Prone to downtime due to Keenan's other musical commitments, the band has featured a variety of musicians throughout alternating periods of activity and inactivity, and has changed line-ups on each album, leaving Keenan and Howerdel the only constant members. The original incarnation of the band included Paz Lenchantin on bass, Troy Van Leeuwen on guitar, and Josh Freese on drums. Primus drummer Tim Alexander had briefly stood in as a drummer prior to Freese in the band's initial live shows; however, this was prior to releasing any material. Band collaborator and producer Danny Lohner and Marilyn Manson bassist Jeordie White were also members for a short period in the early 2000s. The band's current lineup features the Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, bassist Matt McJunkins, and drummer Jeff Friedl, the latter two also being contributors to the related Puscifer and Ashes Divide projects. Despite the varied cast and numerous lineup changes, the stylistic content of A Perfect Circle's songs has remained consistent with Howerdel as music composer, and Keenan writing lyrics and vocal melodies. The band's studio albums have been generally well received critically and commercially, with their first three studio albums selling 4 million copies collectively as of 2005.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Perfect_Circle
Studio albums
Mer de Noms (2000)
Thirteenth Step (2003)
Emotive (2004)
Eat the Elephant (2018)
What's Going On
A Perfect Circle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's too many of you crying
Brother, brother
Far too many of you dying
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some lovin' here today, yeah
Father, father
War is not the answer
Only love can conquer hate
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some lovin' here today
Picket lines and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
Talk to me, so you can see
What's going on
What's going on
What's going on
What's going on
Father, father
Everybody thinks we're wrong
But who are they to judge us
Simply 'cause our hair is long
You know we've got to find a way
To bring understanding here today
Picket lines and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
Talk to me, so you can see
What's going on
What's going on
What's going on
What's going on
The lyrics to "What's Going On" are a commentary on the social unrest and political turmoil of the 1970s. The opening lines of "Mother, mother, there's too many of you crying" and "Brother, brother, far too many of you dying" speak directly to the Vietnam War, which was causing great pain and suffering for families across the United States. The chorus, "You know we've got to find a way to bring some lovin' here today", calls for an end to the violence and a return to peaceful, loving relationships between people.
The second verse speaks to the need for diplomacy and understanding in resolving conflicts. "War is not the answer, only love can conquer hate" is a powerful message that is still relevant today. The need to "find a way to bring some lovin' here today" is echoed, and suggests that love and empathy are the key to ending conflict.
The final verse addresses the counterculture movement of the 1970s, with its long hair and unconventional fashion. The lyrics suggest that these differences should not be used as a basis for judgment, and that understanding and acceptance are necessary for healing society's divisions.
Overall, the lyrics to "What's Going On" paint a picture of a world torn apart by war, violence, and prejudice, but also offer hope for a better future through love, understanding, and empathy.
Line by Line Meaning
Mother, mother
There's too many of you crying
The singer acknowledges the pain and suffering of mothers due to the many problems in the world that cause them to cry.
Brother, brother
Far too many of you dying
The singer acknowledges the tragic loss of many lives, particularly those of brothers, and implies that there is an urgent need for change.
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some lovin' here today, yeah
The singer emphasizes the importance of finding a way to bring love into the world and make it a better, more peaceful place.
Father, father
We don't need to escalate
The artist suggests that there is a peaceful solution to the problems in the world and that we do not need to resort to violence or aggression.
War is not the answer
Only love can conquer hate
The artist emphasizes that war and hatred will not solve the problems in the world, and that only love and understanding can bring lasting change.
Picket lines and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
The singer is critical of those who use violence and aggression to push their agenda, and argues that peaceful protest is a more effective way to bring about change.
Talk to me, so you can see
What's going on
What's going on
What's going on
What's going on
The singer urges people to have open and honest conversations in order to gain a deeper understanding of the problems in the world and work towards meaningful solutions.
Father, father
Everybody thinks we're wrong
But who are they to judge us
Simply 'cause our hair is long
The artist criticizes those who judge or discriminate against others based on superficial characteristics such as appearance, and emphasizes that everyone deserves respect and equality.
You know we've got to find a way
To bring understanding here today
The artist emphasizes the importance of promoting understanding and empathy in order to create a more inclusive and peaceful society.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Alfred W Cleveland, Marvin P Gaye, Renaldo Benson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Michael Logan
WHAT'S GOING ON
Mother, mother
There's too many of you crying
Brother, brother
Far too many of you dying
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some love in here today
Father, Father
We don't need to escalate
War is not the answer
Only love can conquer hate
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some love in here today
Picket lines and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
Talk to me,
So you can see
What's going on
What's going on
What's going on
What's going on
🎶🎵 🎶🎵 🎶🎵
🎶🎵 🎶 🎶🎵 🎶🎵
Father, father
Everybody thinks we're wrong
But who are they to judge us
Simply 'cause our hair is gone
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some understanding here today
Picket lines and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
Talk to me,
So you can see
What's going on
What's going on
What's going on
What's going on.
Jorge Alberto Alvarado
this cover is 16 years old and still kicks in like the first day
ALPHA
Oh okay👀
Al Fraser
This song brings such a peaceful vibe, it's great
tina
this song still holds my heart after years
TCB *
Same.
Trina holliday
this song should be played on every radio station ,tv station around the world,, till people finally get it!!!
Devin Gardipe
Adam Lendas It's too*.
Ryan Urquhart
one of my favorite covers songs by a pfc.
TCB *
Yes
Coyote Lightning
no