What's Going On?
Adrian Belew/Anton Fig/Cyndi Lauper/Jimmy Bralower/Neil Jason/Peter Wood/Robert Holmes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
Father, father
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
Picket lines and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
Talk to me, so you can see
Oh, what's going on?
What's going on?
What's going on, yeah?
What's going on?
Mother, mother
Everybody thinks we're wrong
Who are they to judge us
Just because our hair is long
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some understanding here today
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
But just talk to me
So you can see
What's going on
What's going on
What's going on
Tell me what's going on
What's going on?
What's going on?
What's going on?
What's going on?
What's going on?
What's going on?
What's going on?
You tell me, I'll tell you
You tell me, I'll tell you what's going on
The song "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye was released in 1971 and was considered one of his most socially conscious and politically charged works. The lyrics express a message of peace, love, and unity in the midst of social and political unrest. The song criticizes the violence and discrimination of the time, urging people to come together and bring understanding and love to the world.
The first verse addresses the issue of war and violence, urging fathers and brothers to find a peaceful solution to conflicts. The chorus emphasizes the need for love and understanding to overcome hate and brutality. The second verse highlights the discrimination faced by those who were judged by their appearance, such as those with long hair. The song concludes with a call to action, asking the listener to engage in a conversation and to seek answers to the questions of what is going on in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Mother, mother
There's too many of you crying
There are too many mothers who are weeping and are in sorrow.
Brother, brother, brother
There's far too many of you dying
A lot of brothers are dying, the numbers are too high.
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some lovin' here today
We need to come together and spread love to make this world a better place.
Father, father
This don't need to escalate
We can control this situation and not let it get worse.
You see, war is not the answer
For only love can conquer hate
Fighting and conflict won't solve anything, only love can win over hate.
Picket lines and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
Protests and demonstrations shouldn't lead to violent behavior.
Talk to me, so you can see
Oh, what's going on?
Let's communicate and understand each other to realize what's happening in the world.
Mother, mother
Everybody thinks we're wrong
Who are they to judge us
Just because our hair is long
People judge us based on physical appearances, which is not right.
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some understanding here today
We need to understand each other and find a way to live peacefully.
Tell me what's going on
What's going on?
What's going on?
We need to talk and understand the current situation to find a way to make it better.
What's going on?
What's going on?
What's going on?
What's going on?
What's going on?
What's going on?
What's going on?
Repeated emphasis on the need to understand and find ways to bring about positive change.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Alfred W Cleveland, Marvin P Gaye, Renaldo Benson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@andresscott3927
I'm sorry Marvin.... It's still going on
@bozotheclown666
Misty it was more relevant back then. Back when this song was made, the Vietnam war was still happening and the police were worse. It was a time of a lot of hatred, ironic since before back in the 60’s, it was a time of love and peace. The hippy movement was at its all time highest, until certain events and ppl happened that damaged the movement and the wave finally crashed.
@jamespowell6343
This is what's going on! From the beginning the government planted insurgents in every black neighborhood, usually your noisy weak-ass friends and some family members to convince you that you are not being manipulated so you can convince other's that everything is all right.
@deniseowens4543
That's why it has to stop now is the time. We have suffered long enough!!
@jeffreyworthen7033
Andrea Scott........IKR!!!!!!!
@jeffreyworthen7033
This song should be the anthem for Black Lives Matter.
@dragonmeddler2152
75 years old, here. This is a masterwork for the ages. It was needed then as it is needed today. Right On.
@bettieboop77
So true. More relevant than ever.
@susanleone9767
Agree blessing to you
@beatricewoods8377
You still cool Dragon🙂