“Revolution (#1)” by the Beatles (1968)

MUSIC VIDEO

LYRICS

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 all right
Don't you know it's gonna be all right

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're all doing what we can
But if you want money for people with minds that hate
Well, all I can tell you is, brother, you have to wait
Don't you know it's gonna be all right
Don't you know it's gonna be all right
Don't you know it's gonna be all right

You say you'll change the constitution
Well, you know
We'd all love to 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 all right
Don't you know it's gonna be all right
Don't you know it's gonna be all right
All, all, all, all, all, all, all, all, all, all, all right, all right
All right, all right, all right
All right, all right, all right
All right, all right, all right

LYRICS
             Despite not being American themselves, the Beatles had significant impact on American culture and music scene via the "British Invasion." John Lennon was a sympathetic to the need for change, but in "Revolution (#1)" The Beatles argued that resulting to more destructive or radical forms of protest was ineffective and unnecessary. In the line “But when you talk about destruction / Don't you know that you can count me out,” he is stating that he will not participate in violence, and he goes on to dissuade protesters from resulting to it either (“The Beatles…” 2018). As the social issues of the 1960s and the youth counterculture continued to grow, more and more artists like The Beatles began to voice their dissatisfaction with society, and more and more people rallied behind these songs.

WORKS CITED
“The Beatles – Revolution 1.” Genius, 9 July 2018, genius.com/The-beatles-revolution-1-

             lyrics.