The Beatles’ “Revolution” is a powerful song with a strong message. Here are the lyrics to the song, with a focus on the main themes and ideas:
The song "Revolution" was released in 1968 on the B-side of the single "Hey Jude." The lyrics were written by John Lennon, with contributions from Paul McCartney. The song is a call to action, urging listeners to take a stand against injustice and fight for what is right.
Analysis of the Lyrics

The lyrics of “Revolution” are a commentary on the social and political upheaval of the late 1960s. The song’s opening lines, “You say you want a revolution / Well, you know / We all want to change the world,” set the tone for the rest of the song. The lyrics go on to critique the established power structures and urge listeners to take action to create positive change.
Key Themes and Ideas
One of the main themes of “Revolution” is the idea that people have the power to create change. The lyrics emphasize the importance of individual action and collective effort in bringing about social and political change. The song also critiques the idea of revolution as a simplistic or violent solution to complex problems, instead advocating for a more nuanced and thoughtful approach to creating change.
| Lyric | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "You say you want a revolution" | This line sets the tone for the rest of the song, emphasizing the idea that people want to create change. |
| "Well, you know / We all want to change the world" | This line highlights the universal desire for positive change and the importance of collective action. |
| "But when you talk about destruction / Don't you know that you can count me out" | This line critiques the idea of revolution as a violent or destructive solution to problems, instead advocating for a more peaceful and thoughtful approach. |

Key Points
- The song "Revolution" is a call to action, urging listeners to take a stand against injustice and fight for what is right.
- The lyrics critique the established power structures and advocate for individual action and collective effort in creating positive change.
- The song emphasizes the importance of a nuanced and thoughtful approach to creating change, rather than relying on simplistic or violent solutions.
- The message of "Revolution" remains relevant today, serving as a powerful call to action for listeners around the world.
- The song's themes of individual empowerment and collective action are timeless and universal, making it a classic of rock music.
In conclusion, the lyrics of "Revolution" are a powerful commentary on the social and political upheaval of the late 1960s. The song's message of individual empowerment and collective action remains relevant today, serving as a call to action for listeners around the world.
What is the main theme of the song “Revolution”?
+The main theme of the song “Revolution” is the idea that people have the power to create change through individual action and collective effort.
What is the significance of the line “But when you talk about destruction / Don’t you know that you can count me out”?
+This line critiques the idea of revolution as a violent or destructive solution to problems, instead advocating for a more peaceful and thoughtful approach to creating change.
Why does the song “Revolution” remain relevant today?
+The song’s themes of individual empowerment and collective action are timeless and universal, making it a classic of rock music that continues to inspire listeners around the world.