense of imminent change and progress towards a better future
Dirt and fish and trees and houses
The tangible and specific experiences and needs of people in different places and roles
Smoke and hands up women's blouses
The violence and violation of basic human rights that fuel resistance and rebellion
Not like I expected it would be
The realization that change is complex and unpredictable
Bubbles pop in every size
The diversity and complexity of human thought and experience
It's analyzed and criticized
The importance of critical reflection and debate in the pursuit of meaningful change
And beauty knows that it is almost here
The anticipation and hope for a better future
Beauty goes to her address
The personal nature of leadership and the need for individuals to take responsibility for change
She shuts the door and climbs the stairs
The necessary retreat and reflection required to sustain momentum and energy for change
And when she sleeps the revolution grows
The pivotal role of leadership and vision in creating and sustaining change
Beauty rests on mattress strings
The necessity of resting and recharging as part of a long-term commitment to change
Wearing just her underthings
The vulnerability and honesty required of leaders to create true connection and trust
And when she wakes the revolution's here
The inevitability of change and progress towards a better future
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: OISIN LUNNY, STEPHEN DALEY, HOLLIS BYRNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind