4 Non Blondes had a huge hit single in 1993 with "What's Up". A year later, DJ Miko remixed the track as a dance song, and it became a hit again, on radio and in clubs. The original version of the song overshadowed the groups' other work, with them being labeled as a 'one hit wonder', but they scored significant underground success, particularly with listeners drawn to their feminist political themes.
In 1995, 4 Non Blondes contributed the song "Misty Mountain Hop" to the Encomium tribute album to Led Zeppelin. The group also covered Van Halen's "I'm The One" for the popular slacker comedy 'Airheads'. Linda Perry went solo in 1996, and the band disbanded after recording, but not releasing, their second album.
What's Up?
4 Non Blondes Lyrics
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Trying to get up that great big hill of hope
For a destination
I realized quickly when I knew I should
That the world was made up of this brotherhood of man
For whatever that means
When I'm lying in bed just to get it all out
What's in my head
And I, I am feeling a little peculiar
And so I wake in the morning and I step outside
And I take a deep breath and I get real high
And I scream from the top of my lungs
"What's going on?"
And I say, "Hey-ey-ey-ey-ey
Hey-ey-ey"
I said, "Hey, what's going on?"
And I say, "Hey-ey-ey-ey-ey
Hey-ey-ey"
I said, "Hey, what's going on?"
Ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, uh-huh
Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, uh-huh
And I try, oh my God, do I try
I try all the time
In this institution
And I pray, oh my God, do I pray
I pray every single day
For a revolution
And so I cry sometimes
When I'm lying in bed
Just to get it all out
What's in my head
And I, I am feeling a little peculiar
And so I wake in the morning
And I step outside
And I take a deep breath and I get real high
And I scream from the top of my lungs
"What's going on?"
And I say, "Hey-ey-ey-ey-ey
Hey-ey-ey"
I said, "Hey, what's going on?"
And I say, "Hey-ey-ey-ey-ey
Hey-ey-ey"
I said, "Hey, what's going on?"
And I say, "Hey-ey-ey-ey-ey (wake in the morning and step outside)
Hey-ey-ey" (take a deep breath and I get real high)
I said, "Hey, what's going on?" (And I scream, what's going on?)
And I say, "Hey-ey-ey-ey-eh (wake in the morning and step outside)
Hey-ey-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah" (take a deep breath and I get real high)
I said, "Hey, hey, what's going on?" (And I scream, what's going on?)
Ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, uh-huh
Twenty-five years and my life is still
Trying to get up that great big hill of hope
For a destination
The song "What's Up?" by 4 Non Blondes is a deep and introspective look into the struggles of life and the search for hope and purpose. The singer reflects on the challenges faced throughout her 25 years of life, attempting to climb the "great big hill of hope" towards a destination that remains unknown. The lyrics acknowledge the brutal reality of the world, where the "brotherhood of man" seems to hold little meaning or significance.
The song is a cry of frustration and desperation, as the singer screams from the top of her lungs, "What's going on?" The repetition of this line highlights the confusion and uncertainty felt by the singer, as she tries to make sense of the chaos around her. The lyrics are also deeply personal, as the singer reveals her vulnerability and emotional state, crying in bed at night just to get all her thoughts out. Despite the pain and hardship, however, the song ultimately ends on a hopeful note, with the singer continuing to strive towards her destination of hope.
Line by Line Meaning
Twenty-five years and my life is still
Despite living for a quarter of a century, life is yet to achieve the desired objectives.
Trying to get up that great big hill of hope
Striving to overcome the obstacles and accomplish goals based on the expectation of a bright future.
For a destination
Having a purpose and direction in life to reach a certain point.
I realized quickly when I knew I should
Acknowledging the truth that was evident right away.
That the world was made up of this brotherhood of man
Humanity shares a sense of empathy and interdependence, leading to a universal bond.
For whatever that means
The significance of this realization is subjective and might vary depending on individuals.
And so I cry sometimes
There are moments of emotional outburst due to internal struggles.
When I'm lying in bed just to get it all out
The bed is a safe haven to confront the thoughts and emotions that are suppressed during the day.
What's in my head
The mental state and constant thoughts that linger in the mind.
And I, I am feeling a little peculiar
The emotions experienced are unconventional and perhaps unexplainable.
And so I wake in the morning and I step outside
Starting a new day by stepping out of the comfort zone.
And I take a deep breath and I get real high
Breathing in fresh air to rejuvenate the senses and invigorate the spirits.
And I scream from the top of my lungs
Expressing one's voice and opinion loudly and unabashedly.
"What's going on?"
Inquiring about the current state of affairs and seeking a better understanding.
And I try, oh my God, do I try
Putting effort into achieving goals and pushing through obstacles, often with great difficulty.
I try all the time
Consistent effort is required to make progress and achieve success.
In this institution
Living in a restrictive and bureaucratic environment that could be a physical or mental space.
And I pray, oh my God, do I pray
Seeking divine guidance and intervention to overcome difficult circumstances.
I pray every single day
Making prayer a habit and an integral part of life.
For a revolution
Wishing for significant change that would transform the system one lives in.
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, uh-huh
Vocalizing an emotional reaction with an affirmative tone.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Linda Perry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind