So what do The Beatles have to do with Latin American Civilization? Uhhhh have you ever heard the song "Revolution"? This word has been pounded into our heads non-stop over the past few weeks, so I would like to look at the way The Beatles viewed the topic of revolution in their song. Here are the lyrics, as well as a link to a video of the song:
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 you can count me out
Alright, alright
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 if you want money for people with minds that hate
All I can tell you is brother you have to wait
Alright, alright
Well you know
We all want 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
Alright, alright
Alright, alright
Alright, alright
Alright, alright
video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH9zG28GQEg
So, after paying close attention to the lyrics, I found a lot of similarities between what they sang about, and the Mexican Revolution. First of all, they open up saying everyone wants to change the world, and revolution always occurs when people want to see major change. The line, "But when you talk about destruction, don't you know you can count me out" reminded me of the book The Underdogs, because of our discussion of Demetrio, and how people in class recognized that when other rebels of the revolution resorted to violence, looting, and pillaging, Demetrio often sat out. Then, the next part of the song that reminded me of the Mexican Revolution was, "You say you got a real solution, Well you know, We'd all love to see the plan", and also the mention of changing the constitution. So many leaders came to power in Mexico during the revolution, each on of them had their own plans for reform, and many of them changed the constitution for their own benefit. They all claimed to have the solution to Mexico's troubles, but none of them ever solved everything they claimed they would.
Basically, I think the is Beatles song depicts how many people view not just the Mexican Revolution, but any revolution. No one wants a lot of violence and destruction, but they seek change in their nation. With revolution comes destruction, lies, the change of a constitution, new ideals, and much more. This song may have been written for what was going on in the 60's, but I find it easy to connect to our class, and the Mexican Revolution.
And here are some more great pictures of the band :)
Pictures found on pinterest, lyrics from A-Z Lyrics
Haha, thanks for those awesome pictures of the band! I really liked your analysis of “Revolution.” However, I’m still not entirely convinced that Demetrio was all that innocent in the book. He ordered Cervantes to burn down Don Mónico’s house, and it was very unclear whether or not his family was still inside when he did so. And when Camilla told Demetrio how Güero was abusing his prisoner, he merely “wrinkled his brow but made no answer” (Azuela 109). Yes, he wasn’t involved as often in the looting, pillaging, and violence, but he still was involved several times, and did nothing to stop the violent acts he saw others committing.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! I love how you made those connections to their song! :) I think Demetrio was in the middle of what both of you, Grace and Alexis, are saying. Demetrio, obviously, didn't take in as much of the looting and sexual assaults as his men did, but yet, Grace, you have a good point. But you have to remember that someone burned his house down. Now, I'm not saying that it is right to take revenge, definitely not! I think Azuela is getting at 2 different viewpoints during this scene. As you said, we don't know if the family is still inside. The hopeful side of the reader would say, no they were able to get out. A house takes a while to burn down. But yet, the revenge side of the reader wants them to suffer. But I would also agree in a way. If he truly wasn't like his men, why didn't he stop it? Why didn't he control the looting and violence? Set standards? He was the general. But then again, Azuela is trying to portray what happened during the revolution. So, I guess, I don't really know how I view Demetrio. I see him as the hope of the revolution, the foundation which everyone else veered off from. He was wrong, and he was right.
ReplyDelete