Neil Young recalled the time he spent mixing with the Manson Family to The Observer Music Monthly October 2008: "Spooky times. I knew Charlie Manson. A few people were at this house on Sunset Boulevard and the people were different. I didn't know what it was; I was meeting them and he was not a happy guy but he seemed to have a hold on girls. It was the ugly side of the Maharishi. You know, there's one side of the light, nice flowers and white robes and everything, and then there's something that looks a lot like it but just isn't it at all."
Revolution Blues
Neil Young Lyrics
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You never see us 'cause we don't come around
We got twenty five rifles just to keep the population down
But we need you now, and that's why I'm hangin' 'round
So you be good to me and I'll be good to you
And in this land of conditions I'm not above suspicion
I won't attack you, but I won't back you
Remember your guard dog? Well, I'm afraid that he's gone
It was such a drag to hear him whining all night long
Yes, that was me with the doves, setting them free near the factory
Where you built your computer, love
I hope you get the connection, 'cause I can't take the rejection
I won't deceive you, I just don't believe you
Well, I'm a barrel of laughs, with my carbine on
I keep 'em hoppin', 't my ammunition's gone
But I'm still not happy, I feel like there's something wrong
I got the revolution blues, I see bloody fountains
And ten million dune buggies comin' down the mountains
Well, I hear that Laurel Canyon is full of famous stars
But I hate them worse than lepers and I'll kill them in their cars
Neil Young's song "Revolution Blues" is a captivating and thought-provoking analysis of American society during the 1970s. The lyrics depict a dissatisfied individual, possibly a Vietnam War veteran, who lives in a trailer at the outskirts of town. To maintain control over the population, the singer has amassed a significant stock of weapons but seeks allies to join his cause. He believes that he cannot trust anyone and is always under suspicion, causing him to refrain from attacking or backing anyone.
The story takes a turn when the singer visits someone's lawn, reminiscing about the guard dog that used to be there. He discloses that he set the doves free near the factory where the love interest works, hoping they would understand his actions. He is desperate to form a connection with someone and cannot bear to receive rejection. The song shifts into a dark and contemplative tone, where the revolution blues refer to the singer's restlessness and dissatisfaction with life. He sees visions of bloody fountains, and dune buggies coming down the mountains, alluding to the violent nature of the American psyche he perceives. The final lines suggest a hate-filled mind, willing to kill famous stars in their cars.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, we live in a trailer at the edge of town
We, a group of outcasts, reside in a non-permanent home near the outskirts of the city.
You never see us 'cause we don't come around
We intentionally keep to ourselves to avoid being noticed.
We got twenty five rifles just to keep the population down
We have weapons to control and limit the population and their actions.
But we need you now, and that's why I'm hangin' 'round
Despite our disdain for society, we require assistance and support, hence why I am making myself present.
So you be good to me and I'll be good to you
If you show me kindness and generosity, I will reciprocate these actions.
And in this land of conditions I'm not above suspicion
In this environment of societal expectations and constraints, I must avoid arousing suspicion.
I won't attack you, but I won't back you
I have no intention of harming you, but nor do I intend to defend or support you.
Well, it's so good to be here, asleep on your lawn
It is pleasant to be present and resting on your outdoor space.
Remember your guard dog? Well, I'm afraid that he's gone
You once owned a dog for security purposes, but it is no longer present, either passed or removed from the vicinity.
It was such a drag to hear him whining all night long
The dog's constant whines and cries were a source of disturbance and annoyance.
Yes, that was me with the doves, setting them free near the factory
That was me, freeing caged doves in close proximity to the industrial facility.
Where you built your computer, love
Where you established and operated your technological entity.
I hope you get the connection, 'cause I can't take the rejection
I hope you are able to comprehend and connect the dots regarding my symbolic act, as I am unable to withstand the feeling of rejection.
I won't deceive you, I just don't believe you
I have no intention to deceive or lie to you, but I am skeptical and do not trust you.
Well, I'm a barrel of laughs, with my carbine on
I am armed with my weapon and appear to be in good spirits outwardly.
I keep 'em hoppin', 't my ammunition's gone
I am able to keep others on alert and in fear without much actual use of ammunition.
But I'm still not happy, I feel like there's something wrong
Despite my intimidating appearance and behavior, I still feel discontent and troubled.
I got the revolution blues, I see bloody fountains
I possess the mentality of revolution, and am able to imagine the violent outcomes that may result.
And ten million dune buggies comin' down the mountains
A multitude of vehicles are heading towards a destination, potentially with intent to cause harm or havoc.
Well, I hear that Laurel Canyon is full of famous stars
I have heard that a particular location is frequented by well-known celebrities and public figures.
But I hate them worse than lepers and I'll kill them in their cars
I have an intense disdain towards these individuals and will resort to violence and murder, even if they are in their automobiles.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Neil Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
stuartdavis
on Misfits
Not on this notes for you but "old Ways!