Children Of The Revolution
Marc Bolan & T- rex Lyrics


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Well you can bump and grind
And 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
No you won't fool the children of the revolution
No, no, no!

Well you can terraplane
In the fallin' rain
I drive a Rolls Royce
Cause it's good for my voice





But you won't fool the children of the revolution...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Marc Bolan and T-Rex's song "Children of the Revolution" reflect a sense of rebellion against the established order. The opening lines suggest that one can engage in seemingly illicit behaviors like bumping and grinding, twisting and shouting, but these activities and expressions are not sufficient to deceive or retain the allegiance of the "children of the revolution." These children are portrayed as more discerning and aware than the adults around them, able to detect and resist attempts at manipulation or co-option. The refrain emphasizes this point, driving home the idea that the revolutionary spirit runs deep and cannot be tamed or molded.


The later verses continue to develop this theme, as the singer boasts about driving a Rolls Royce and terraplaning through the falling rain. These activities may seem glamorous or exciting, but they do not represent the true values and aspirations of the children of the revolution. The overarching message seems to be that authenticity and sincerity are the key virtues that will enable the younger generation to overcome the limitations and hypocrisies inherited from their elders.


Line by Line Meaning

Well you can bump and grind
You can dance and enjoy yourself


And it's good for your mind
Dancing can benefit your mental health


Well you can twist and shout
You can let loose and have fun


Let it all hang out
Be yourself without inhibitions


But you won't fool the children of the revolution
The youth are not easily deceived by societal norms and expectations


No you won't fool the children of the revolution
The younger generation is resistant to manipulation


No, no, no!
There is no point in attempting to deceive them


Well you can terraplane
You can drive recklessly


In the fallin' rain
Even during difficult times


I drive a Rolls Royce
I lead a luxurious lifestyle


Cause it's good for my voice
I enjoy the sound of the engine


But you won't fool the children of the revolution...
The younger generation is not impressed by material wealth and extravagance.




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Spirit Music Group
Written by: MARC BOLAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Mitchell Grim

This was the first song that made me want to cover it. And this is coming from someone who hates playing others music with a passion. This is just beautiful and I am honored to have been properly introduced to his memory truly gifted.

Jill Hollingsworth

Just discovered Marc Bolan, this song was on the soundtrack of Brittania! LOVE IT!

Ollie Latham

This was my dad's first album and he still has it. I play it all the time!!

Naomi

"I drive a Rolls Royce, 'cause it's good for my voice." This line kills me everytime.

timtak1

It is no joke. See Adam Smith's "impartial spectator" and "invisible hand." We buy Rollers because they sound good when we whisper them to ourselves. Try it. "Rolls Royce." They are no better than, and a lot slower than, Terraplanes.

timtak1

According people like Nisbett and Wilson (1977), or Dan Ariely (2008), and Johnathan Haidt (2013) summarised here below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kI1wQswRVaU&t=336s
we "make decisions," or rationalise our behaviour, completely without any knowledge of our desires, purely and simply based on how the rationalisation sounds. The voice of our reason is a spin doctor, "press secretary," and cares only about how the schpiel sounds. Thus as Bolan sings, we drive Rolls Royces because it sounds good. Its good for our (internal) voice. Telegram Sam. This not only makes sense, it is a very profound and disturbing.

Come the revolution we will be aware of this and stop all this satanic whispering. I am not sure how it is going to come about but if it doesn't we'll destroy ourselves.

Michele L. Egerton

WORD!!!!! Marc Bolan was awesome!

A Brit in New York

me 2 girl

Besties Roleplay!

omg me too

1 More Replies...

Pedro Zarian

The wonderful T Rex. Electric Warrior one of my all time favourite albums. God I feel old.

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