Today’s post is in honour of what would have been John Lennon’s 79th birthday.
It also marks day two of my ”Same Title – Different Song” musical exploration. Admittedly, I have modified the rules slightly. Please read on and grant me my creative license.
Based on the provocative nature of both songs, it becomes more of a lyrical exploration. The theme for today’s Ted Tocks is ‘Revolution’.
For the Beatles ‘Revolution’ was released as the B-side to ‘Hey Jude’. When you are as prolific as the Beatles you can toss a song as good as ‘Revolution’ out into the world as a B-side and let the chips fall where they may. In truth, the band recorded the song in three different versions during the White Album sessions. A slow blues style arrangement known as ‘Revolution 1’ made the cut as an album track along with an experimental sound collage known as ‘Revolution 9’. Today’s version is widely considered to be the best of the three. It was recorded several weeks after 1 and 9, specifically for release as a single. It resided as a B-side because Paul McCartney had reservations about how being overtly political might impact their reputation. George Harrison and McCartney both felt the song was too slow to be a single. George Harrison’s response was the signature opening machine gun guitar riff and John Lennon added his distinctive scream. To complete the modification they omitted the “shooby do wap” backing vocals and created the abrupt, screaming “alright” ending. The end result was a delivery that matched the message implied in the song title.
A couple of months ago I featured ‘Street Fighting Man’ by the Rolling Stones. In that post I referred to a series of riots that had taken place in England and France which served to inspire Mick Jagger to write his commentary on the world’s socio-political situation. Well, it was the same sequence of events that caught John Lennon’s eye and moved him to write a song that, at the time was relatively uncharacteristic for him and the Beatles. As you read through John Lennon’s composition you get a clear picture of a changing time. The hippie ideology of free love and peaceful change was gradually moving to the potential of a more radical left wing approach. Lennon did not subscribe to the Maoist concept of change because he feared any societal movement that called for the purge of disruptive elements. In this case anyone with a non-progressive ideology would be perceived as a threat. While spending time with the Beatles in India, studying transcendental meditation Lennon was moved to write what would become ‘Revolution’. He felt it was time to add his voice to the many who had offered commentary.
“I thought it was about time we spoke about it, the same as I thought it was about time we stopped not answering about the Vietnamese war [in 1966]. I had been thinking about it up in the hills in India.”
John Lennon
For Lennon, ‘Revolution’ signified an evolution in his views that would ebb and flow until his death in 1980. Despite his clear anti-war feelings, it was apparent that he had not yet graduated to the anti-establishment sentiment that he advocated in songs like ‘Power to the People’ in 1971. On this, he was very clear. This is evident in his request to those who were listening “to see the plan.” He was advocating social change, but not until having an understanding what that change would entail.
The ultimate refrain of “don’t you know it’s gonna be alright” emphasized his call for thoughtful and peaceful resolution and a clear adherence to the teachings of the Maharishi.
“But if you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao
You ain’t gonna make it with anyone anyhow.”
John Lennon
Here, John Lennon summarizes his advocacy for peaceful revolution. According to several sources, Lennon felt this was the most important line in the song. It was added in the studio and acted as the final piece of the puzzle.
Part two of today’s post is a continuation on the revolution theme. Like the Beatles, Tracy Chapman also advocated for a peaceful revolution. From her perspective there is a movement but:
“It sounds like a whisper.”
Tracy Chapman
I just love this song. In this call for social change and understanding, Tracy Chapman was calling for wider compassion and empathy. The version I share is from an Amnesty International concert in 1990. When she wrote ‘Talkin’ ‘bout a Revolution’ she was aiming to bring attention to the disparity between social classes.It was the tail end of the Reagan presidency and ‘Reaganomics’ was clearly only serving the upper echelon of society. The eight year period saw an ever widening gap that has only worsened to the present day. Tracy Chapman was hoping that people were going to rise up and fight for what was right. In her words she felt her music could be a catalyst for social change. There are many who agree. Since its release in the late ‘80s people have gravitated to ‘Talkin’ ‘bout a Revolution’ as an anthem for social justness and there have been glimmers of hope. Here are the lyrics.
