The band expressed Denny's vision of the potential of folk rock to express complex meaning and deep personal emotion, using traditional ballad forms, but with the power of a rock band. Their self-titled first album (Fotheringay) was also only one of two albums, as they broke up a year later, in January 1971, while working on their second (recently released). The cause appears to have been personal difficulties, made worse by lack of success and thus income! Oddly for such talented musicians the band were widely reported to have been poor in live performance, which may well have also contributed to their short life as a band. Tracks later surfaced on her three-disc compilation.
The rhythm section was formed by Gerry Conway and Pat Donaldson, lauded by Denny as the best in the business. In the absence of Richard Thompson, who was prepared to tour with her, and act as session musician but wanted to follow his own career, lead guitar was taken by Jerry Donahue, whose transatlantic country roots and softer personality brought a different, less edgy feel to the music. However he was a skilled technician, with great feel, as he showed on their album, and later Fairport Convention records. The group was completed by rhythm guitarist and second lead vocalist Australian Trevor Lucas, whom Denny was to marry, and who also later accompanied her back into Fairport.
Fotheringay contains a majority of tracks by Sandy Denny, with one each by Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot and Trevor Lucas, as well as the atmospheric trad arr. Fotheringay, The Banks of the Nile.
In 2007 the BBC announced that Donahue would be attempting to complete the abandoned project (which he accomplished using previously unheard takes from the original archived tapes). Permission had finally been granted and the work was completed by summer of the following year. The resulting album, titled Fotheringay 2, was released by Fledg'ling Records on 29 September 2008.
Talkin' 'Bout A Revolution
Fotheringay Lyrics
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It sounds like a whisper
Don't you know they're talking about a revolution
It sounds like a whisper
While they're standing in the welfare lines
Crying at the doorsteps of those armies of salvation
Wasting time in unemployment lines
Don't you know you're talking about a revolution
It sounds like a whisper
Poor people are gonna rise up
And get their share
Poor people are gonna rise up
And take what's theirs
Don't you know you better run, run, run,
Run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run,
Run, run
Oh I said you better run, run, run, run,
Run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run
Finally the tables are starting to turn
Talking about a revolution
Finally the tables are starting to turn
Talking about a revolution oh no
Talking about a revolution oh no
While they're standing in the welfare lines
Crying at the doorsteps of those armies of salvation
Wasting time in unemployment lines
Sitting around waiting for a promotion
Don't you know you're talking about a revolution
It sounds like a whisper
And finally the tables are starting to turn
Talking about a revolution
Finally the tables are starting to turn
Talking about a revolution oh no
Talking about a revolution oh no
Talking about a revolution oh no
The song "Talkin' 'Bout A Revolution," released by Fotheringay in 1970, is a political and social commentary on the struggles of the less fortunate, particularly the poor living in the UK. The opening lyrics "Don't you know you're talking about a revolution?" serve as a warning to those who underestimate the magnitude of the struggles faced by the marginalized people in society. The repetition of the phrase "It sounds like a whisper" further emphasizes how their voices are often silenced or ignored.
The first two verses give an account of the daily life of the poor and their struggles. The imagery of "standing in the welfare lines" and "crying at the doorsteps of those armies of salvation" paints a picture of desperation and hopelessness. The lines "poor people are gonna rise up, and get their share" and "take what's theirs" show a glimmer of hope and a call for action. The chorus warns the listeners to run, as the less fortunate will, at some point, take a stand and demand what is rightfully theirs.
The final verse expresses hope that change is happening or about to happen. The phrase "finally the tables are starting to turn" suggests that the marginalised people are no longer willing to be silent and are starting to demand their share. The song ends with a call to action, reminding the listeners that a revolution is necessary to bring about change.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't you know you're talking about a revolution
The singer is reminding the listener that they are discussing a significant social change.
It sounds like a whisper
Despite the importance of the topic, the conversation is subdued and not fully heard.
While they're standing in the welfare lines
The singer is highlighting those suffering from poverty and struggling to access social services.
Crying at the doorsteps of those armies of salvation
People are seeking help from organizations that aim to provide relief from suffering.
Wasting time in unemployment lines
The unemployed are waiting in line, but not necessarily receiving adequate job opportunities or support.
Sitting around waiting for a promotion
Workers feel confined to a specific role and are not provided with an opportunity to advance in their workplace.
Poor people are gonna rise up
The singer predicts a coming moment when people struggling with poverty will organize and take collective action.
And get their share
People are striving to receive their rightful portion of resources, opportunities, and social support.
Don't you know you better run, run, run
The listener is warned of the consequences of remaining passive and not participating in social change efforts.
Finally the tables are starting to turn
The situation is beginning to shift in favor of those who have been marginalized.
Talking about a revolution
The singer and others are coming together to discuss and push for significant social change.
Talking about a revolution oh no
The tone is anxious or apprehensive in regards to the significant social change being discussed.
Writer(s): CHAPMAN TRACY L
Contributed by Callie G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.