Stewart grew up in the coastal resort town of Bournemouth, Dorset. According to Songfacts, in days of youthful folly Stewart played in a beat group with later BBC DJ Tony Blackburn before moving to the capital to seek fortune and fame.
Having bought his first guitar from future Police guitarist Andy Summers, Stewart traded in his electric guitar for an acoustic guitar when he was offered a weekly slot at Bunjies Coffee House in London's Soho in 1965. From there, he went on to compete at the Les Cousins folk club on Greek Street, where he played alongside Cat Stevens, Bert Jansch, Van Morrison, Roy Harper and Ralph McTell
Although he had his share of the breaks, including a tenure at Bunjees coffee house and a record deal with CBS, life wasn't always easy for the young troubadour; his first serious love affair ended in disaster, and he experienced all the usual insecurities of the stranger in the big city trying to find his way.
In January 1970, Melody Maker named his second release Love Chronicles its Folk Album Of The Year, but in spite of his obviously carving out quite a name for himself, it was not until Year Of The Cat - the single and even more so the monster album - that he really shot to fame.
He emigrated to the United States as his career took off in the mid 1970s, and still lives in California. While studio albums are now few and far between, he still tours extensively in the United States, and, most years, in Europe. Recordings of concerts are often made available through his fan clubs.
What's Going On?
Al Stewart Lyrics
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You seemed so diffident, you hardly spoke at all
Now you come to me and you've got green streaks in your hair
You walk like Greta Garbo, but you talk like Yogi Bear
So tell me now
What's going on? What's going on?
I really don't believe what's going on; what's going on?
You think you're in control but you're only being used
I know your head is in the sky, you're easy to deceive
But how you fell for this I really don't believe
So tell me now
What's going on? What's going on?
I really don't believe what's going on; what's going on?
All those rock 'n' roll star heroes you spend your time around
You may think you're one of them but you're a hundred thousand down
What are you going to do when the company calls its money in?
How'll you feel stuck out in the rain without a friend?
What's going on? What's going on?
I really don't believe what's going on; what's going on?
The song "What's Going On?" by Al Stewart is a scathing critique of someone who has lost their way in the world of fame and fortune. Stewart, in this song, is addressing someone who was once pure and unspoiled but has now been consumed by the celebrity culture. The opening lines speak of a Mr. Natural who was diffident and quiet. However, now this person has undergone a transformation, with green streaks in their hair and the sophisticated walk of Greta Garbo. But their speech is still that of Yogi Bear's. The song's chorus asks the question, "What's going on?" as Stewart states that he really does not believe what he is seeing.
Stewart then goes on to say that anyone in the farmhouse could have given this person the news that they are only being used and not in control. The person's head is in the sky, and they are easily deceived. Stewart expresses his incredulity that such a person could have fallen for this trap. The final stanza speaks of all the rock 'n' roll star heroes this person hangs around with, but they are still a hundred thousand down. Stewart ends by asking how this person would feel when the company calls its money in, and they are left out in the rain with no friends.
Line by Line Meaning
First time I saw you, you were Mr. Natural
When I first met you, you were very laid back and genuine.
You seemed so diffident, you hardly spoke at all
You appeared shy and hesitant, barely saying anything.
Now you come to me and you've got green streaks in your hair
Now you have changed your appearance with bold green highlights in your hair.
You walk like Greta Garbo, but you talk like Yogi Bear
You have an elegant presence, but you speak in an unrefined and silly manner.
So tell me now
What's going on? What's going on?
I really don't believe what's going on; what's going on?
I'm confused by your recent changes in behavior and appearance, and I'm skeptical about what's really going on with you.
Anyone in the farmhouse could have given you the news
Everyone around you knew what was going on, but you seemed oblivious.
You think you're in control but you're only being used
You believe you have power over your situation, but you're actually being manipulated by others.
I know your head is in the sky, you're easy to deceive
You are very naive and gullible, easy to trick and fool.
But how you fell for this I really don't believe
I'm surprised that you could be so easily fooled by what's going on.
All those rock 'n' roll star heroes you spend your time around
You surround yourself with famous and successful musicians.
You may think you're one of them but you're a hundred thousand down
You believe you're on the same level as them, but you're actually far behind in terms of success and wealth.
What are you going to do when the company calls its money in?
When the people who invested in you want their money back, what will you do?
How'll you feel stuck out in the rain without a friend?
If you lose everything, how will you feel alone and unaided?
What's going on? What's going on?
I really don't believe what's going on; what's going on?
I'm still puzzled and disbelieving about your situation, and I need to know what's really going on with you.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
viktor dias
Glória a Deus!
Douglas Gonzalez
Love his music!!
T D
Probably the best song of Al Stewart. No doubt that Modern Times was his best album.
Marcio Ivam de Brito Teixeira
Maravilhoso.
John Dee
his lyrics and melodies are have quite a bit of emotion..thats what creative music should have...i love leaving on his playlist when getting ready for work
Kihm Sanders
So many wonderful songs, by such a talented artist. This is but one of them...
James Koenig
One of my all time Favorites ; Thank You Al
Τάσος Σαγρής
amazing musician
TimelessSights34
I love this song, but it wasnt until years later that I asked myself, "What is he talking about?". At first, I was mesmerized by the sound, but one day, I decided to really listen to the lyrics. He's clearly talking about being trapped in the music industry. Listen without dancing or bobbing your head. Really listen! He's speaking as if it wasn't worth it.
ilovekansas
Love it.