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