Why Did The Beatles During The Vietnam War

The Vietnam War lasted from November 1955 through to April 1975. During this time almost 1.5 million people were killed including both soldiers and civilians.
Towards the end of the 1960s the public began to be less approving of the war at hand starting many Anti-War Movements, which many popular musicians of the time joined as a voice of the masses. The Beatles were one of the many musicians who joined the protest against the Vietnam War. They formed in Liverpool, England, during 1960 voicing their many concerns within the world until their split in 1970, leading to all four members releasing their own solo albums. In the UK alone as a band they released four Multi-Platinum albums, four Platinum albums, eight Gold albums and one Silver album.
Their legacy lived on and they are now known at the best-selling band in history having sold between 600 million and over 1 billion records. In 1988 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Revolution was the first song that was written and released by the Beatles with political undertones.
The song was written by John Lennon primarily about his views on the cold war but with mention to the Vietnam War. Through the lyrics “You say you got a real solutions well, you know we’d all love to see the plan.” It is being said that there are all these solutions to the violence of war by creating more violence but no real value in this for the purpose other than to just spend money and take lives. He then makes the statement, “But when you talk about destruction, don’t you know that you can count me out” stating that he preaches peace and the thought of violence is a big no, he does not believe that violence is the only means to lead to a changed world. He makes an attack at communism though the line, “But if you go carrying pictures around of chairman Mao, you ain’t going to make it with anyone anyhow.” Stating that if you are known to be a communist no one will want to have much if any association with you and the same applying to those within communist
nations. All You Need is Love is a slogan that John Lennon really believed in a extending this through the lyrics releasing it as a single with the Beatles. The lyrics of the song were intended to be relatable on a worldwide scale rather than just directed at one nation. The verses each portray a slightly different message. The first is a message of peace and empowerment. He states that even though it may seem that you may not be able to say or do something, it’s all about how you “play the game.” The second verse mentions changes that you may wish to make in the world and things that you want to save, you may not be able to do these things but your views can grow and change with time. The third is the journey of knowledge, stating that there is “nothing you can know that isn’t known” and that there is “nothing you can see that isn’t shown.” These lyrics illustrate that all you may want to know is already known and it's up to you to find this knowledge. In the conclusion of this verse, it is said that no matter where you are it is meant to be. The chorus is a repetition of Lennon’s slogan “All you need is love.” tying the verses together, inferring that your understanding and appreciation of the world will come from the love that is within your life. Give Peace a Chance is one of the first songs that John Lennon released after the split of the Beatles. The lyrics take a hit at government and religion. He speaks of all the talk of communism in the world and the sins that ministers are committing. He goes on further to say “Let me tell you now, Ev'rybody's talking about, Revolution, evolution, masturbation, Flagellation, regulation, integrations, Meditations, United Nations, Congratulations.” Declaring that the focus of everyone should be on changing the world and positivity rather than the negativity that is held in the war and governments. He is taking a neutral tone in his lyrics as he is not preaching religion through his message of peace, only peace itself. Give Peace a Chance became the universal chant at anti-Vietnam War demonstrations by October 1969. At one particular demonstration at the Washington Monument, on November 15, almost half a million protesters sang this song. Imagine is one of the most prominent songs that John Lennon released.
He speaks of a world where there is no religion, no heaven or hell, no countries to fight in war, no hunger or greed. He believes that through this the world will be a better place, at peace. The people just “Living for today,” “Living life in peace” and “Sharing all the world.” Although these are ideals and at the time in a world where the focus is on war, this seems ludicrous, however, the chorus goes on to say, “You may say I'm a dreamer, But I'm not the only one, I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one.” Acknowledging that his desires and dreams of a peaceful world may be ambitious but one day the world will join together in harmony, as
one. The Beatles sparked much controversy through their provocative lyrics. John Lennon was the primary songwriter for these songs while in the Beatles and then continued with this even after their split right up until his death. The Beatles prompted questions and made people really think about the world that they were living in. John Lennon once explained that, “What we’re really doing is sending out a message to the world, mainly to the youth, especially the youth or anybody, really, that’s interested in protesting for peace or protesting against any forms of violence… There’s many ways of protest, and this is one of them. And anybody could grow their hair for peace or give up a week of their holiday for peace or sit in a bag for peace. Protest against peace, anyway, but peacefully, because we think that peace is only got by peaceful methods, and to fight the establishment with their own weapons is no good, because they always win, and they have been winning for thousands of years. They know how to play the game violence, and it’s easier for them when they can recognize you and shoot you.” In summary he is saying that his music is his way of preaching peace, demonstration that peace does not have to be gained just through violence but in peaceful methods too like growing their hair. Ultimately although it started with the Beatles is was John Lennon’s words more than any of the other band members that really illustrated the belief in the value of peace, this view was carried on until his death, even after the band’s split, through his solo career. At the time their songs were the voice of protest and millions listened. Their message of peace and love spread and was heard.