Kris debuted his first full-length CD, "Brand New Shoes", in September 2007. The album spotlights his musical capabilities in songwriting, guitar, piano and vocals. Kris is known for his laid-back and unassuming personality, yet his music is full of depth, energy and soul.
Some of his influences include Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Matchbox 20, and John Legend.
On 20 May 2009, Kris Allen was crowned the champion of American Idol 2009. After American Idol he released his major-label eponymous album debut. Since then he has released three studio albums "Thank You Camellia" in 2012, "Horizons" in 2014, "Letting You In" in 2016 and one Christmas album titled "Somethin' About Christmas" also in 2016. In 2019 he released a compilation album titled "10" in ten year anniversary since album "Kris Allen" came out in 2009. His latest releases are four new singles in 2021.
What's Going On
Kris Allen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh brother, brother, brother there's far too many of you dying
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some loving here today
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
Picket lines and picket signs, don't punish me with brutality
Oh and talk to me so you can see
What's going on, oh what's going on
Yeah what's going on, oh what's going on
Mother, mother everybody thinks we're wrong
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
Picket lines and picket signs, don't punish me with brutality
Oh and talk to me so you can see
What's going on, oh what's going on
Come on, what's going on, oh what's going on
Kris Allen's "What's Going On" is a cover of the 1971 song by Marvin Gaye. This song is a plea for peace and an end to senseless violence, particularly in relation to the Vietnam War which was ongoing at the time. The song's opening line, "Mother, mother there's too many of you crying," expresses the pain and sorrow felt by those who have lost loved ones in the war.
Throughout the song, Allen and Gaye both call for unity and understanding as a means of overcoming hate and violence. The lines, "You know we've got to find a way to bring some loving here today" and "Father, father we don't need to escalate / You see war is not the answer for only love can conquer hate" emphasize the need for compassion and empathy in resolving conflicts.
The song also addresses the issue of prejudice and discrimination. The lines, "Mother, mother everybody thinks we're wrong / But who are they to judge us simply because our hair is long," highlights the power and consequences of societal labels.
Overall, "What's Going On" is a timeless message of hope and a call to action for people to come together and create positive change in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Mother, mother there's too many of you crying
There are too many mothers who are crying, expressing their pain and suffering.
Oh brother, brother, brother there's far too many of you dying
There are far too many brothers who are dying, indicating the prevalence of violence and conflict that lead to fatal consequences.
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some loving here today
We must find a way to spread love and compassion in the world today to overcome the despair and hostility that exist.
Father, father we don't need to escalate
You see war is not the answer for only love can conquer hate
We do not need to intensify conflicts, as war and violence do not provide a solution to overcome hate and hostility. Only love can achieve that.
Picket lines and picket signs, don't punish me with brutality
Oh and talk to me so you can see
What's going on, oh what's going on
Yeah what's going on, oh what's going on
Protests and demonstrations that employ aggression and brutality only bring suffering and harm. Communication and dialogue is key to understanding the issues at hand.
Mother, mother everybody thinks we're wrong
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
Many people criticize and condemn those who may look or act differently. But we must find a path towards mutual understanding and respect.
Come on, what's going on, oh what's going on
We must continue to ask ourselves what is happening in the world, to remain aware and vigilant of the challenges we face, and to work towards a better future.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Alfred W Cleveland, Marvin P Gaye, Renaldo Benson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
James De Roxtra
Most underrated Kris performance from AI8, y/y? Loooooved it, and love this! Usually, Fuller's choices suck, but last season, I think he made two smart choices for Kris and Adam, and both nailed their socially conscious classics and made them their own. And that's why I prefer to remember the travesty of season 9 as season 8's shortbus lil cousin.
GoPro5
A lot of people assumed that Adam was going to win going away but they forgot that Kris Allen is a very talented artist who was able to change up the tunes he was given or chose every week. He is a master at what he does taking songs that are 20,30,40, yrs. old and really brilliantly turn it into something new and fresh. People just heard Adam's voice and said winner, and no doubt he does have one of the best voices to step onto the Idol stage, but what Kris was able to do was amazing. Fair, YES
tt03760
His voice and the song's arrangement are both nice. I like it.
cooljob9
love his version ... in fact i like all the songs sung by him. He knows what to do with a song and make it beautiful. He has a gorgeous voice
Randy R
Another fantastic cover. Song never grows old because the world continues to be on shaky ground. A question that I ask nearly daily.!
kebin65
His live versions are always so much better than his studio ones.
babybelle32
I like the live version better, but this is good too. I still connect with his voice, but the live version was full of raw emotion. It's so funny that he sounds better when the song is stripped down to just him and a piano or guitar. I hope the producers of his cd realize this, and don't try to take away the qualities that make people like him.
potteranger
He deserved to win since he sang man in the mirror, ain't no sunshine, and heartless. He has made many memorable songs and performance in idol's stage..
Nina King
I love Kris version of this song.
Oppedisiridis
The way you look tonight and Apologize are awesome too.. i mean they all are, but lately those two have been standing out to me