What's Going On
Cyndi Lauper 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
Father, fatherThis don't need to escalate
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 meSo 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 Cyndi Lauper is a cover of Marvin Gaye’s 1971 hit song. It is a plea for love, peace, and understanding during a time of social and political unrest. It addresses the struggles of both the Black community and the anti-war movement in America. The first verse, "Mother, mother, there’s too many of you crying," is a reference to the pain and suffering of Black mothers who have lost their sons and daughters to violence and discrimination. The second verse, "Father, father, we don’t need to escalate, war is not the answer," speaks to the anti-war movement of the time.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the need for communication and understanding between people, rather than violence and aggression. The line "Picket lines and picket signs, don't punish me with brutality" speaks to the use of police brutality against peaceful protesters. Overall, the song is a call to action to end the violence and hate in the world and promote love and peace instead.
Line by Line Meaning
Mother, mother
Cyndi Lauper addresses mother, as a symbol of compassion and care
There's too many of you crying
She acknowledges that there are too many people crying, a symbol of pain and suffering
Brother, brother, brother
She also addresses brother, another symbol of kinship and fraternity
There's far too many of you dying
She recognizes that many people are dying, a symbol of violence and injustice
You know we've got to find a way
Cyndi Lauper believes that a solution must be found to these problems
To bring some lovin' here today
She suggests that love must be brought into the world to eradicate hate and violence
Father, father
Cyndi Lauper also addresses father, as a symbol of guidance and authority
This don't need to escalate
She makes it clear that violence is not the answer to the problems we face
You see, war is not the answer
She repeats the message that war will only lead to more suffering
For only love can conquer hate
She believes that only love can overcome hate and violence
Picket lines and picket signs
She mentions picket lines and picket signs as symbols of protest against injustice
Don't punish me with brutality
She pleads against being punished with physical force and brutality
Talk to me, so you can see
She asks for dialogue and communication to foster empathy and understanding
Oh, what's going on?
She wonders what is happening in the world, why so much pain and suffering exists
Everybody thinks we're wrong
She recognizes the prevalence of different opinions and judgments
Who are they to judge us
She challenges the authority others assume to judge and condemn
Just because our hair is long
She points out how trivial and superficial differences can be the basis for discrimination and persecution
To bring some understanding here today
She emphasizes the importance of understanding to resolve conflicts and bring peace
Tell me what's going on
Cyndi Lauper calls for someone to explain and make sense of the current state of affairs
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Alfred W Cleveland, Marvin P Gaye, Renaldo Benson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@クリスえる
シンディ、エネルギッシュで日本を愛してくれたアーケードです。東日本大震災の時も、力を貰いました。今は何となく時代が変わり、あの時代の偉大なアーティストが居る事が忘れられてしまうのかな、と。淋しいです。このメール見た方もYouTubeでシンディを見た人ですよね。シンディは日本を愛して想いを伝えた海外のシンガーです。皆、忘れないで。
@purplehazerain8420
傷ついた日本人の心に寄り添い続け、LOVE & PEACE を体現し続けている、とても素敵な人です。
忘れませんよ。
@morgenyuichi2333
40年前からずっとすきです。時より車のなかでガンガンかけながらドライブしてますよ。素晴らしい歌唱力。
@r387kg
素晴らしい、今の時代にこそ響くべき
涙が止まらない
@edsonportella3090
One of Cyndi's most wonderful interpretations, which shows her great talent and sensitivity. A song that remains current: guys, what's going on? "War is not the answer."
@bambangsudanto5309
She made it on her owñ unique style
@GigiTheWonderDog
Amazing!
@佐藤17
シンディーの最高の歌声です！いつまでも歌い続けほしい❤
@-om5261
I didn't think I would like this version so much, BUT, Cyndi "nails it." My hats off and my heart opens up for the tremendous amount of soul she put into this sing. Good gracious alive, girl you're good.
@brendendesimone9278
On paper this sounded like it would've been a terrible misstep. But she definitely crushed it.