Song 60: Revolution, The Beatles

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:

Political Music Prologue

Growing up in the country, outside a small town in Nova Scotia, I spent a lot of time listening to songs on the radio. A lot of pretty pop tunes in the 80's. And I had the sense that music, great music, important music, was something that happened in the 60's and 70's. The music of my father and mother.

And then, a revelation... Public Enemy. I was 14 when I first heard Fear of a Black Planet. I was blown away. There was music still out there, with heat and light. Music that would worry my parents. Well, not my hippie parents, but at least other people's parents.

This blog is meant to celebrate those moments when music created sparks in people's lives. It's election time in Canada, and I'll be counting down what are, in my opinion, the Top 100 political songs of all time. I'll be posting 3 songs a day.

I'd like to hear from you. Tell me about why a song is important to you, or belongs on this list, or doesn't. I'll be posting the most moving comments and the brightest critiques. Please include your full name and city or town in your note.

Here's a pretty pop song that didn't make the list. Billy Joel's We Didn't Start the Fire, from 1989's Storm Front.