Keno's John Lennon Web Site

SONG LYRICS

REVOLUTION, REVOLUTION 1
& REVOLUTION 9

The three different versions of this song were recorded over several sessions between May 30 and August 22, 1968. Revolution (the fast version) and Revolution 1 (the slow version) had the same lyrics, except where noted below. Revolution #9 had no real lyrics but did come about from these sessions.

Fast Version:

John Lennon - Lead Vocals & Lead "Acid " Electric Guitars
Paul McCartney - Bass & Backing Vocal
George Harrison - Rhythm Guitar & Backing Vocal
Ringo Starr - Drums
Nicky Hopkins - Piano

Slow Version:

John Lennon - Lead Vocals & Acoustic Guitar
Paul McCartney - Bass & Backing Vocal
George Harrison - Acoustic Guitar & Backing Vocal
Ringo Starr -  Drums

Brass by: Derk Watkins, Freddy Clatton, Don Lang, Rex Morris, J. Power, & Bill Povey

#9 Version:

John Lennon - Tape Loops & Spoken Words
Paul McCartney -  Piano & Spoken Words
George Harrison -  Spoken Words
Yoko Ono - Spoken Words

REVOLUTION
(Lennon & McCartney)

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 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're doing what we can
But when 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

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 your 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 know it's gonna be alright
Alright Alright

**On the slow version of this song, and in the video for it's fast version, John sings this line as:

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

Also the backing vocals sung throughout by Paul and George on the slow version and also heard in the fast version's video take only are:

"Oh, shoo-bee-do-wop, oh shoo-bee-do-wop"

One last note, on the fast version video only, Paul cries out the opening scream instead of John, who shouts it out on the studio version.

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