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Overview
In political science, a revolution is a rapid, fundamental transformation of a society's class, state, ethnic, or religious structures. According to the sociologist Jack Goldstone, all revolutions contain "a common set of elements at their core: (a) efforts to change the political regime that draw on a competing vision of a just order, (b) a notable degree of informal or formal mass mobilization, and (c) efforts to force change through noninstitutionalized actions such as mass demonstrations, protests, strikes, or violence." [Wikipedia]
Background
Revolution is a song by The Beatles, written by Lennon and led on vocal by John Lennon. Distorted-guitar single mix; deliberately fuzzed via overloaded preamp. The fast single version of John Lennon's Revolution composition compressed the album's extended arrangement into a tightly focused rock-and-roll statement. This version emphasized Lennon's energetic vocal and driving rhythm section over orchestral elaboration. The composition expressed Lennon's political ambivalence with maximum sonic impact. (sence, McCartney did much of the drumming Kozinn 1995, p.179)
What's distinctive
At 3:25 it sits in the top fifth by length. One of 101 songs led primarily by John. Recorded approximately 10 of 34 into the The White Album (1968) sessions. Carries the unique tag 'fuzzed-preamp' — no other song shares it. Take count: 99 (highest take number documented in Lewisohn (1988)).Opening line — "You say you want a revolution…" (brief identification excerpt; full lyrics © Sony Music Publishing — see Genius link in References.)
Pattern analysis
Recording
The session work falls within the band's The White Album (1968) period, recorded 10 Jul 1968 at EMI Studios + Trident Studios (Soho). George Martin (with Chris Thomas covering) produced; Ken Scott (early), Geoff Emerick walked off — replaced engineered. For session-by-session detail, see Mark Lewisohn's account on p.15 of The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions (excerpt below). Recorded as a single version, the track prioritized immediate radio impact and dynamic energy. The focused arrangement and Lennon's aggressive vocal delivery created maximum commercial appeal while maintaining the composition's political message. Session technique emphasized clarity and punch. (rights movement in America; Paul never mentioned it at the time Emerick 2006, p.619) (‘our loan of this book has 13 days left MacDonald 1994, p.19)
| Studio | EMI Studios + Trident Studios (Soho) — first Beatles 8-track sessions: 'Hey Jude' onward |
|---|---|
| Tape machine | Ampex AG-440 8-track (Trident); 3M M23 8-track at EMI from late 1968 (J37 four-track until then) |
| Console | REDD/TG12345 prototype; Sound Techniques 20/8 (Trident) |
| Microphones | U47/U48, AKG C12, U67 introduced |
| Outboard / effects | EMI RS124, EMT 140 & 250 (Trident), Fairchild 660, ADT, tape flanging, fuzz, wah (Vox/CryBaby) |
| Guitars | Epiphone Casino, Fender Strat (Rocky), Gibson J-200 acoustic, Martin D-28, Fender Telecaster Bass |
| Amplifiers | Fender Twin Reverb, Fender Bassman, Vox UL730 |
| Producer | George Martin (with Chris Thomas covering) |
| Engineer / 2nd | Ken Scott (early), Geoff Emerick walked off — replaced • John Smith, Mike Sheady, Barry Sheffield (Trident) |
| Estimated takes | 99 (highest take number documented in Lewisohn (1988)) |
Legacy & release history
In the canonical discography it on the single Hey Jude. Documented alternate versions include Mono Masters (2009 box), White Album 50th Anniversary (2018). Mono and stereo histories vary by era — see the dedicated section below. John Lennon lead vocals appear in 73 canon songs (26 in White era). The single version became iconic symbol of Beatles' political engagement during late 1960s.
Mono & stereo
- Both mono and stereo mixes were prepared; the UK mono White Album (PMC 7067/8) has many distinct edits, mixes and effects vs. the stereo (PCS 7067/8) — collectors prize the mono.
Documented alternate versions
- Mono Masters (2009 box) — Allan Rouse / Guy Massey remaster
- White Album 50th Anniversary (2018) — Giles Martin stereo remix
Released on
- Hey Jude — Single, 30 August 1968
Cross-references
Other songs sharing themes (fuzzed-preamp, fast-version, b-side-of-hey-jude, political)
Other songs led by the same vocalist
Other songs from this era
fuzzed-preampfast-versionb-side-of-hey-judepolitical
References & external databases
On screen with the same title
Film, TV, and other screen works whose primary title matches this song. Some are direct cultural references (the 1965 Beatles film, the 2019 Danny Boyle feature). Many are coincidental title shares -- worth knowing about but not claiming as soundtrack appearances. Sorted by IMDB vote count.
- Revolution (2012, TV series) IMDB 6.6 · 88,125 votes [IMDB]
- Revolution (1985, film) IMDB 5.3 · 8,197 votes [IMDB]
- Revolution (2019, TV episode) IMDB 6.5 · 933 votes [IMDB]
- Revolution (2014, TV episode) IMDB 8.7 · 736 votes [IMDB]
- Revolution (2023, TV episode) IMDB 8.7 · 588 votes [IMDB]
- Revolution (2004, TV episode) IMDB 7.0 · 544 votes [IMDB]
- Revolution (2005, TV episode) IMDB 7.6 · 529 votes [IMDB]
- Revolution (2012, film) IMDB 7.3 · 476 votes [IMDB]
- Revolution (1968, film) IMDB 6.9 · 237 votes [IMDB]
- Revolution (2009, TV movie) IMDB 4.1 · 166 votes [IMDB]
- Revolution (2006, film) IMDB 6.3 · 132 votes [IMDB]
Source: IMDB public dataset (title.basics.tsv + title.ratings.tsv) joined locally. Includes titles with sufficient vote counts to indicate cultural visibility.
Frequently asked
Who wrote Revolution?
“Revolution” is credited to John Lennon (Lennon–McCartney).
Who sings lead on Revolution?
The lead vocal on “Revolution” is by John Lennon.
When was Revolution recorded?
“Revolution” was recorded 10 Jul 1968 at EMI Studios, Abbey Road.
How many takes did Revolution require?
Mark Lewisohn's session log documents up to 99 numbered takes for “Revolution”.