Don’t you know
Tracy Chapman
They’re talkin’ ’bout a revolution
It sounds like a whisper
Don’t you know
They’re talkin’ about a revolution
It sounds like a whisper
While they’re standing in the welfare lines
Crying at the doorsteps of those armies of salvation
Wasting time in the unemployment lines
Sitting around waiting for a promotion
Don’t you know
Talkin’ ’bout a revolution
It sounds like a whisper
Poor people gonna rise up
And get their share
Poor people gonna rise up
And take what’s theirs
Don’t you know
You better run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run
Oh I said you better
Run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run
‘Cause finally the tables are starting to turn
Talkin’ bout a revolution
Yes, finally the tables are starting to turn
Talkin’ bout a revolution, oh no
Talkin’ bout a revolution, oh
While they’re standing in the welfare lines
Crying at the doorsteps of those armies of salvation
Wasting time in the unemployment lines
Sitting around waiting for a promotion
Sadly, in the United States the idea of democratic socialism is considered to be a form of weakness. This is in contrast to their identification as a ‘Christian’ nation. The hypocrisy is mind-boggling. The ignorance of those closest to being able to exact change leaves one shaking their head in bewilderment. Only the most progressive of politicians see the merit in advocating for food, shelter, health care and education for all. In 2016, Bernie Sanders used ‘Talkin’ ‘bout a Revolution’ as an unofficial theme song during his rallies. The message was getting through but unfortunately as we all know, it did not prevail to the point where he would receive the Democratic nomination. We are still dealing with the tragic result of that monumental disaster, and quite likely Americans will be repairing the damage for years to come.
Closer to home, in Canada we have an election on the horizon, and we are truly on the threshold of a decision that could change the course of this country. We need to be leaders on a global stage in several capacities. Leaders, not followers. Progressive, not regressive. Inclusive, not exclusive. The social fabric of our country is what makes us distinct. It is not perfect, but to many we are a beacon of light in terms of what many recognize as hope. Where there is hope, there is potential, and when potential is realized, greatness emerges. We need to do whatever we can to bring everybody along for the ride. Not just the chosen few.
Don’t be distracted by the white noise. We need to keep things in the proper perspective. We are on the right track. Don’t turn the clocks back. Advocate for positive change…
“’Cause, finally the tables are starting to turn.”
Tracy Chapman
If we do, I agree with John Lennon.
“…It’s gonna be alright.”
John Lennon
There are several options for cover versions of both of these songs, and once again I will try to provide an interesting range of artists.
Here are Stone Temple Pilots doing a tribute at an event called Come Together: A Night for John Lennon’s Words and Music. They absolutely rock it.
Whenever I see that Stereophonics do a cover version I try to include it in a post. They are a fascinating band and they never disappoint.
There are two covers of ‘Talkin’ ‘bout a Revolution’ that caught my attention. The first was released by Living Colour back in 1995 on a live album called What’s Your Favorite Color.
To close out this post, I feel I have saved the best for last. For people who are paying attention in Canada they will understand that indigenous issues are taking an increased prominence in our national conscience. While this is happening, I am trying to become more familiar with some of the incredible indigenous artists who are producing some powerful material. While researching this song I was able to find this stunning medley of ‘Redemption Song’ by Bob Marley and ‘Talkin’ ‘bout a Revolution’ by Tracy Chapman performed by Art Napoleon. Art is a former First Nations chief with Cree and Dane Zaa roots who hosts a TV show on APTN and facilitates cultural awareness workshops, tours regularly as a musical performer and speaker and also serves as a juror on many arts and culture organizations across Canada. The beauty of this rendition is it is partially translated into Cree. As the songs blend it becomes a very emotional appeal.
This presentation feeds right into today’s theme. Once again, we need to be engaged, and speak out for what is right. Listen to what the many voices are saying. Learn, then act. A social revolution could be liberating. This article is worth checking out. I am going to let the words of Jacinda Ardern assist in summarizing my point. She has articulated it way better than me.
Economic growth accompanied by worsening social outcomes is not success. It is failure.”
New Zealand Prime Minister – Jacinda Ardern
Ted Tocks Covers 
Reblogged this on Ted Tocks Covers and commented:
Originally posted on October 9, 2019
LikeLike