Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. was born in 1939 to Marvin Gay, Sr. and Alberta Gay in Washington, D.C.. Gaye began his career in Motown in 1958, and soon became Motown's top solo male artist. He scored numerous hits during the 1960s, among them "Ain't That Peculiar", "Stubborn Kind of Fellow", and "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)", as well as several hit duets with Tammi Terrell, including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"" and "You're All I Need to Get By", before moving on to his own form of musical self-expression.
Along with Stevie Wonder, Gaye is notable for fighting the hit-making—but creatively restrictive—Motown record-making process, in which performers, songwriters and record producers were generally kept in separate camps. Gaye forced Motown to release his 1971 album What's Going On, which is today hailed as one of the best albums of all time. Subsequent releases proved that Gaye, who had been a part-time songwriter for Motown artists during his early years with the label, could write and produce his own singles without having to rely on the Motown system. This achievement would pave the way for the successes of later self-sufficient singer-songwriter-producers in African American music, such as Luther Vandross and Babyface.
During the 1970s, Gaye would release several other notable albums, including Let's Get It On and I Want You, and released several successful singles such as "Come Get to This", "Got to Give It Up" and "Sexual Healing". By the time of his shooting death in 1984, at the hands of his clergyman father, Gaye had become one of the most influential artists of the soul music era.
What's Going On?
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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, eh eh
Father, father
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 ooh ooh ooh
Right on baby
Right on baby
The lyrics to Marvin Gaye's song "What's Going On" tackle the issue of social injustice and war, urging for love and understanding instead of violence and hate. The first verse begins with the plea from the singer to mothers who are crying, suggesting that there are too many people dying and that there has to be a way to bring some love to the world. The second verse focuses on fathers, urging them to understand that war is not the answer and that only love can conquer hate. The chorus, "what's going on," repeats the question that the singer is asking to everyone, trying to find out what is causing all the suffering and violence in the world.
The next verse talks about picket lines and picket signs, and how they are not effective in bringing about change if they are accompanied by brutality. The singer asks people to talk to him, so they can understand what is going on, and find a way to bring about change without violence. He then urges for understanding among people, despite differences in appearances, asking people to come together and find a way to bring some understanding to the world. The final chorus repeats the question, "what's going on," and ends with the repeated phrase "right on baby," suggesting hope and encouragement for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Mother, mother
Addressing the struggles of the mothers in society
There's too many of you crying
Expressing concern regarding the large number of women who are unhappy
Brother, brother, brother
Acknowledging the struggles of brothers and men in society
There's far too many of you dying
Expressing concern about the high mortality rate of society
You know we've got to find a way
Emphasizing the need to find a solution to the issues at hand
To bring some lovin' here today, eh eh
Suggesting that the solution involves love and compassion
Father, father
Addressing the struggles of fathers in society
We don't need to escalate
Stating that the solution does not involve resorting to violence or aggression
You see, war is not the answer
Arguing against the use of war to solve problems
For only love can conquer hate
Asserting that only love and empathy can help address the issues faced by society
Picket lines and picket signs
Referencing the protests and demonstrations that have been taking place
Don't punish me with brutality
Asking those in power not to use violence and oppression against the protestors
Talk to me, so you can see
Requesting that there be more communication and understanding between all parties
Oh, what's going on
Raising the question of what is happening in the world
Yeah, what's going on
Reiterating the question of what is happening in the world
In the mean time
For the moment, in the interim
Right on, baby
Expressing approval or agreement
Right on brother
Expressing approval or agreement with fellow men
Mother, mother, everybody thinks we're wrong
Acknowledging that many people are against their cause and views
Oh, but who are they to judge us
Challenging the authority and right of others to pass judgement
Simply 'cause our hair is long
Implying that their appearance should not be the basis for judgement
Oh, you know we've got to find a way
Reiterating the need to find a solution to the current issues
To bring some understanding here today
Emphasizing the need for more understanding and empathy
Tell me what's going on
Asking for an explanation of what is happening in the world
I'll tell you what's going on, ooh ooh ooh ooh
Asserting that they are aware of what is happening and will share the knowledge
Right on baby
Expressing agreement or approval
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Alfred W Cleveland, Marvin P Gaye, Renaldo Benson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@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.
@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🙂