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 Happening Brother
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm just gettin' back, but you knew I would
War is hell, when will it end?
When will people start gettin' together again?
Are things really gettin' better, like the newspaper said?
What else is new my friend? Besides what I read
Can't find no work, can't find no job, my friend
Money is tighter than it's ever been
What's going on across this land
Ah, what's happening, brother?
Ay, what's happening? What's happening my man? Woo
Are they still gettin' down where we used to go and dance?
Will our ball club win the pennant?
Do you think they have a chance?
And tell me, friend, how in the world have you been?
Tell me what's out and I want to know what's in
What's the deal man, what's happening
What's happening, brother?
What's happening, brother?
Ah, what's happening, brother?
What's happening my man?
Woo, ah, what's happening, brother?
Say it, man, woo
What's happening, brother?
What's been shaking up and down the line?
I want to know 'cause I'm slightly behind the times
Woo-hoo, ooh-ooh
In Marvin Gaye's song "What's Happening Brother," the lyrics speak of a returning soldier, coming home from fighting in the Vietnam War, and he is trying to make sense of the world he's come back to. The first verse describes the state of the nation and the general sentiment towards the ongoing war. The second verse explores the personal struggles of unemployment and financial hardship that the returning soldier is experiencing. In the chorus, the soldier expresses his confusion and longing for understanding and connection with people he left behind. The final verse is more personal and addresses the soldier's interest in the state of day-to-day life and cultural events.
The song ultimately portrays the struggles of a country divided by political, economic, and social issues. It speaks to the difficulties faced by those on the receiving end of political decisions, such as young soldiers who are sent off to fight wars they don't necessarily agree with. The lyrics also express a profound sense of longing for unity and understanding, as people try to make sense of a constantly changing world.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey baby, what'cha know good
Greetings. What do you know that's positive or worthwhile?
I'm just gettin' back, but you knew I would
I've returned, as expected.
War is hell, when will it end?
War is a terrible ordeal. When will it stop?
When will people start gettin' together again?
When will people start uniting and reconciling again?
Are things really gettin' better, like the newspaper said?
Is the world really becoming a better place, as the media suggests?
What else is new my friend? Besides what I read
What other new things are happening, aside from what's in the news?
Can't find no work, can't find no job, my friend
I cannot find any employment opportunities, my friend.
Money is tighter than it's ever been
Money is scarce and difficult to come by.
Say, man, I just don't understand
Listen, I'm confused and perplexed.
What's going on across this land
What events and developments are occurring throughout this nation?
Ah, what's happening, brother?
What is occurring, brother?
Ay, what's happening? What's happening my man? Woo
Hey there, what's going on? What's happening with you, my friend?
Are they still gettin' down where we used to go and dance?
Are people still partying and dancing at the places we used to frequent?
Will our ball club win the pennant?
Do you think our team will win the championship?
Do you think they have a chance?
Do you believe they have a shot at winning?
And tell me, friend, how in the world have you been?
And update me, my friend, on how you've been lately.
Tell me what's out and I want to know what's in
Inform me about the latest trends and fads, as well as what's no longer in style.
What's the deal man, what's happening
What's the situation? What's going on?
What's happening, brother?
What's occurring, brother?
What's happening, brother?
What's happening, brother?
Ah, what's happening, brother?
What is happening, brother?
What's happening my man?
What is happening, my friend?
Woo, ah, what's happening, brother?
Woo, what's happening, brother?
Say it, man, woo
Tell me, man. Woo!
What's happening, brother?
What's happening, brother?
What's been shaking up and down the line?
What events, activities or trends have recently occurred?
I want to know 'cause I'm slightly behind the times
Please update me, as I am slightly out of touch with the latest developments.
Woo-hoo, ooh-ooh
Sounds of excitement and anticipation.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Marvin P Gaye, James Nyx
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
El francotirador
Lyrics:
Hey baby, what you know good?
I'm just gettin' back, but you knew I would
War is hell, when will it end?
When will people start gettin' together again?
Are things really gettin' better, like the newspaper said?
What else is new my friend? Besides what I read
Can't find no work, can't find no job, my friend
Money is tighter than it's ever been
Say, man, I just don't understand
What's going on across this land
Ah, what's happening, brother?
