For What It's Worth
Keb' Mo' 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

I think it's time we stop, hey, what's that sound?
Everybody look what's going down

Somebody talk to me

What a field day for the heat
Million people in the street
Singing songs and carrying signs
Mostly say, 'Hooray for our side'

I think it's time we stop, hey, what's that sound?
Everybody look what's going down

[Incomprehensible] yeah

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

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

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





Take a look around
Taking control of the situation

Overall Meaning

Keb' Mo''s song "For What It's Worth" is a cover of Buffalo Springfield's 1966 hit song. The song is layered with metaphors, symbolisms, and allusions. The song talks about a social uprising or an instinctive protest where people gather on the streets to express their dissent against the establishment. The singer starts with describing the chaos and confusion in the air where something is happening, but it's unclear what it exactly is. The image of a man with a gun telling people to beware creates a sense of danger and an ominous feeling.


The singer then urges the young people to speak their minds and stop what's going down, referring to the drawing of battle lines and the increasing resistance from those in power. The singer implies that if everyone thinks they're right, then nobody is right. The image of million people in the street singing songs and carrying signs suggests a peaceful protest where everyone is united. The repeated line "what's that sound" creates an anticipation of something that is about to happen, or a question that nobody has an answer to.


Line by Line Meaning

There's something happening here
There's a lot of confusion and mixed messages being spread around


What it is ain't exactly clear
It's hard to determine the root of the issue


There's a man with a gun over there
There's a person in a position of power who is threatening others


Telling me I got to beware
Warning me to be cautious because of the potential danger


I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound?
We need to take action and address the situation at hand


Everybody look what's going down
Pay attention to what's happening


There's battle lines being drawn
People are starting to take sides and create conflict


Nobody's right if everybody's wrong
When everyone is arguing, no one is actually making progress


Young people speaking their minds
A group of young individuals are expressing their opinions


Getting so much resistance from behind
They're facing opposition from those in power and other groups


Somebody talk to me
Asking for someone to explain the situation and help reduce confusion


What a field day for the heat
The authorities have a lot of power and control in this situation


Million people in the street
There are a large number of people taking action and protesting


Singing songs and carrying signs
The protesters are using creative and peaceful means to express their beliefs


Mostly say, 'Hooray for our side'
The protesters are supporting their own beliefs and agendas


Paranoia strikes deep
People are becoming increasingly fearful


Into your life it will creep
The fear and paranoia is gradually taking over individuals' lives


It starts when you're always afraid
Fear is at the root of the issue


Step out of line and the man will come and take you away
Those in power are quick to punish anyone who opposes them


We better stop, what's that sound?
It's time to put an end to the chaos


Take a look around
Evaluate the situation and consider what actions to take


Taking control of the situation
Empowering ourselves to address the issue and create change




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stephen Stills

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Angel Flores


on The Whole Enchilada (Bonus Acoustic)

You gon die if u put yo hands on me nigga

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