'Children of the Revolution'
Performed and arranged
by Bono, Gavin Friday and Maurice Seezer
Written by Marc Bolan, Published by Wizard
Produced by Richard 'Biff' Stannard, Julian Gallagher, Bono, Gavin Friday and Maurice
Seezer
This fantastic version of this timeless song was fronted by Bono of U2 fame for the film. Most viewers will recognise that Children of the Revolution was the tune that introduced Kylie Minogue's Green Fairy. The opening chords boom as she shakes her little green booty at Christian and the Bohemians as they get merry on absinthe! This song is then mixed with the fairy's high pitched trill of 'The hills are alive with the sound of music...' It's a highly effective introduction into the chaos of the Bohemian world and the dangers and temptations that await Christian as he begins his journey into the underworld. Children of the Revolution is also featured in the celebration party where the performers dance the night away, reassured by the knowledge that the Moulin Rouge has received financial backing from the Duke.
Amusing fact: Most people will recognise Australian pop star Kylie Minogue as the Green Fairy and agree that she was a perfect casting choice. However, the Green Fairy wasn't always set to be female - Baz Luhrmann and co. at one stage had the notorious Ozzy Ozbourne lined up for the role, but thankfully decided on the singing popstress instead! However, although Kylie performed all her own vocals in the film, Ozzy was mistakenly listed as the 'Voice of Green Fairy' in the end credits, an error that was later corrected in the booklet of the Moulin Rouge DVD!
Historical fact: 'Green Fairy' was actually a name given to absinthe back when it was a popular beverage of late 19th century Parisians, hence the significance of the imaginary fairy in this film!
Lyrics:
Well you can bump and grind if it's
good for your mind
Well you can twist and shout, let it all hang out
But you won't fool the children of the revolution
No you won't fool the children of the revolution, no no
Well you can turn a plane in the
falling rain
I drive a Rolls Royce, 'cause it's good for my voice
But you won't fool the children of the revolution
No you won't fool the children of the revolution, no no
La de da, la de da de da da da
La de da, la de da de da de da da da
La de da, la de da de da da da da da
La de da, la de da
You won't fool the children of the
revolution
No you won't fool the children of the revolution
No you won't fool the children of the revelution
No you won't fool, no no baby, you won't fool the children,
No no, you can die the fool every time, you wanna make it all lies