About The Song
In 1969, against the backdrop of vehement anti-war sentiments, John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance" emerged as a poignant anthem, born during the unconventional "Bed-In for Peace" protest he staged with Yoko Ono in Montreal. The song transcended its role as a musical piece, transforming into a cultural touchstone and an emblem of the anti-establishment fervor that defined the late 1960s.
The genesis of "Give Peace a Chance" is intertwined with the unorthodox setting of the Bed-In for Peace. Held at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Lennon and Ono used this platform to promote a message of global harmony and denounce the Vietnam War. The song's lyrics emerged spontaneously in the midst of this unconventional protest, capturing the essence of a generation yearning for peace. With its simple yet profound refrain, "All we are saying is give peace a chance," the lyrics became a rallying cry for those fatigued by war and hopeful for transformative change. The song's unpretentious lyrics resonated with its audience, making it a universal anthem for peace.
"Give Peace a Chance" showcased a departure from the polished sound associated with Lennon's work in The Beatles. Recorded in a raw, unfiltered manner with a group of friends and activists in the hotel room, the song exuded a live and communal quality. The deliberate simplicity of the four-chord structure, combined with the repetitive chorus, fostered an atmosphere of inclusivity. This musical approach mirrored Lennon's embrace of a more grassroots aesthetic, aligning with the countercultural values of authenticity and unfiltered expression that defined the era.
The resonance of "Give Peace a Chance" extended far beyond its musical boundaries, making it a cultural phenomenon and a symbol of hope for those advocating for change. The song became a fixture at protests, demonstrations, and gatherings championing peace and social justice. Its influence permeated the zeitgeist, reaching into the collective consciousness of a generation eager for a different world. The iconic image of Lennon and Ono during the Bed-In, coupled with the enduring message of the song, solidified its place in history as not just a musical composition but a catalyst for social and political transformation. "Give Peace a Chance" remains a testament to the power of music to transcend its artistic confines and become a beacon for change.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Two, one two three four
Ev'rybody's talking about
Bagism, Shagism, Dragism, Madism, Ragism, Tagism
This-ism, that-ism, is-m, is-m, is-m.
All we are saying is give peace a chance
All we are saying is give peace a chance
C'mon
Ev'rybody's talking about Ministers,
Sinisters, Banisters and canisters
Bishops and Fishops and Rabbis and Pop eyes,
And bye bye, bye byes.
All we are saying is give peace a chance
All we are saying is give peace a chance
Let me tell you now
Ev'rybody's talking about
Revolution, evolution, masturbation,
Flagellation, regulation, integrations,
Meditations, United Nations,
Congratulations.
Ev'rybody's talking about
John and Yoko, Timmy Leary, Rosemary,
Tommy Smothers, Bobby Dylan, Tommy Cooper,
Derek Taylor, Norman Mailer,
Alan Ginsberg, Hare Krishna,
Hare, Hare Krishna