The Songs of the Beatles' White Album, continued

Revolution 1

Video clip:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGLGzRXY5Bw

Lyrics:

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 alright

Alright, alright

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 all doing what we can

But if you want money for people with minds that hate

All I can tell you is brother you have to wait

Don't you know it's gonna be alright

Alright, alright, al...

You say you'll change the constitution

Well,…

Comments:

• Written by John Lennon and credited to Lennon–McCartney. 

• Two versions of the song were recorded in 1968: a hard rock version, released as the B-side of the "Hey Jude" single, and a slower, bluesier arrangement (titled "Revolution 1") for the Beatles' White Album.

• Although the single version was issued first, it was recorded several weeks after "Revolution 1", as a re-make specifically intended for release as a single. 

• A third connected piece, written by Lennon, is the experimental track "Revolution 9", based on the latter parts of the same performance that produced "Revolution 1", and which also appears on the White Album.

• The first song to be recorded for the White Album.

• The song was written in India in early 1968 and was inspired by the 1968 student uprising in Paris, the Vietnam war and the assassination of Martin Luther King. It heralded a political awakening for John Lennon, which later became a key feature of his early solo career.

• John Lennon, Rolling Stone interview, 1970:

“I wanted to put out what I felt about revolution. I thought it was time we fucking spoke about it, the same as I thought it was about time we stopped not answering about the Vietnamese war when we were on tour with Brian Epstein and had to tell him, 'We're going to talk about the war this time, and we're not going to just waffle.' I wanted to say what I thought about revolution. 

I had been thinking about it up in the hills in India. I still had this 'God will save us' feeling about it, that it's going to be all right. That's why I did it: I wanted to talk, I wanted to say my piece about revolution. I wanted to tell you, or whoever listens, to communicate, to say 'What do you say? This is what I say.' “

• Lennon wrote the song because he felt like he was being pulled in so many directions by different people, all of whom wanted his backing, politically. It was also him questioning his own belief in the revolution that was going on... whether he was "out" or "in." In truth, he was writing about a revolution of the mind rather than a physical "in the streets" revolution. He believed that revolution comes from inner change rather than social violence.

• Yoko Ono, interview, 1998:

"John's idea of revolution was that he did not want to create the situation where when you destroy statues, you become a statue. And also what he means is that there's too much repercussion in the usual form of revolution. He preferred evolution. So you have to take a peaceful method to get peace rather than you don't care what method you take to get peace, and he was very, very adamant about that."

• John Lennon saw this song as his activism re-emerging after being dormant for some time. It made the other Beatles nervous, especially Paul McCartney, who didn’t like the song and who felt it might alienate fans and draw criticism. Lennon wanted it to be the A side of the first record to be released on their own Apple label but he was outvoted. Hey Jude was the A side of the first release and Revolution, the harder rock version, was the B side.

• The original slower version was used on the White Album, where Lennon sings "count me in" as well as "count me out" when referring to violence.

• Nike used this for commercials in 1987. Capitol Records, who owns the performance rights, meaning The Beatles version of the song, was paid $250,000. Michael Jackson, who owned the publishing rights, meaning use of the words and music, also had to agree and was paid for the song.

• The Nike commercials caused a huge backlash from Beatles fans who felt that Nike was disrespecting the legacy of John Lennon, who probably would have objected to its use. There were plans to use more Beatles songs in future ads, but they were abandoned when it became clear it was not good business practice. As years went by, it became more acceptable to use songs in commercials, but Beatles songs were still considered sacred, especially since the group did not control their rights. In 2002, "When I'm 64" was used in a commercial for Allstate insurance. Many Beatles fans were not pleased, but it didn't get nearly the reaction of the Nike commercials, partly because it was not a political song, but also because it was sung by Julian Lennon, which implied endorsement by his father.

• John Lennon wanted his vocals to have an unusual sound, so he recorded most of them lying on his back in the studio. The famous scream at the beginning is a double-tracked recording of Lennon.

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Honey Pie

Video clip:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGcm0I5moF8

Lyrics:

She was a working girl

North of England way

Now she's hit the big time

In the U.S.A.

And if she could only hear me

This is what I'd say.

Honey pie, you are making me crazy

I'm in love but I'm lazy

So won't you please come home.

Oh honey pie, my position is tragic

Come and show me the magic

Of your Hollywood song.

You became a legend of the silver screen

And now the thought of meeting you

Makes me weak in the knee.

