Music of the Revolution

Lyrics – Beatles – Revolution

You say you want a revolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution
Well, you know
We all want to 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 all right, 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 doing what we can
But when you want money for people with minds that hate
All I can tell is brother you have to wait
Don't you know it's gonna be all right all right, all right
Ah ah, ah, ah, ah, ah...
You say you'll change the constitution
Well, you know
We all want to change your head
You tell me it's the institution
Well, you know
You better free you mind instead
But if you go carrying pictures of chairman Mao
You ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow
Don't you know it's gonna be all right all right, all right all right, all right, all right all right, all right, all right

So basically I have the lyrics to ‘Revolution’ by the Beatles… I love this song, and every time that I listen to it, I can’t help but agree with what they say..
The words in bold are the phrases that resonate with me as being the optimistic, idealistic ideas that create revolution “we all want to change the world”, whereas I see the italic phrases as the more pacifist reactions that look to change (and isn’t revolution just continuous change?) through different means. I’m not really sure if I have an overall point or thesis with this blog, but I guess I wanted to share a song that is both relevant to our course, brings up questions on the nature of revolution, and the way that politics can spark inspiration into art (in this case, music), which can then go on to inspire political ideas in individuals.

Other ‘revolutionary songs’ could include:
‘Blowin in the Wind’ Bob Dylan
‘Get Up, Stand Up’ Bob Marley and the Wailers
‘Minority’ Greenday
‘I Ain’t Marching Anymore!’ Phil Ochs
‘Clampdown’ The Clash
‘Maggie’s farm’ Bob Dylan

Plus countless Revolutionary songs that have actually come about from revolutions:
‘A Las Barricadas’ Spanish
‘La Marseillaise’ French
‘Nanniwan’ Chinese