Ay, what's happening? What's happening my man? Woo
Are they still gettin' down where we used to go and dance?
Will our ball club win the pennant?
Do you think they have a chance?
And tell me, friend, how in the world have you been?
Tell me what's out and I want to know what's in
What's the deal man, what's happening
What's happening, brother?
What's happening, brother?
Ah, what's happening, brother?
What's happening my man?
Woo, ah, what's happening, brother?
Say it, man, woo
What's happening, brother?
What's been shaking up and down the line?
I want to know 'cause I'm slightly behind the times
Woo-hoo, ooh-ooh
Spegen
as someone who loves soul, R&B, rap and many other genres
I respectfully disagree
rap is "rhythm and poetry" and a lot of modern rap (that are popular) doesn't follow that
I wasn't a fan of rap especially seeing stuff like "Gucci Gang" or those type of rap song that is trash,
but then I got listening to Kendrick, MF DOOM, Aesop Rock, Black Thought, 2Pac, Nas and André 3000 (Outkast or the guy who made "Hey Ya!"/ "Ms. Jackson" "Roses") (Big Boi Included) and it introduced me to another world of place that I wasn't aware of, these rap have poetry, philosophy,
intricate rhymes, figurative, poignant and overall spectatular lyricism embedded to them which was perfect for me (as I like poetry and philosophy)
especially the album "To Pimp A Butterfly" by Kendrick Lamar, it has Jazz, funk, soul, r&b, rock, etc.
It utilizes components of music in such a flawless way (putting this just incase cause people keep saying rap is not music cause it "doesn't use" harmony and melody and components of music in general)
accompanied by it's poetic rapping
and the fact that it has some of the best jazz musicians around and great artists alike (George Clinton included) to be on the album
I don't expect you to change to be honest but I hope that you can be more open-minded and not bash the entirety of rap purely cause of the trash rap songs that are popular and mainstream. It's fine if you don't like rap, but don't bash the entire genre
well have a good day
Carl Rome
Hey baby, what'cha know good
I'm just gettin' back, but you knew I would
War is hell, when will it end?
When will people start gettin' together again?
Are things really gettin' better, like the newspaper said?
What else is new my friend? Besides what I read
Can't find no work, can't find no job, my friend
Money is tighter than it's ever been
Say, man, I just don't understand
What's going on across this land
Ah, what's happening, brother?
Ay, what's happening? What's happening my man? Woo
Are they still gettin' down where we used to go and dance?
Will our ball club win the pennant?
Do you think they have a chance?
And tell me, friend, how in the world have you been?
Tell me what's out and I want to know what's in
What's the deal man, what's happening
What's happening, brother?
What's happening, brother?
Ah, what's happening, brother?
What's happening my man?
Woo, ah, what's happening, brother?
Say it, man, woo
What's happening, brother?
What's been shaking up and down the line?
I want to know 'cause I'm slightly behind the times
Woo-hoo, ooh-ooh
Diego Rojas Sebastian
"What's Going On" doesn't exist without "What's Happening Brother", if you ask me. It's two faces of the same coin. One of the most stunning albums ever made, this song brings me to tears every time.
FactsOnlyPlease!
AMEN! He gets right to the point in this cut, but I always wished that it was longer!
The Anointed One
You're right both of the songs are so similar.
newage5D
Add to it Mercy mercy and God is my friend
Lenwood Williams
Rolling Stone magazine voted this the greatest album in the history of the world and I agree with them 💯💯💯💯, and I also agree with you about What's Happening Brother, I think that it's an extension of What's Going On.... And I listen to the album if not every day I listen to it almost everyday....
Angelo Council
Brothers are saying " the only thing they give us, USA's culture, drugs ", it's appears ; some people don't know what happened to the lndians' children still to today n culturvating people cultures;
AsianLightning
This album is truly legendary, one of the most truthful albums that still speaks 50 years later.
Petorina Lee
I agree with you.
Thefunksoulbro
Sadly true, although the tide is turning 🙏
Patrick Stromann
This track has never lost its relevance. America's endless wars...