About the Song
Even for folks who weren’t around in the early 1970s, the iconic opening line of Marvin Gaye’s landmark song, “What’s Going On”, resonates deeply. Released in 1971, this wasn’t your typical Motown love ballad. Gaye, a rising star known for smooth, soulful anthems, took a bold turn, crafting a song that became an anthem for a generation grappling with social unrest, war, and poverty.
“What’s Going On” wasn’t born in a songwriting session, but rather on a plane trip. Inspired by the turmoil Gaye witnessed returning from Vietnam with his brother, the lyrics became a poignant cry for understanding. The song opens with a simple question, a friend asking another, “Hey, what’s happening?” This sets the stage for a conversation that delves deeper, questioning war, pollution, and the overall state of the world.
Gaye’s impassioned vocals weave through the song, backed by a powerful orchestra that blends elements of soul, jazz, and even gospel. The lyrics paint a vivid picture – news reports of war, brother fighting brother, cities filled with smog. But amidst the despair, there’s a flicker of hope. The song ends with a plea for a higher power, a longing for a return to peace and love.
“What’s Going On” transcended its time. This wasn’t just a protest song; it was a call for unity, a reminder of our shared humanity. The song became a rallying cry for the anti-war movement, resonating with people of all backgrounds. Even today, its message remains relevant, a powerful reminder to question, to seek peace, and to strive for a better world.
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Lyrics: “What’s Going On”
Hey, hey-hey
Hey, what’s happenin’?
Hey, brother, what’s happenin’?
Boy, this is a groovy party (Hey, how you doin’?)
Man, I can dig it
Yeah, brother, solid, right on
What’s happenin’?
Hey, man, what’s happening?
Woo
Everything is everything
We’re gonna do a get down today, boy, I’ll tell yaMother, mother
There’s too many of you crying
Brother, brother, brother
There’s far too many of you dying
You know we’ve got to find a way
To bring some lovin’ here today – yeahFather, father
We don’t need to escalate
You see, war is not the answer
For only love can conquer hate
You know we’ve got to find a way
To bring some lovin’ here today, oh (Oh)Picket lines (Sister) and picket signs (Sister)
Don’t punish me (Sister) with brutality (Sister)
Talk to me (Sister), so you can see (Sister)
Oh, what’s going on (What’s going on)
What’s going on (What’s going on)
Yeah, what’s going on (What’s going on)
Oh, what’s going on(In the meantime, right on, baby)
Woo (Right on, baby), woo
Ah-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya, ya-ya-ya-ya-ya
Woo (Right on, baby, right on)
Right on
Ah-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya, ya-ya-ya-ya-yaMother, mother, everybody thinks we’re wrong
Oh, but who are they to judge us
Simply because our hair is long
Oh, you know we’ve got to find a way
To bring some understanding here today
OhPicket lines and picket signs
Don’t punish me with brutality
Talk to me
So you can see
What’s going on
Yeah, what’s going on
Tell me what’s going on
I’ll tell you what’s going on – uh
Right on baby
Right on baby