Comments:

• Written entirely by Paul McCartney, but credited to Lennon–McCartney.

• Paul McCartney:

"Both John and I had a great love for music hall I very much liked that old crooner style - the strange fruity voice that they used, so 'Honey Pie' was me writing one of them to an imaginary woman, across the ocean, on the silver screen, who was called Honey Pie. It's another of my fantasy songs. We put a sound on my voice to make it sound like a scratchy old record. So it's not a parody, it's a nod to the vaudeville tradition that I was raised on."

• Scratches and crackles were added to make it sound even more dated and music hall-ish.

Quote for the Day

Funny Friday

Friday again, folks, time for a spot of fun.

As I did some weeks back, I am reversing the usual order of Funny Friday. The first part will be short corny items, the second part will be a couple of lengthier items that are not so corny.  And perhaps a tad politically incorrect.

______________________________

Corn Corner:

Just took a leaflet out of my mailbox, informing me that I can have sex at 73. I'm so happy, because I live at number 71. So it's not too far to walk home afterwards. And it's the same side of the street. I don't even have to cross the road! 

Answering machine message, "I am not available right now, but thank you for caring enough to call. I am making some changes in my life. Please leave a message after the beep. If I do not return your call, you are one of the changes." 

My wife and I had words, but I didn't get to use mine. 

Frustration is trying to find your glasses without your glasses. 

The irony of life is that, by the time you're old enough to know your way around, you're not going anywhere. 

I was always taught to respect my elders, but it keeps getting harder to find one. 

Two blondes walk into a building..........you'd think at least one of them would have seen it.

Phone answering machine message - "...If you want to buy marijuana, press the hash key"

A guy walks into the psychiatrist wearing only Gladwrap for shorts. The shrink says, "Well, I can clearly see you're nuts."

I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day but I couldn't find any.

I went to the butcher's the other day and I bet him 50 bucks that he couldn't reach the meat off the top shelf. He said, No, the steaks are too high."

My friend drowned in a bowl of muesli. A strong currant pulled him in.

Our ice cream man was found lying on the floor of his van covered with hundreds and thousands. Police say that he topped himself.

Man goes to the doctor, with a strawberry growing out of his head. Doc says "I'll give you some cream to put on it."

A man takes his Rotteweiller to the vet. "My dog is cross-eyed, is there anything you can do for him?" "Well," said the vet, "let's have a look at him" So he picks the dog up and examines his eyes, then he checks his teeth. Finally, he says, "I'm going to have to put him down." "What, because he's cross-eyed?" "No, because he's really heavy"

Guy goes into the doctor's. "Doc, I've got a cricket ball stuck up my backside." "How's that?" "Don't you start."

What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh.

What do you call a fly with no wings? A walk.

So I was getting into my car, and this bloke says to me "Can you give me a lift?" I said, "Sure, you look great, the world's your oyster, go for it.'

Apparently, one in five people in the world are Chinese. There are five people in my family, so it must be one of them. It's either my Mum or my Dad, or my older brother Colin, or my younger brother Ho-Cha-Chu. But I think its Colin.

Two fat blokes in a pub, one says to the other "Your round." The other one says "So are you, you fat bastard!"

"You know, somebody actually complimented me on my driving today. They left a little note on the windscreen. It said, 'Parking Fine.'"

A man walked into the doctor's.  He said, "I've hurt my arm in several places." The doctor said, "Well don't go there anymore"

Ireland's worst air disaster occurred early this morning when a small two-seater Cessna plane crashed into a cemetery. Irish search and rescue workers have recovered 1826 bodies so far and expect that number to climb as digging continues into the night

Non corn:

People born before 1946 are called – The Greatest Generation.

People born between 1946 and 1964 are called – The Baby Boomers.

People born between 1965 and 1979 are called – Generation X.

And people born between 1980 and 2010 are called –Generation Y.

Why do we call the last group –Generation Y ?

Y should I get a job?

Y should I leave home and find my own place?

Y should I get a car when I can borrow yours?

Y should I clean my room?

Y should I wash and iron my own clothes?

Y should I buy any food?

But perhaps a cartoonist explained it most eloquently below…

_________________________________

There are Siamese twin sisters - joined at the hip. They get on very well together but occasionally have slight fallings out. 

