Ladies and Gentlemen,
I present Zuppa Theatre director Alex McLean's critique of The Beatles' Revolution:
Viewed by many at the time as a betrayal of the anti-war movement, Revolution is about as politically cautious as a song about revolution can be. Generously, one could say that John Lennon's lyrics tap into a growing disenchantment with the utopian promises of the Left. It is probably more accurate, though, to say that "we all want to change the world" became an easy mantra for those lacking well-formed political opinion (except where the draft was concerned), but hungry for facile spiritualism and California grass.
Revolution is a catchy ditty by an apolitical band that had to say something to address the growing unrest of its target audience. It marks the beginning of a tradition of obligatory pop star activism, complete with its own merchandise and one-size-fits-all slogans. In many important ways the world did change in the late 1960s, but not because of the blind, TM-inspired trust that "it's gonna be all right."
Except in one respect: Revolution is a significant political song because it helped validate the anti-political. In a tumultuous historical moment, it gave listeners an "out" that is not provided by songs like Which Side Are You On? The insignificance of the youth vote in the coming Canadian election is a testament to the success of Revolution's message of disengagement. Why take a stand when you've got your own room in the basement? Why read the news when you've got the music?
Here's the short version, if you're pressed for time:
And the White Album version:
