- In your own words, what is a revolution? Do revolutions help or hurt? Explain.
- What is the speaker's perspective in this song? Whose perspective is it more in line with: Ji-Li or the Red Guards? Explain how you know.
- Later that year, in 1968, John Lennon commented on the line in the song regarding Chairman Mao and said that lyric was the most important lyric of the entire song. In 1972, he changed his mind and said, "I never should have put that in about Chairman Mao," (Spignesi & Lewis 2004, p. 40.) Why do you think Lennon changed his mind about the lyric? Explain.
"Revolution"
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 that 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 all 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, al...
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'd 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