Revolution (Beatles song), 54th Anniversary since it’s Release.
“Revolution” is a song by the English rock band the Beatles, written by John Lennon and credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership. Three versions of the song were recorded and released in 1968, all during sessions for the Beatles’ self-titled double album, also known as “the White Album”: a slow, bluesy arrangement (titled “Revolution 1”) that would make the final cut for the LP; an abstract sound collage (titled “Revolution 9”) that originated as the latter part of “Revolution 1” and appears on the same album; and the faster, hard rock version similar to “Revolution 1”, released as the B-side of “Hey Jude”. Although the single version was issued first, it was recorded several weeks after “Revolution 1”, as a remake specifically intended for release as a single.
Inspired by political protests in early 1968, Lennon’s lyrics expressed sympathy with the need for social change but doubt in regard to the violent tactics espoused by members of the New Left. Despite his bandmates’ reservations, he persevered with the song and insisted it be included on their next single. When released in August, the song was viewed by the political left as a betrayal of their cause and a sign that the Beatles were out of step with radical elements of the counterculture. The release of “Revolution 1” in November indicated Lennon’s uncertainty about destructive change, with the phrase “count me out” recorded instead as “count me out – in”. Lennon was stung by the criticism he received from the New Left and subsequently espoused the need for Maoist revolution, particularly with his 1971 single “Power to the People”. In one of the final interviews he gave before his death in 1980, however, he reaffirmed the pacifist sentiments expressed in “Revolution”.
If you would like to watch The Beales preform “Revolution “ click on link: https://youtu.be/BGLGzRXY5Bw
The Beatles song “Revolution” was released on The Beatles White Album on 26 August 1968.
“Revolution”
UK single B-side label
Single by the Beatles
A-side
“Hey Jude”
Released
26 August 1968
Recorded
9–13 July 1968
Studio
EMI, London
Genre
Hard rock, rock and roll
Length
3:21
Label
Apple
Songwriter(s)
Lennon–McCartney
Producer(s)
George Martin
The Beatles singles chronology
“Lady Madonna”
(1968) “Hey Jude” / “Revolution”
(1968) “Get Back”
The following videos/podcasts are a part of a continuing series. If you are a Beatles fan please find in abundance at the following video and Podcast URL locations by Morgan Rees.
The Beatles “Beginning to the End” factoids: https://youtu.be/GzGoieAwSU0y The Beatles “White Album”factoids: https://youtu.be/iMvE4cnrmFI The making of “YELLOW SUBMARINE” movie: https://youtu.be/s1GsVlK3ufA The Beatles “Rubber Soul”factoids: https://youtu.be/l34_8OQW-Ds
