Children of the Revolution (song)



"Children of the Revolution" is a song by T. Rex, written by Marc Bolan. It was a No. 2 hit single in September 1972. The song broke their sequence of four official single releases all reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart ("Hot Love", "Get It On", "Telegram Sam", "Metal Guru"). It did not receive a regular album release.

"Children of the Revolution"
"Children of the Revolution" was first recorded at Ascot Sound Studios for the film Born to Boogie, and featured Elton John on piano and Ringo Starr on a second drum kit.

A longer version of the song, at over twelve minutes in length, was recorded on 31 March 1972 at Copenhagen's Rosenberg Studios during sessions for the band's third album The Slider. Flo & Eddie, formerly of the Turtles, contribute backing vocals to this version of the release. The tape box contained the note that the jam was "for the attention of Ringo".

The recording of the single version of the song began during the sessions for the Tanx album in August 1972. The track was mixed at Air Studios in mid August before being release on 8 September.

"Jitterbug Love"
"Jitterbug Love" was initially recorded on the 2 August 1972 at the Château d'Hérouville in France, however only the drum track recorded at this session made it to the final release. Additional instrumentation was added at Air Studios on 11 August 1972.

"Sunken Rags"
"Sunken Rags" was recorded during the last of the sessions for The Slider at Rosenberg Studios, Copenhagen in March 1972.

Appearances in other media

 * The film Children of the Revolution is named for the song and features it over the closing credits.
 * A version of the song performed by Bono, Gavin Friday and Maurice Seezer appears on Moulin Rouge! Music from Baz Luhrmann's Film from Baz Luhrmann's 2001 film Moulin Rouge!
 * A remix of the song was also included in the film Billy Elliot in the scene after Billy's father confronts him about learning ballet.
 * In the film Breakfast on Pluto, the song is used during a dance scene.

Legacy
In 2014, Sonic Youth vocalist and guitarist Thurston Moore named "Children of the Revolution" as one of his 25 all-time favourite songs.