Revolution 1993
| "Revolution 1993" | |
|---|---|
| |
Song by Jamiroquai from the album Emergency on Planet Earth | |
| Released | June 14th, 1993 |
| Recorded | 1992-1993 |
| Played Live | 136 times |
| Genre | Acid jazz |
| Length | 10:17 |
| Label | Sony Soho Square |
| Writer | Jay Kay & Toby Smith |
| Producer | Jay Kay, Toby Smith, Stuart Zender, & Mike Nielsen |
"Revolution 1993" is the ninth track off of the album Emergency on Planet Earth. Described as an "angry track" by Kay, it is the longest on the album (and of the band's discography). The track is comprised of paramilitary-esque drums, James Brown-like brass punches, African percussion, grinding bass, flute solos, and several drum breaks, which give the song a "hardcore, cool" feeling as Kay writes. The song itself focuses on a call to action against societal decay against environmental decay, poverty, and violence. Kay would write that the lyrics are full of things he had been wanting to say on the album. In 2013, a demo of the track would be released.[1]
Lyrics
Yes you've got to stand up, stay strong, start moving in the right direction
Don't wait too long, for people promising divine intervention
Nineteen nine three, now I'm taking matters into my own hands
So fast, I can't see a revolution is the only way we can change, change, change
I want to fight the power
Well it's hard times, white lines, kids of nine getting down with gun crime
War zones, no homes, ain't it the time we gave the dog a bone
Say brothers, sisters, get up and put yourself in the picture
This time you know a revolution is the only way we can change, change, change
I want to fight the power
Question, answer, shake your hand and smile for the camera
But it's no good you should spend time in your neighborhood
Where black kids, white kids
Now you're working overtime to be a crack kid
No job, no cash a revolution is the only way we can change, change, change
I want to fight the power
Still we don't seem to understand we need a revolution
Everybody wants a revolution
Now who is this man, I'm having trouble knowing where I'm coming from
Preconceptions, it's eternal human infection
One chance, learn how you're gonna change the habit of a lifetime my soul
Concerned that a revolution is the only way that we can change, change, change
I want to fight the power
Higher, higher, now we're gonna learn how to fight the power
Sunshine, new day, I only know how to go to the right way
Faster, stronger I help my brother and my soul lives longer
Blinded I can't see a revolution is the only way that we can change, change, change
I want to fight the power
No doubt in time, everything is sweet sunshine but in the
Meantime, mankind is having trouble where to draw the line
We still don't, respect, and yet I thought we had intellect
Sometimes I think the music is the only hope we have for revolution
Still we don't seem to understand we need a revolution
Everybody needs a revolution
Trivia
- "Revolution 1993" is the longest and fastest song on Emergency on Planet Earth.
- It is also the longest track of the band's discography.
- "Revolution 1993" is the most played track live from Emergency on Planet Earth, with 136 recorded instances.[2]