What's Going On?
Groovopolis Lyrics


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Mother, mother
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
We 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
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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Groovopolis's "What's Going On?" is a protest song which addresses the social unrest of the 1960s in America. The song is divided into two primary themes: social inequality and the Vietnam War. The song opens with a poignant plea to the mothers of the world, acknowledging the pain and suffering of the people around us. It emphasizes the need to come together and find a way to bring love and hope to our communities at a time when people were dying in disproportionate numbers.


Then the song speaks to the fathers, suggesting that war is never the answer to any conflict as only love can conquer hate. It highlights the need to find a positive solution without escalating into violence. Additionally, the song talks about discrimination and how people are judged based on their physical appearance. It takes a strong stance against such ideas and calls for understanding and compassion.


The song has been interpreted and re-recorded by numerous famous musicians including Marvin Gaye, John Legend, and The Band. Groovopolis's version remains just as relevant today as it was when the song was released over four decades ago.


Line by Line Meaning

Mother, mother
Addressing mothers who are crying in their numbers


There's too many of you crying
There are too many crying mothers


Brother, brother, brother
Addressing brothers who are dying in their numbers


There's far too many of you dying
There are too many dying brothers


You know we've got to find a way
It is necessary to find a solution


To bring some lovin' here today, yea
To spread love at this moment


Father, father
Addressing fathers


We don't need to escalate
We don't need to make things worse


You see, war is not the answer
War cannot solve our problems


For only love can conquer hate
Only love can overcome hate


Picket lines and picket signs
Protest demonstrations


Don't punish me with brutality
Don't use violence against me


Talk to me, so you can see
Communicate with me, so you can understand


Oh, what's going on
What is happening?


Ya, what's going on
What is happening?


Ah, what's going on
What is happening?


In the mean time
In the meantime


Right on, baby
That's great, baby


Father, father, everybody thinks we're wrong
Everyone thinks we are mistaken, fathers included


Oh, but who are they to judge us
But who are they to criticize us?


Simply because our hair is long
Because of our long hair


Oh, you know we've got to find a way
You know we must find a solution


To bring some understanding here today
To promote mutual understanding today


Tell me what's going on
Inform me about what is happening


I'll tell you what's going on - Uh
I will inform you what is happening


Right on baby
That's great, baby




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALFRED W CLEVELAND, MARVIN P GAYE, RENALDO BENSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Simon Johansen

started clicking on music here on YouTube because I find the cover art/band name/song titles interesting again, this was one of the first bands I discovered that way

Care Poto

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