Revolution
The Beatles Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ah

You say you want a revolution
Well, you know
We all wanna change the world
You tell me that it's evolution
Well, you know
We all wanna change the world

But when you talk about destruction
Don't you know that you can count me out

Don't you know it's gonna be
Alright
Alright
Alright

You say you got a real solution
Well, you know
We'd all love to see the plan
You ask me for a contribution
Well, you know
We all doing what we can

But if you want money for people with minds that hate
All I can tell you is brother, you have to wait

Don't you know it's gonna be
Alright
Alright
Alright
Ah

You say you'll change the constitution
Well, you know
We all wanna change your head
You tell me it's the institution
Well, you know
You better free your mind instead

But if you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao
You ain't gonna make it with anyone anyhow

Don't you know it's gonna be
Alright
Alright
Alright

Alright, alright
Alright, alright




Alright, alright
Alright, alright

Overall Meaning

The Beatles' song 'Revolution' is a call to action that recognizes the need for change in society. It acknowledges that everyone desires change, but the means by which it is achieved can be controversial. The first verse starts with John Lennon's questioning if people want a revolution, to which he acknowledges that everyone wants to change the world but he also acknowledges that people's definition of evolution differs. The song then has a chorus which repeatedly reassures the listener that everything will be alright.


In the second verse, Lennon acknowledges that people have a solution to the problem but everyone has their limitations in contributing to the change. When people approach him for money to fund a solution, he tells them that the road to success will have to wait. In the third verse, Lennon addresses the government's outdated constitution and institutions but urges people to free their minds instead and look beyond the existing institutions. He chides against the public display of extremism in the form of carrying pictures of leaders like Chairman Mao, stressing that such acts wouldn't help change the society. The phrase "count me out" signifies the Beatles taking a step back from radical and violent means of bringing about change. It suggests that the band supports peaceful means of protest, which is consistent with their activism in that era.


Line by Line Meaning

You say you want a revolution
The singer is addressing someone who claims to want a revolution.


Well, you know, we all wanna change the world
The singer acknowledges that the desire for change is universal.


You tell me that it's evolution
The person believes that change will occur gradually.


Well, you know, we all wanna change the world
Reiteration of the earlier point, that everyone desires change.


But when you talk about destruction
The artist is raising a concern about destruction in the context of change.


Don't you know that you can count me out
The singer does not support violent or destructive methods for achieving change.


Don't you know it's gonna be Alright Alright Alright
The singer is offering reassurance that everything will be okay.


You say you got a real solution
The artist is addressing someone who claims to have a solution for change.


Well, you know, we'd all love to see the plan
The artist is expressing a desire to see a concrete plan for change.


You ask me for a contribution
The person is asking for help with their cause.


Well, you know, we all doing what we can
Others are already contributing as much as they can.


But if you want money for people with minds that hate
The artist is pointing out an undesirable motive for collecting funds.


All I can tell you is brother, you have to wait
The singer is suggesting that the person will not receive help from them.


Alright, Alright, Alright
Reiteration of earlier reassurance that everything will be okay.


You say you'll change the constitution
The singer is addressing someone who wants to change the law of the land.


Well, you know, we all wanna change your head
The artist is pointing out the desire to change a person's perspective and attitudes.


You tell me it's the institution
The person believes that the problem lies within a system or organization.


Well, you know, you better free your mind instead
The singer is suggesting that the person change their way of thinking rather than changing a law or system.


But if you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao
The singer is pointing out the hypocrisy of someone advocating for change while supporting a controversial and oppressive figure.


You ain't gonna make it with anyone anyhow
The artist suggests that this person's support of Mao will not garner them support for their cause.


Alright, alright
Reiteration of earlier reassurance that everything will be okay.


Alright, alright
Reiteration of earlier reassurance that everything will be okay.


Alright, alright
Reiteration of earlier reassurance that everything will be okay.


Alright, alright
Reiteration of earlier reassurance that everything will be okay.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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