Listen As John Lennon Delivers A Spirited Acoustic Rendition Of “Revolution”!

“You Say You Want A Revolution…”

Never a stranger to controversy, John Lennon penned the lyrics to ‘Revolution’ as a direct response to the Vietnam War, making this the second overtly politically charged Beatles song after ‘Taxman’. This acoustic performance is so amazing because it’s got the same intimate feel as an impromptu jam session with John supported by only a few people keeping time by clapping in the background and his acoustic guitar, and the end result definitely sounds more like something you’d hear around a campfire than a Beatles concert.

Fun Fact: The word “Revolution” is mentioned just once, in the first line.

‘Revolution’ was John’s idea that in order to affect a peaceful change, you have to be the peaceful change. To John, true revolution would only come from evolution.

For a song released during one of the most politically charged times in the world, ‘Revolution’ did remarkably well with a healthy debut at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968!

The Beatles were lightyears ahead of their time, as evidenced by John’s revolutionary lyrics and unwillingness to shy away from uncomfortable topics for the sake of a record sale. It’s what’s made him one of the most respected songwriters in music history, and it’s why songs like ‘Revolution’ still stand the test of time!

+ Revolution lyrics +

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 all doing what we can
But if 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
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!
All right, all right!