For What It's Worth
Lou Rawls feat. David Axelrod Lyrics
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And what it is ain't exactly clear
There's a man with a gun over there
Telling me I've got to beware
Think it's time we stop children, what's that sound
Everybody look what's goin' down
There's battle lines being drawn
Young people speaking their minds
A-getting so much resistance from behind
And we stop, what's that sound
Everybody look what's goin' down
What a field day for the heat
A thousand people in the street
Singin' songs and a-carryin' signs
Mostly say "hooray for our side"
It's time to stop, hey what's that sound
Everybody look what's goin' down
Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you're always afraid
Step outta line, the men come and take you away
You betta stop, hey what's that sound
Everybody look what's goin' now
Stop, hey what's that sound
Everybody look what's goin' now
You betta stop, now, what's that sound
Everybody look what's goin' now
Stop, children
Lou Rawls's song "For What It's Worth" is a song that was written by Stephen Stills, who was a part of the band Buffalo Springfield. The song is a protest song that speaks about the happenings during the Vietnam War era. Rawls's version of the song is a cover that was inspired by the original and has a more soulful sound to it.
The first verse describes the atmosphere of the time period, which was full of uncertainty and confusion. The lines "there's something happening here, and what it is ain't exactly clear" highlights the confusion that people felt during that time. The second line "there's a man with a gun over there, telling me I've got to beware" reflects the anxiety that people felt due to the Vietnam War, which was happening at that same time.
In the second verse, the lines "young people speaking their minds, a-getting so much resistance from behind" show the frustration of the youth, who were speaking up against the war but were not being heard. The lines "nobody's right if everybody's wrong" reminds listeners that the issue was divisive, and neither side was necessarily correct.
The chorus "stop, hey what's that sound, everybody look what's goin' down" calls for people to stop and take a closer look at what is happening around them. The lyrics describe how the situation was so chaotic and there was a lot of confusion surrounding it.
Overall, Lou Rawls's version of "For What It's Worth" presents a protest song that is relevant today as it was in the 60s. The song calls for people to take a closer look at the happenings around us, and to be open-minded when listening to different opinions.
Line by Line Meaning
There's something happening here
Something is happening at this moment
And what it is ain't exactly clear
I am unsure what is happening
There's a man with a gun over there
I see a man holding a gun
Telling me I've got to beware
He warns me to be careful
Think it's time we stop children, what's that sound
I believe we should intervene to stop the children, what is the noise?
Everybody look what's goin' down
Everyone should see what is happening
There's battle lines being drawn
There are clear divisions being made
And nobody's right, if everybody's wrong
If everyone is wrong, then nobody can be considered right
Young people speaking their minds
The young people are expressing their opinions
A-getting so much resistance from behind
They are facing a lot of opposition from others
And we stop, what's that sound
We pause to listen to the noise
Everybody look what's goin' down
Everyone should see what is happening
What a field day for the heat
The police are having a busy day
A thousand people in the street
A large crowd of people are outside
Singin' songs and a-carryin' signs
They are singing and carrying signs
Mostly say "hooray for our side"
The signs express support for their cause
It's time to stop, hey what's that sound
We need to end what is happening, what is the noise?
Everybody look what's goin' down
Everyone should see what is happening
Paranoia strikes deep
Fear and anxiety run deep
Into your life it will creep
It will slowly enter your life
It starts when you're always afraid
It begins when you are constantly fearful
Step outta line, the men come and take you away
If you break the rules, the authorities will punish you
You betta stop, hey what's that sound
You should stop, what is the noise?
Everybody look what's goin' now
Everyone should see what is happening
Stop, hey what's that sound
Stop, what is the noise?
Everybody look what's goin' now
Everyone should see what is happening
You betta stop, now, what's that sound
You should stop now, what is the noise?
Everybody look what's goin' now
Everyone should see what is happening
Stop, children
I urge the children to cease their actions
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stephen Stills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
LazyLion
this is such an underrated cover, virtually unknown, and it might be one of the best covers of a song ever lol
at the very least it's one of the best Buffalo Springfield covers I've ever heard.
Chairjockey Charlee
I love it!!!
Guillaume Viatour
great song, thanks!
RAMLIA1
♥ ♥ ♥
john hubbard
Magic thanks
littlewhitemonkey
cool username bro