One night after work they were walking home and they noticed a poster advertising Tom Jones for one night only. Now, being somewhat of a fan, one of the sisters insists on going along and trying to buy some tickets off a scalper. The other sister (being more of a jazz fan) says; "Aww, do we have to?....I'm kind of tired and I'd really rather not." 

To which the other one replies; "Please, sis, it'll only be for a little while, and it's fairly easy to listen to." After a little more back and forth she finally agrees. 

They go to the concert and have a wonderful time in the front row. They decide to be the last to leave afterwards due to the whole Siamese twin routine. 

Everyone's taking a long to time to leave so the Tom Jones fan suggests that they try and get backstage to sneak a glimpse of the great man. The other sister objects, but is fairly easily convinced, because they don't often get to go out. 

Whilst backstage they see a large group of people milling around. Pushing themselves to the front of the pack they find Mr. Jones himself signing autographs. 

After they get their autograph, Tom invites the first two rows of people to come into his dressing room for some drinks, the sisters included. 

They find themselves sitting with Tom, drinking champagne, talking about life and having a wonderful time. 

After a while the sister who's the fan says to Mr. Jones: 

"Forgive me for being so outright, and it may just be the bubbly talking, but I think we might have a vibe going..." 

Tom replies; "Hmmmm, I think you may be right." 

Encouraged, the girl says "Forgive me for being outright again, but I think you'd like to sleep with me, I know I'd very much like to sleep with you." 

He considers it for a while, "But...you know....what would....how would we...?" 

"Remember, Mr Jones, we've been twins for life, we have coping mechanisms for this kind of situation." 

"Ok, what would your sister do while we were in the throes of passion?" 

"She's very into music, so to tune herself out, she'll play the trombone while we're making love.” 

After a little consideration, he notices that she's actually quite attractive and he agrees. 

Sure enough, while they make passionate love, the other sister plays jazz, Dixie and blues on the trombone. 

At the end of an hour and a half, as the other sister packs away her trombone, Tom and the sister who’s a fan kiss each other a starry-eyed goodbye. It’s been a wonderful experience. 

Two years later, up go the posters, Tom Jones. One Night Only in Chicago. 

"Oooo, please can we go again, maybe we'll get backstage again, and maybe something more will happen with Tom” says the sister who’s a fan. 

"Oh, come on,” says the other sister. “What makes you think he’ll remember us?”

Quote for the Day

Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr (1808 – 1890) was a French critic, journalist, and novelist.

Some amazing murals

Quote for the Day

Bayard Rustin (1912 – 1987) was an American leader in social movements for civil rights, socialism, nonviolence, and gay rights.

Lawyerspeak

This will be appreciated by the lawyers amongst us. It was sent to me by Rosie, thanks R.
_____________________________

“The prosecution request six weeks for service of committal papers.”
The prosecution need six months for service of committal papers. 

 
“Police enquiries are continuing.”
There isn’t a lot of evidence against this defendant.

“The prosecution would like an opportunity to review the matter fully.”
We have lost the file.

“This is a complicated matter.”
I haven’t yet read the papers.

“The new charges should be in your register.”
I have just seen several pigs fly past the court window.

“Are you instructed to apply for bail?”
The Bail Act does not apply in my court

“I am instructed to make an application for bail."
Before you look at me like that, I know this is utterly hopeless.

“What I say about the matter is this. . . . “
I am a member of the Bar and congenitally incapable of blowing my nose with out a prologue.

“My client tells me. . . “
I suggest you treat the following information with great caution. . .

“I am instructed that . . . “
I am paid to believe the following . . .

“The defendant has substantial community ties.”
He is on bail already to two Local Courts.

“. . . . and is well known in the area”
. . . and generally appears here twice a week.

“The victim is not known to the defendant.”
My client attacks people indiscriminately.

“All of the property has been recovered.”
It was found in his pocket.

“This theft was completely out of character.”
Normally he just stabs people.

“There is no history of failing to appear.”
No one has ever been foolish enough to give him bail

“The defendant has a job to start on Monday. .”
My client has not done a day’s work in his life.

“. . . painting and decorating”
But would very much like bail

“. . . with his uncle”
No one in their right mind would employ him

“My client was fully co-operative with the police.”
He was caught red-handed.

“He pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.”
The evidence was utterly overwhelming.

“He made full and frank admissions.”
His solicitor didn’t get there in time.

“He is a man without a blemish on his character.”
He has never been caught before.

“As the learned prosecutor rightly points out. . . “
I was counting on him not reading the files.

“Unfortunately, the surety cannot be here today.”
No one in their right mind would stand surety for this man.

“I have listened carefully to what your advocate has said. . . “
My eyes have been closed but I do have a vague recollection of someone speaking.

“. . . . and indeed nothing more could have been said to advance your cause. . . “
He went on a bit, but we both know you’re going inside, sunshine.

“With the greatest respect. . . “
I spit on your argument.

“So be it. . . “
I have nothing but utter contempt for your ruling.

“Unless there is any further matter upon which I can assist?”
For the life of me, I can’t think of anything to say.

“I am intrigued by your submissions.”
May I see your Practising Certificate?

“I have not yet made up my mind.”
My mind is frozen hard as permafrost.

“My preliminary view is . . . “
My view is engraved in granite.

“I will hear what you have to say.”
Justice must be apparent if not real.

“Thank you, unless you have anything else to add. . . “
Please shut up and sit down.

“Thank you Miss Smith, you have been a great assistance to the court.”
Is entry to the Bar now conducted on a random basis? 

 

 

Quote for the Day

A Boy, a Beach and a Flag

Yesterday I posted an article and photographs about a 2013 tribute to the Normandy fallen. Over 9,000 military personnel gave their lives in that invasion.

Whilst looking into that tribute, I came across a story about another tribute, this one by a young boy, also to those who gave their young lives on the beaches far from home.

My initial reaction was a skeptical cynicism and a feeling of disdain for a precocious young child. It then occurred to me that we have become more cynical about sincerity, about displays of emotion. It reminded me of the quote by General Omar Bradley, who was in charge of the development of the atomic bomb during WW2:

We live in a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants, in a world that has achieved brilliance without wisdom, power without conscience. We have solved the mystery of the atom and forgotten the lessons of the Sermon on the Mount. We know more about war than we know about peace, more about dying than we know about living.

The story of the young boy’s tribute has been posted on Youtube by his father and can be viewed at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k9Si28k0Fk

The father tends to be somewhat melodramatic in parts and I have omitted the comments at the end, including the apology for the young lad not standing at attention during his salute, a necessity due to the strength of the wind and the force of the snapping flag.

Here is the text of that story and pics from the video:

In June 2014 my 11 year old son and I went to Normandy, France for the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

As part of his personal remembrance project called “Project Vigil”, my son spent four days in the Arlington Cemetery, teaching visitors about three paratroopers buried there.

On D-Day, June 6th, the local police wouldn’t let him enter the cemetery, so he took his 48 star WW11 era American flag down to Omaha Beach and planted his homemade flag pole firmly in the sand. All he wanted to do was say thank you to the young Americans who fought and died on that beach exactly 70 years earlier.

Together we unfurled the flag into the wind, where it whipped and snapped with such force that he strained to hold it steady.

When he turned his gaze to the English Channel, He saw a vision of the spirits of our infantry soldiers heading for the shores on D-Day morning. He was so moved by this vision, he raised his hand to salute them. And for a moment, he was just a little boy with a flag standing alone on a beach in Normandy.

He held the flag and his salute for an hour and a half.

As he stood there saluting, he hummed the old songs his heroes would have loved. While he hummed Glenn Miller’s “American Patrol”, he thought of the young infantrymen who held that cheerful song so dearly in their hearts, as they lived the final moments of their lives. And as he imagined their lives ending in violent, horrible deaths upon the same sand of “Bloody Omaha” as he stood, he began to cry. He briefly broke his salute to wipe those tears away.

After a while, people began to come down to the water to see the saluting boy.

Children approached to see if he was real. Some teased him to try to break his concentration; others wanted to have their picture taken with him.

Then came the TV News. But he didn’t smile. His eyes remained fixed on the image of the spirits of our soldiers coming ashore.

When the tide crept in, he refused to retreat a single step.

Members of our Armed Forces encouraged him.

Our veterans saluted him.

And then a lone trumpeter joined him in his vigil.

After an hour had passed, his knees began to weaken and the muscles in his arms and hands began to cramp, but he didn’t want to leave the beach. He stayed strong . . .for them, and for their memory.

Then came the moment when he raised his right hand, a signal to me that he was ready to say goodbye. I took the flag and he collapsed in my arms. As I held him I was struck by a deep sadness for all the mothers and fathers who never had the chance to comfort their sons in June 1944.

Quote for the Day

Bonus related item: