The song still raises questions about its meaning and intent up to this day.
The Beatles are one of the most notable and influential bands of all time, with a legacy that spans over half a century. Even though many of their songs are adored by listeners worldwide, “Revolution 9” has never failed to cause controversy.
The Beatles’ experimental track “Revolution 9” is often regarded as one of the band’s least popular songs. Despite its controversial status, many argue that it deserves recognition as a beautiful masterpiece.
This is something that one of the band’s members, John Lennon, would agree to. In a 1969 interview that was even published in the book “Lennon on Lennon: Interview and Encounters with John Lennon,” Lennon said that “Revolution 9” was the music in The Beatles’ double album that piqued his attention.
“I can’t imagine, I can’t imagine at all. I don’t think of it in terms of Beatles music. It’s only Beatles music when it comes out under the name ‘Beatles,’” he emphasized. “There’s no limit to where anybody’s music can go, and I think Beatles stood still a bit too long after Pepper, and they’ve got to freak out a bit more. That’s where I’d push them.”
John also revealed that his bandmates did not share the same opinions as him when asked about them. In fact, he had to make his bandmates listen to it. This suggests that Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr did not enjoy the song all that much.
“You see, because we’re all different, we all have different concepts of how far you go,” he continued. “I say, ‘Go as far as you can.’ I don’t know what the others say. I can’t quote for the others, but we don’t all think the same. That’s why we make individual music. See, like on The Beatles double album, ‘Revolution 9′ is the track I’m interested in. I had to impose that on them, really.”
Although “Revolution 9” might not have the same level of popularity as some of The Beatles’ other songs, it is a groundbreaking work of art. It pushes the limits of music and tests the listeners, emulating the spirit of creativity and experimentation that characterizes the band’s career.
The song’s incorporation of apparently random components, including a phrase about the watusi and ominous noises, heightens its mysterious and frightening atmosphere and raises questions about its meaning. Some question if the song is about revolution and, if it is, how each sound connects to the idea.
“Revolution 9” serves as a reminder of the value of pushing creative limits and taking chances in pursuing innovation as the music business continues to develop and experiment with new sounds and approaches. With that, the Beatles’ lasting effect and legacy on the music industry are demonstrated by the fact that their music still inspires musicians today.