Recording: Revolution 1 – 31 May 1968
Friday 31 May 1968 | Studio, White Album
Studio Three, EMI Studios, Abbey Road, London, England
Producer: George Martin | Engineer: Geoff Emerick
On Friday 31 May 1968, The Beatles held the second session for the White Album, continuing work on 'Revolution 1' — at this stage still known simply as 'Revolution'. The session ran from 2.30pm until midnight.
The Session
John Lennon began by double-tracking his lead vocals, and Paul McCartney added a bass guitar part to the existing backing track.
A reduction mix was then created — designated take 19 — combining existing tracks to free up space on the tape for further overdubs.
With the new take 19 as the foundation, backing vocals were then recorded by:
- Paul McCartney
- Francie Schwartz (McCartney's new girlfriend)
- George Harrison
The trio sang "shoo-be-doo-wop" during the chorus, adding a playful, doo-wop flavour to the track's arrangement.
About 'Revolution 1'
'Revolution 1' was written by John Lennon and recorded for The Beatles (the White Album), released in November 1968. The song was the slower, more relaxed counterpart to the harder-rocking single version — simply titled 'Revolution' — which was released as the B-side to 'Hey Jude' in August 1968. A third version, 'Revolution 9', evolved from an extended experimental coda recorded during these same sessions.
Key Facts: 31 May 1968
- Studio: Studio Three, EMI Studios, Abbey Road, London
- Producer: George Martin
- Engineer: Geoff Emerick
- Session time: 2.30pm – midnight
- Song: 'Revolution 1' (then known as 'Revolution')
- White Album session number: Second
- Work done: Lennon double-tracked lead vocals; McCartney added bass; reduction mix (take 19); backing vocals by McCartney, Francie Schwartz and Harrison
- Released on: The Beatles (White Album), November 1968
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Revolution 1'?
'Revolution 1' is a song by John Lennon, released on The Beatles' White Album in November 1968. It is the slower, acoustic-leaning version of 'Revolution', which was released as a single B-side in August 1968.
Who sang backing vocals on 'Revolution 1'?
Backing vocals on the 31 May 1968 session were provided by Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Francie Schwartz — McCartney's girlfriend at the time — who sang "shoo-be-doo-wop" during the chorus.
Who was Francie Schwartz?
Francie Schwartz was an American screenwriter who had a brief relationship with Paul McCartney in 1968. She was present at Abbey Road during some of the White Album sessions and contributed backing vocals to 'Revolution 1'.
What is a reduction mix?
A reduction mix (or bounce) combines multiple recorded tracks onto fewer tracks to free up space for further overdubs on a multi-track tape. On 31 May 1968, the reduction mix was designated take 19.
How many versions of 'Revolution' did The Beatles record?
Three: 'Revolution 1' (White Album, slower version), 'Revolution' (the hard-rocking single B-side), and 'Revolution 9' (an experimental sound collage that evolved from the extended coda of the original sessions).
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