For What It's Worth
Battlestar Lyrics


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There's something happening here
What it is ain't exactly clear
There's a man with a gun over there
Telling me I got to beware

I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
There's battle lines being drawn
Nobody's right if everybody's wrong
Young people speaking their minds
Getting so much resistance from behind

It's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down

What a field-day for the heat
A thousand people in the street
Singing songs and carrying signs
Mostly say, hooray for our side

It's s time we stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down

Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you're always afraid
You step out of line, the man come and take you away

We better stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop, now, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down




Stop, children, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield describe a sense of unease and tension in society during the 1960s, particularly around the issue of the Vietnam War. The opening line, "There's something happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear," suggests that there is unrest and upheaval, but it is difficult to pinpoint what exactly is causing it. The following line, "There's a man with a gun over there, telling me I got to beware," refers to the presence of the police and the military in the streets, indicating that there is a looming threat of violence.


The chorus of the song, "I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound/ Everybody look what's going down," is a call to action for the younger generation to pay attention to what is happening and to take action to stop it. The song also touches on the idea of social division and the need for unity, with the line "Nobody's right if everybody's wrong." The final verse of the song references the impact that fear and paranoia can have on society, with the line "It starts when you're always afraid/ You step out of line, the man come and take you away," reinforcing the idea that there is a pervasive sense of danger and instability.


Overall, "For What It's Worth" is an anthem for social and political change, encouraging listeners to pay attention to the world around them and to take action to ensure a better future.


Line by Line Meaning

There's something happening here
There's a situation or event that is currently occurring


What it is ain't exactly clear
The details of the situation are not entirely understood


There's a man with a gun over there
There is a person present who possesses a firearm


Telling me I got to beware
The person with the gun is warning me to exercise caution


I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound
It's time to pause and listen to the noise


Everybody look what's going down
Take a look at what is happening


There's battle lines being drawn
There are opposing groups forming


Nobody's right if everybody's wrong
There is no factual correctness in a situation with opposing views


Young people speaking their minds
Youth sharing their opinions/perceptions


Getting so much resistance from behind
Receiving backlash from those who disagree with them


It's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
Once again urging others to stop and begin paying attention


Everybody look what's going down
There is something significant happening that everyone should be aware of


What a field-day for the heat
Those in authority are given an opportunity to exercise their power


A thousand people in the street
Many people are present in a public area


Singing songs and carrying signs
The crowd is expressing their opinions through music and visual messages


Mostly say, hooray for our side
The signs being held are expressing support for a specific group


Paranoia strikes deep
Extreme fear sets in


Into your life it will creep
This fear slowly becomes a part of everyday existence


It starts when you're always afraid
The fear takes root when one is constantly feeling scared


You step out of line, the man come and take you away
There are severe consequences for disobeying those in power


We better stop, hey, what's that sound
You must stop and pay attention to the noise


Everybody look what's going down
Pay attention to the situation


Stop, hey, what's that sound
Someone else exclaims the need to halt and take notice


Stop, now, what's that sound
Emphasizes the need to cease all activity and become aware


Everybody look what's going down
Draws attention to the event or situation that requires attention


Stop, children, what's that sound
Directing everyone, particularly the youth, to give their full attention to the noise/situation


Everybody look what's going down
Once again calling upon everyone to take note of the event that is currently unfolding




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stephen Stills

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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