You say you want a revolution
Well you know
We'd all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution
Well you know
We'd 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 alright
You say you got a real solution
Well you know
We'd all want to see the plan
You ask me for a contribution
Well you know
We're all doing what we can
But if you want money for people with minds that hate
All I can tell you is brother you'll have to wait
Don't you know it's gonna be alright
You say you'll change the constitution
Well you know
We'd all love to change your head
You tell me it's the institution
Well you know
You better free your 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 know it's gonna be alright
Alright
I chose this song because it is fairly familiar to most people, but not many really understand why the song was written and what it is about. This is a great example of how music was used as a type of non-violent protesting. This song's message is that there are other ways to fight and that there is always a better, more peaceful way to do something. This song protests the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War as well as the war altogether. This song is not only expressing someone's opinion, but it is also encouraging others to stand up against the war. A young person that is thinking about being involved in the war might stop to think about their choices after listening to this song. Also, it could have changed the opinions of many Americans and their views on the United States' involvement in the war.
You say you want a revolution
Well you know
We'd all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution
Well you know
We'd 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 alright
You say you got a real solution
Well you know
We'd all want to see the plan
You ask me for a contribution
Well you know
We're all doing what we can
But if you want money for people with minds that hate
All I can tell you is brother you'll have to wait
Don't you know it's gonna be alright
You say you'll change the constitution
Well you know
We'd all love to change your head
You tell me it's the institution
Well you know
You better free your 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 know it's gonna be alright
Alright
I chose this song because it is fairly familiar to most people, but not many really understand why the song was written and what it is about. This is a great example of how music was used as a type of non-violent protesting. This song's message is that there are other ways to fight and that there is always a better, more peaceful way to do something. This song protests the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War as well as the war altogether. This song is not only expressing someone's opinion, but it is also encouraging others to stand up against the war. A young person that is thinking about being involved in the war might stop to think about their choices after listening to this song. Also, it could have changed the opinions of many Americans and their views on the United States' involvement in the war.
Back to "Songs of the Vietnam Era