Tuesday, June 05, 2012

Liberty Rock 1: 50 Years of The Beatles

In my younger years, especially at the university, rock n roll music was paramount in my head. I would say that the rock bands then were really great compared to today's rock groups and songs. Oh well, I'm listening less to rock music now.

I'm starting a new thread in this blog, rock n roll bands who played songs which deliberately or not, touched on liberty and freedom, individual freedom especially. I will start with the premier rock band of course, The Beatles.


This year, The Beatles comprising the popular four some Lennon-McCartney-Harrison-Starr would turn 50 years old. The Beatles were actually formed in 1960 but two of their original members have left the band in 1961 and 62, Ringo Starr joined in 1962, and that's where they started a really phenomenal career in rock music.

Two of their songs were explicitly political in nature, and they hit the statists and those advocating violence. Here they go.


1. Revolution (1968, album: Past Masters Vol 2)

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 all right
All right, all right

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 doing what we can
But when you want money
For people with minds that hate
All I can tell is brother you have to wait
Don't you know it's gonna be all right
All right, all right

Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah...

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 better free you 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 it's gonna be all right
All right, all right, All right, all right,
All right, all right, all right, all right.
2. Taxman (1966, album: Revolver)

Let me tell you how it will be
There's one for you, nineteen for me
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman

Should five per cent appear too small
Be thankful I don't take it all
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah I'm the taxman

If you drive a car, I'll tax the street,
If you try to sit, I'll tax your seat.
If you get too cold I'll tax the heat,
If you take a walk, I'll tax your feet.

Don't ask me what I want it for
If you don't want to pay some more
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman

Now my advice for those who die
Declare the pennies on your eyes
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
And you're working for no one but me




RIP, John Lennon (1940-80) and George Harrison (1943-2001).

* See also Pol. Ideology 18: John Lennon and Liberty, Purpose of the Law, December 15, 2010

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Noy, you can include the song "You never give me your money".