For What It's Worth
Haley Sheeler Lyrics
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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
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
The song "For What It's Worth" by Haley Sheeler was originally written by Stephen Stills in 1966 as a response to the Sunset Strip curfew riots, which were a series of clashes between police and young counterculture protesters. The opening line, "There's something happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear," captures the sense of confusion and uncertainty that many people were feeling at the time. The second line, "There's a man with a gun over there, telling me I got to beware," refers to the police presence and the feeling that they were using excessive force to suppress the protests.
The chorus of the song is a call to action: "I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound, everybody look what's going down." This line encourages people to pay attention to what is happening and to take a stand against injustice. The third verse, "What a field-day for the heat, a thousand people in the street, singing songs and carrying signs, mostly say, hooray for our side," describes the protests themselves, and the fourth verse, "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," speaks to the fear that many people were feeling, both of the police and of government surveillance.
Overall, "For What It's Worth" is a powerful anthem for social justice and a stark reminder of the struggles that people have faced and continue to face in the ongoing fight for civil rights.
Line by Line Meaning
There's something happening here
There's a current event or situation occurring that is noteworthy and deserves our attention.
What it is ain't exactly clear
The nature and details of the situation or event are unclear and require further investigation or clarification.
There's a man with a gun over there
There is an individual in the vicinity who is armed with a firearm.
Telling me I got to beware
This individual is giving a warning or threatening message, indicating that there is danger or reason to be cautious.
I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound
The artist is addressing their peers or contemporaries, suggesting that it is time to pause and pay attention to a particular noise or occurrence.
Everybody look what's going down
They are encouraging others to observe and analyze the situation, looking for any relevant details or context.
There's battle lines being drawn
People are choosing sides or aligning themselves with certain perspectives or ideologies.
Nobody's right if everybody's wrong
It is impossible for everyone to be correct or justified, as opposing views or actions will inevitably collide.
Young people speaking their minds
The younger generation is expressing their thoughts or feelings about the current situation.
Getting so much resistance from behind
They are facing opposition or obstacles from those who disagree or disapprove of their views or actions.
It's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
The singer reiterates the need for everyone to pause and pay attention to the situation, as there may be something significant happening.
What a field-day for the heat
The situation is an ideal scenario for those in authority or with a vested interest in the matter to take advantage of the ensuing chaos or conflict.
A thousand people in the street
There is a large group of people gathered together in a public space, possibly for a demonstration or protest.
Singing songs and carrying signs
They are showing their support for a particular message or cause through music and visual representations.
Mostly say, hooray for our side
The majority of this group is expressing their allegiance or support for a particular viewpoint or belief.
Paranoia strikes deep
A feeling of suspicion or fear is penetrating individuals' minds and creating a general sense of unease or anxiety.
Into your life it will creep
This paranoid feeling can seep into every aspect of a person's life, causing general unease and anxiety in different contexts.
It starts when you're always afraid
The paranoia begins when someone is always in fear or concerned about their safety or well-being.
You step out of line, the man come and take you away
If someone does something that goes against established norms or expectations, they risk being punished or reprimanded by those in power.
We better stop, hey, what's that sound
The artist reiterates the urgency of stopping and paying attention to the situation, as it may have significant consequences.
Stop, hey, what's that sound
They repeat their call for others to pause and listen for any relevant noises or signals.
Stop, now, what's that sound
The artist again urges everyone to stop and pay attention to what is happening.
Stop, children, what's that sound
They address younger generations once more, imploring them to take notice and observe what is happening around them.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stephen Stills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind