For What It's Worth
MonaLisa Twins Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

There's somethin' happenin' here
What it is ain't exactly clear
There's a man with a gun over there
Tellin' me, I got to beware

I think it's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Battle lines being drawn
Nobody's right when everybody's wrong
Young people speaking their minds
Getting so much resistance from behind

You better stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down

What a field-day for the heat
A thousand people in the street
Singing songs and carrying signs
Mostly saying hooray for our side

I think it's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down

Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you're always afraid
You step out of line, the man come and take you away
You better stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop, children, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down

instrumental

Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you're always afraid
Step out of line, the man come and take you away
You better stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop, children, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down




Stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down, Hey

Overall Meaning

The song "For What It's Worth" by MonaLisa Twins is a cover of the 1966 song by Buffalo Springfield. The song’s lyrics use the instrumentation to accuse authorities of frightening people and take charge away from them. It is a protest song that reflects the social turmoil and conflicts of that era, primarily the 1960s. The lyricist draws attention to the injustice of using physical force on people rather than peaceful means of communication. The opening lines state that something is happening that is unclear, and the singer hears someone with a gun telling them to beware. The song addresses the growing conflict on both sides and highlights how the young people speak their minds and become a target for resistance from anyone who does not agree with their opinion.


The chorus chants for the people to stop and look around and become aware of the situation around them. The song goes on to say that the heat is having a field day with thousands of people on the streets, signs waving, and carrying songs that support their cause. The verses and the chorus continue to amplify the feeling of paranoia creeping in people's lives, making them fearful and stepping out of line leading to severe consequences like being taken away.


In conclusion, “For What It’s Worth” by MonaLisa Twins is a song protesting the unjust use of force and tactics used by authorities during the 1960s social turmoil. The song has a timeless quality as it speaks to the notion of how people can dissent and raise their voice in any era of political turmoil using peaceful means of communication.


Line by Line Meaning

There's somethin' happenin' here
Something is currently taking place


What it is ain't exactly clear
It’s not wholly comprehensible


There's a man with a gun over there
There's a gun-wielding man nearby


Tellin' me, I got to beware
Warning me to be conscious and cautious


I think it's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
I believe it's time for us to cease the current activity, and hey, what noise is that?


Everybody look what's going down
Let's all observe and be aware of the happenings


Battle lines being drawn
Fighting groups are establishing themselves


Nobody's right when everybody's wrong
No one is correct when all are mistaken


Young people speaking their minds
Youths that are voicing their opinions


Getting so much resistance from behind
Facing significant opposition from those behind them


You better stop, hey, what's that sound
You should cease, and what's that noise?


What a field-day for the heat
What an ideal time for the authorities


A thousand people in the street
A multitude that is out in the open


Singing songs and carrying signs
They're harmonizing and bearing placards


Mostly saying hooray for our side
For the most part, championing our team


Paranoia strikes deep
Suspicion and fear have penetrated deeply


Into your life it will creep
It will gradually ease into your existence


It starts when you're always afraid
It commences when you're perpetually frightened


You step out of line, the man come and take you away
If you deviate from the norm, the authority will seize you


Stop, hey, what's that sound
Halt, what is that noise?


Stop, children, what's that sound
Stop, young ones, what's that noise?


Everybody look what's going down
Let's all take heed of what's happening


instrumental
No lyrics sung, only instrumental music


Stop, hey, what's that sound
Halt, what is that noise?


Stop, children, what's that sound
Stop, young ones, what's that noise?


Everybody look what's going down
Let's all observe and be aware of what's taking place


Stop, hey, what's that sound
Stop, what's that noise?


Everybody look what's going down, Hey
Let's all observe and be aware of what's taking place




Contributed by Victoria F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

stotto68

Here's a 50 year old song that couldn't be more timely. Thanks for posting!

Not That Donald

Agreed.

Frank Dillingsly

Lisa is a Virtuoso if you listen closely you can hear nuances of high notes played in perfect beat with the rapid strumming. Seems like one would have to be one with the guitar. Always amazed with Lisa's talent and now adding an emotional twerk to her voice. Pure pure talent.

Johnny Jones

These Ladies pay total respect to all the covers they do. They have a great sound.

DENVEROUTDOORMAN

Nope need Los Lobos and Ritchie Furay doing live at ETOWN .....Need rock not accoustic

Craig Oren

This has long been one of my favorite songs. I hesitated to hear a version other than the Buffalo Springfield original. But this rendering is just wonderful -- different, but wonderful. The original is deliberately understated -- but the passion with which the twins sing this song is not at all overdone and is really quite moving to hear. This song never grows old -- paranoia always strikes deep!

JulianH

Love it. The bring back memories of hearing the original with my friends when I was 14 or 15 years old. Maybe the lyrics don't move me now as they did then. But I love Mona and Lisa and band and this is such a good version. There is so much joy in everything they do. And they all play just so beautifully

Gary Smith

Great job on this one. Takes me back a lot of years. 🍻

Benjamin Cuker

1. They have so much fun playing and make it so much fun to listen and watch.
2. They are excellent musicians and know how to do a cover that captures the original and adds their own voice and energy.
3. Their own compositions are excellent, capturing the 60's spirit with innovative music and lyrics.

Torsten Broeer

I couldn't say it better!
I totally agree!

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