What is the meaning behind the song Revolution by the Beetles?

Answer 1

Revolution 9 is a collage of tape segments put together by John Lennon and Yoko Ono to represent the tumult and chaos of a revolution. Various lunatics, such as Charles Manson, thought it to be a message from Lennon to him personally, to rise up and deal with the coming apocalypse (Revelations chapter 9). Paul McCartney was said to be disappointed with the inclusion of Revolution 9 on the album as he had been working on collages himself since 1966.

Answer 2

It's a song that is approving of the idea of revolution but condemning it being brought about by violence.

The singer is addressing a militant revolutionary Communist who is trying to persuade him to join his cause and contribute towards funds for armaments for a revolution. The singer replies that he, too, wants to change the world and wants to see the old order swept away, but NOT by destruction and killing. He says that the only way to change things for the better is by love and peace, not by fighting ("But when you talk about destruction, don't you know that you can count me out") and distances himself from the personality cults surrounding revolutionary leaders ("If you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao, you ain't gonna make it with anyone anyhow"). He tries to reassure the revolutionary that it's all going to be alright in the end, that the change he seeks will come, but by peace and understanding rather than war.