Revolution #9 – An abstract drawing of a revolution

INTRO

In our course, we discussed “What made The Beatles ‘THE Beatles'”. In some regard, How would one describe ‘Beatle music’?

In an interview to “Rolling Stone” magazine, december 1970, John Lennon was asked that exact question, to which he replied:

“It means a lot of things. There is not one thing that’s Beatle music. How can they talk about it like that? What is Beatle music? “Walrus” or “Penny Lane?” Which? It’s too diverse: “I Want to Hold Your Hand” or “Revolution Number Nine?”“

The mention of “Revolution #9” was not by chance, it is regarded as one of the most intriguing pieces ever released by The Beatles, dividing opinions to this day.

In this book I will try to cover the birth of the track, the making of it, the reception and some of the interpretation.

Revolution #1 (And #2, technically)

Prior to the release of “The white album”, November 1968, The single “Revolution” was released, alongside “Hey Jude” (August 1968).

Despite having already recorded what would later be the album version of the track, some band members decided that it was too slow to be released as a single, and so a different version was released for the single.

In contrast to the slow, ‘bluesy’ vibe of the album version, which was preferred by Lennon, the single consisted of faster tempo, heavily distorted guitar and an electric piano solo.

The track itself was inspired by the ongoing protests in early 1968, and the lyrics captured Lennon’s pacifistic approach towards violent protests:

“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.”

The song, and that line, caused some backlash, with protesters claiming that The Beatles have betrayed the cause. Lennon himself stated that in some recording he sang ‘Count me in‘, admitting he was undecided in his sentiments.

Comparing both versions to the song, which one do you think compliments the lyrics better?

single version:

Album version:

The making of ‘Revolution #9’ (“The weird one, right?”)

Alongside the beautiful melodies of ‘Blackbird’, ‘While my guitar gently weeps’ etc. of ‘The White Album’, stood “Revolution #9”, the longest track ever officially released by ‘The Beatles’ (08:22).

The track is defined as “Musique concrète”, which is a type of music composition that utilizes recorded sounds as raw material, using sound effects and tape manipulation techniques, sort of like a collage, as Lennon recalls here:

Revolution #9 consists of audio-clips based on the aforementioned “Revolution” track, alongside audio samples of laughter, screaming, breaking glass, car horns, gunfire, and of course the memorable voice chanting “Number 9″ repeatedly”.

Painting of a revolution (So what does it mean?)

Revolution #9 is a disturbing, chaotic, carefully disorganized adventure. The meaning behind the piece perhaps depends on the listener.

First, Lennon described it as “an unconscious picture of what I actually think will happen when it happens, just like a drawing of revolution“.

Another time, Lennon was quoted in an interview, december 1968, after being asked by the interviewer whether the track was was about death:
“Well then it is, then, when you heard it … listen to it another day. In the sun. Outside. And see if it’s about death then. It’s not specifically about anything. It’s a set of sounds, like walking down the street is a set of sounds. And I just captured a moment of time, and put it on disc, and it’s about that … It was maybe to do with the sounds of a revolution … so that’s the vague story behind it.”

Conspiracies and more (“Number 9, Number 9, Number 9…”)

As mentioned before, “Revolution #9” might sound like gibberish to some, and like a masterpiece of hidden messages to others.

One obvious theory was linked to the notorious rumors of Paul McCartney death. Conspiracy enthusiasts were convinced that the repeated ‘Number 9’ message in the track was meant to be played backwards and word out, well… “Turn me on, dead man”.

Can you hear it?

Infamous cult-leader Charles Manson, who was known to be influenced heavily by The Beatles songs, had his own vision for “Revolution #9”. Manson interpreted the piece as a portrayal in sound of the coming race-war, and misheard Lennon’s distorted screams of “Right!” (sample taken from the “Revolution 1” track) as a command to “Rise!”

Why “Revolution #9” is so important

As stated before, Lennon knew the experimental, bizarre, creepy track was a part of The Beatles identity. reversed or not, with each listen one can uncover new meanings and sounds.

In my opinion, in order to truly capture the essence of The Beatles, we cannot overlook this beautiful, horrible, God-awful masterpiece.

So, unless you’re planning on going to sleep soon and you’re wary of nightmares; sit back, relax and enjoy (or at least – experience):

Miscellanea

I had a lot of fun researching material for this book, and I wanted to share some more:

• The original full take of “Revolution 1” that was later used as short audio-samples for “Revolution #9”:

The fascinating interview held by “Rolling Stone” magazine with Lennon, 1970:

• you can also find the full transcript here: http://imaginepeace.com/archives/4385

John Lennon in his words on Revolution 1, 9 and in general:

and BONUS – if that particular TV interview seems familiar: