The members of the group included José Roberto Bertrami (born February 21, 1946, in Tatui; died July 8, 2012, in Rio de Janeiro) on acoustic piano and keyboards, Alex Malheiros (born August 19, 1946, in Niteroi) on bass, and Ivan Conti (born August 16, 1946, in Rio de Janeiro) on drums.
Classically trained and originally influenced by pianists Bill Evans and Luíz Eça (of the Tamba 4), Bertrami worked with Flora Purim and Robertinho Silva before meeting Conti at a Rio nightclub. Upon a visit to a bowling alley/club in 1972, they heard Malheiros and decided to join forces to form Azymuth. Their first album, the soundtrack for the film O Fabuloso Fittipaldi, was released in Brazil in 1973.
After spending a number of years as session men in Rio recording studios and touring South America, a successful appearance at the 1977 Montreux Jazz Festival led to a 1978 U.S. tour with Airto and Purim. A contract with Milestone in 1979 resulted in a long string of eclectic and influential albums that established the group in the American and European markets. All three members also recorded solo albums for Milestone.
Bertrami left the group around 1988, after which Malheiros and Conti carried on for a while with keyboardist Jota Moraes. In the '90s, Bertrami rejoined Azymuth permanently. They signed to Far Out Recordings and issued a long string of albums including Carnival, 1997; Woodland Warrior, 1998; Pieces of Ipanema, 1999; Before We Forget, 2000; and Partido Novo, 2002.
In 2007, their self-titled debut album was reissued by the label in a deluxe package. It was completely remastered, and contained an additional disc of remixes by some of the world's best-known dance music producers. In 2008, Azymuth continued their tireless display of creativity with the universally acclaimed Butterfly, which they followed with Aurora in 2011.
Sadly, José Roberto Bertrami died in Rio during July of the following year; he was 66 years old.
What's Going On
Azymuth Lyrics
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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, yea
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
Ya, what's going on
Ah, what's going on
In the mean time
Right on, baby
Right on
Right on
Father, father, 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
Oh
Picket lines and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
Talk to me
So you can see
What's going on
Ya, 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
The song "What's Going On" by Azymuth is a cover of Marvin Gaye's original 1971 single. The lyrics discuss the turbulent state of the world at the time, specifically the Vietnam War and racial tensions in America. The song addresses the heightened emotions of individuals, mainly mothers and brothers, who are crying and dying as a result of the deplorable conditions they are facing. The singer implores all parties, including fathers, to find a way to bring love and peaceful resolution to the current events.
The song sets up an opposition between the rise of brute force with picket lines and picket signs, and appealing to communication as the means to solving problems. The singer asks for understanding and pleads for an end to brutality for a better future.
The chorus repeats the line "What's going on" multiple times, emphasizing the need to understand the current situation and call for change. "Right on, baby" is a phrase at the end of the song that is often interpreted as a phrase of encouragement or approval for individuals who are seeking a new way of living.
Line by Line Meaning
Mother, mother
There are too many women who are crying.
There's too many of you crying
The singer acknowledges that there are too many people crying and wants to do something about it.
Brother, brother, brother
The singer is addressing men who are dying in large numbers.
There's far too many of you dying
The singer recognizes that too many people are dying and this is a disturbing trend.
You know we've got to find a way
The singer acknowledges that there is a problem but also recognizes that they need to come up with a solution.
To bring some lovin' here today, yea
The solution to the problem lies in love, and that is what the singer wants to bring.
Father, father
The singer acknowledges the fathers who may have a role in the solution to the problem.
We don't need to escalate
The singer recognizes that the situation at hand does not necessarily require violence.
You see, war is not the answer
The singer is saying that war is not the solution to the ongoing problem.
For only love can conquer hate
The solution should be based on love as it is the only thing that can conquer hate.
Picket lines and picket signs
The singer is suggesting that using picket lines and picket signs to solve the problem at hand may not be productive.
Don't punish me with brutality
The singer is pleading for non-violent solutions to the ongoing problem.
Talk to me, so you can see
The singer is asking to be heard as listening may help to understand the situation better.
Oh, what's going on
The singer is trying to find out what is causing the current problem.
In the mean time
The singer is implying that the problem is not resolved but work is ongoing towards a solution.
Father, father, everybody thinks we're wrong
The singer is acknowledging that there may be those who think the solution being proposed is wrong.
Oh, but who are they to judge us
The singer is asking who can take responsibility for being the judge of the proposed solution.
Simply because our hair is long
The singer believes that appearance or perception should not be used to discredit the proposed solution.
Oh, you know we've got to find a way
The singer reiterates the need to find a solution to the problem even if it is not popular.
To bring some understanding here today
The singer is calling for people to listen and understand where the other person is coming from.
Tell me what's going on
The singer is still seeking to understand the problem at hand.
I'll tell you what's going on - Uh
The singer seems to have some understanding of the problem, and is ready to share his insights.
Right on baby
The singer gives a nod of agreement or approval to the situation on hand.
Right on baby
The singer repeats the above phrase to communicate approval to the ongoing actions towards a solution.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Alfred W Cleveland, Marvin P Gaye, Renaldo Benson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind