What's Going On?
Bono & Chris Martin 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” is a powerful protest piece that speaks to the issues of war, racism, and inequality in America. It begins by highlighting the pain and suffering that is being felt by mothers and brothers due to the high number of deaths and violence happening in the country. However, the lyrics are not simply a lamentation of these issues, but a call to action for people to take responsibility and try to change things for the better. The song suggests that love and understanding are the only things that can counteract hate and brutality, and that we need to find a way to bring these things into our society.
The lyrics continue by calling out the hypocrisy of those who judge others based on appearance, symbolized in the line “Father, father, everybody thinks we’re wrong, oh but who are they to judge us, simply because our hair is long.” This is a reference to the counter-culture of the time, who were often viewed as “hippies” and judged by mainstream society due to their appearance and values. The song concludes by urging people to keep up the fight for justice and equality, continuing to march and protest no matter how long it takes.
Line by Line Meaning
Mother, mother
Addressing all the mothers out there
There's too many of you crying
Expressing concern over the many mothers who are crying
Brother, brother, brother
Addressing all the brothers out there
There's far too many of you dying
Expressing concern over the many brothers who are dying
You know we've got to find a way
Suggesting that there is a need to find a solution
To bring some lovin' here today, yea
Proposing that love is the answer to the problem
Father, father
Addressing all the fathers out there
We don't need to escalate
Stating that there is no need for violence
You see, war is not the answer
Emphasizing that warfare is not a solution
For only love can conquer hate
Affirming that love is the only solution
You know we've got to find a way
Suggesting that there is a need to find a solution
To bring some lovin' here today
Proposing that love is the answer to the problem
Picket lines and picket signs
Referring to protests
Don't punish me with brutality
Rejecting the use of violence
Talk to me, so you can see
Asking for communication and understanding
Oh, what's going on
Questioning the events and situation at hand
What's going on
Reiterating the question about the situation
Ya, what's going on
Reiterating the question about the situation
Ah, what's going on
Reiterating the question about the situation
In the mean time
Meanwhile
Right on, baby
Expressing approval or agreement
Right on
Expressing agreement
Father, father, everybody thinks we're wrong
Addressing all the fathers and acknowledging the criticism
Oh, but who are they to judge us
Questioning the critics and their authority to judge
Simply because our hair is long
Indicating that their appearance is being judged
Oh, you know we've got to find a way
Proposing that there is a need to find a solution
To bring some understanding here today
Proposing that understanding is the answer to the problem
Oh
Indicating emotion, such as frustration or disappointment
Picket lines and picket signs
Referring to protests
Don't punish me with brutality
Rejecting the use of violence
Talk to me
Asking for communication and understanding
So you can see
Asking for empathy and understanding
What's going on
Questioning the events and situation at hand
Ya, what's going on
Reiterating the question about the situation
Tell me what's going on
Asking for an explanation of the situation
I'll tell you what's going on - Uh
Indicating a readiness to speak up and share what is known
Right on baby
Expressing approval or agreement
Right on baby
Expressing agreement
Lyrics © DistroKid, 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