'Revolution' Summarized

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 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 don't love to see the plan

You ask me for a contribution

Well you know

We're doing what we can

But if 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

This song takes a look at those who criticize the government and it poses the questions as to whether the alternatives they propose are better than what they are criticizing. The Beatles are openly acknowledging that the world has problems but it is the way that people go about changing these problems that matters. It is more than okay to be passionate about something, just as long as you maintain perspective and stay true to what you preach. When you become radical, un-teachable and intolerant, resorting to violence as a solution, then you lower yourself to the level of the system that you are protesting against and if you do this you are just replacing one tyranny with another. Violence in the name of peace does not exist and “revolution” should be driven by peace, love and open-mindedness.