What's Going On
Marvin Gaye(마빈 게이) 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, eheh

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, oh oh oh

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
Yeah, what's going on
Ah, what's going on

In the mean time
Right on, baby
Right on brother
Right on babe

Mother, mother, everybody thinks we're wrong
Oh, but who are they to judge us
Simply 'cause our hair is long
Oh, you know we've got to find a way
To bring some understanding here today
Oh oh oh

Picket lines and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
C'mon talk to me
So you can see
What's going on
Yeah, what's going on
Tell me what's going on
I'll tell you what's going on, ooh ooo ooo ooo




Right on baby
Right on baby

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Marvin Gaye's song "What's Going On" is a powerful commentary on the state of society during that time. The song addresses the many issues and problems facing the world, such as the Vietnam War, racial discrimination, poverty, and environmental destruction. The opening lines, "Mother, mother, there's too many of you crying," illustrates the pain and suffering experienced by so many people around the world.


The second verse, "Father, father, we don't need to escalate, war is not the answer for only love can conquer hate," highlights the futility of war as a solution to conflict. The song calls for love and understanding instead of violence, picket lines and picket signs. Marvin Gaye urges for a peaceful solution, advocating for people to be compassionate towards one another, despite their differences.


This song is a powerful message to people to look beyond their own prejudices and differences, to strive for better and work towards a more loving and peaceful world. It is a message that is still relevant and desperately needed today.


Line by Line Meaning

Mother, mother There's too many of you crying
There are a lot of mothers crying, and this is unacceptable.


Brother, brother, brother There's far too many of you dying
There are too many brothers dying due to war, violence or other social issues.


You know we've got to find a way To bring some lovin' here today, eheh
We need to find a way to bring love and peace to the world today.


Father, father We don't need to escalate
We don't need to make things worse by escalating a situation.


You see, war is not the answer For only love can conquer hate
War is never a solution, and only love can solve the problem of hatred.


Picket lines and picket signs Don't punish me with brutality
Picket lines and signs shouldn't be met with brutality or violence.


Talk to me, so you can see Oh, what's going on What's going on Yeah, what's going on Ah, what's going on
People need to communicate with each other to understand what's really happening and find solutions.


In the mean time Right on, baby Right on brother Right on babe
Keep moving forward with love and positivity while we work together to make things better.


Mother, mother, everybody thinks we're wrong Oh, but who are they to judge us Simply 'cause our hair is long Oh, you know we've got to find a way To bring some understanding here today Oh oh oh
People shouldn't judge us for how we look or what we believe, we need to work to have better understanding and respect for one another.


Tell me what's going on I'll tell you what's going on, ooh ooo ooo ooo Right on baby Right on baby
Let's have an open conversation and work together to understand what's happening and make things better, and keep moving forward with love and positivity.




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:

@andresscott3927

I'm sorry Marvin.... It's still going on

@bozotheclown666

Misty it was more relevant back then. Back when this song was made, the Vietnam war was still happening and the police were worse. It was a time of a lot of hatred, ironic since before back in the 60’s, it was a time of love and peace. The hippy movement was at its all time highest, until certain events and ppl happened that damaged the movement and the wave finally crashed.

@jamespowell6343

This is what's going on! From the beginning the government planted insurgents in every black neighborhood, usually your noisy weak-ass friends and some family members to convince you that you are not being manipulated so you can convince other's that everything is all right.

@deniseowens4543

That's why it has to stop now is the time. We have suffered long enough!!

@jeffreyworthen7033

Andrea Scott........IKR!!!!!!!

@jeffreyworthen7033

This song should be the anthem for Black Lives Matter.

246 More Replies...

@dragonmeddler2152

75 years old, here. This is a masterwork for the ages. It was needed then as it is needed today. Right On.

@bettieboop77

So true. More relevant than ever.

@susanleone9767

Agree blessing to you

@beatricewoods8377

You still cool Dragon🙂

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