For What It's Worth
Ozzy Osbourne Lyrics
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What it is ain't exactly clear
There's a man with a gun over there
Telling me I got to beware
I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Nobody's right if everyone's wrong
People speaking their minds
Getting so much resistance from behind
Yeah, stop children, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
What a field-day for the heat
Ten thousand people in the street
Singing songs and carrying signs
Mostly say, hooray for our side
I think it's time we stop, children, 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
Step out of line, the man come and take you away
Stop, children, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
You better stop!
Stop
You better stop!
Stop
You better stop!
Ozzy Osbourne's cover of For What It's Worth was originally written by Stephen Stills and released in 1967 by Buffalo Springfield. The lyrics of this song have a political message that hits home today, even though it is over 50 years old. The lyrics bring attention to the many protests that were taking place in the United States during the 1960s, and the police brutality that ensued.
The opening lines, "There's something happening here, What it is ain't exactly clear, There's a man with a gun over there, Telling me I got to beware," speaks of the political unrest at the time. There were a lot of people that were protesting for their rights and beliefs. However, police forces would come in and try to shut down the protests with violence. The man with the gun in the song symbolizes authority's abuse of power on the protestors.
The chorus "I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound, Everybody look what's going down," is a call for everyone to pay attention to happenings around them. It is time to stop and observe what is happening around us. The second verse is an indication that people who speak up are met with resistance, making it hard for them to make their voices heard.
The song is still relevant today with protests and social conflicts still happening all around the world. Ozzy Osbourne's version of the song reflects the same intensity and meaning just as the original did. The song's themes can resonate with each generation and be relatable to anyone who feels the need to protest against injustice.
Line by Line Meaning
There's something happening here
Events are unfolding, but the situation is not clear.
What it is ain't exactly clear
There's an ongoing situation but people don't fully know its nature.
There's a man with a gun over there
A person armed with a gun is present in the vicinity.
Telling me I got to beware
Warning me to be careful and vigilant.
I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound
We need to pause and pay attention to the noise around us.
Everybody look what's going down
Everyone should pay attention to what's happening right now.
Battle lines being drawn
Groups are starting to form and differences are becoming more noticeable.
Nobody's right if everyone's wrong
When everyone is wrong, there's no true winner.
People speaking their minds
Individuals are expressing their opinions,
Getting so much resistance from behind
Encountering significant pushback from those who disagree.
Yeah, stop children, what's that sound
Again, urging people to pay attention to what's happening around them.
Everybody look what's going down
Important to acknowledge and recognize what's happening.
What a field-day for the heat
This must be a fertile time for law enforcement personnel.
Ten thousand people in the street
A massive crowd has gathered in the public spaces.
Singing songs and carrying signs
A euphoric atmosphere with many people celebrating and demonstrating.
Mostly say, hooray for our side
The majority of the demonstrators are supportive of the same cause.
Paranoia strikes deep
A widespread feeling of anxiety has set in.
Into your life it will creep
The paranoia will soon affect every aspect of life.
It starts when you're always afraid
The initial feeling of paranoia arises when people start experiencing fear.
Step out of line, the man come and take you away
Consequences for not conforming can be quite severe at times.
Stop, hey, what's that sound
Another instance of urging people to listen carefully to what's happening around them.
You better stop!
People need to pause and change what they're doing.
Stop
Again, emphasizing the need for people to stop.
You better stop!
Stressing the urgency of halting current actions.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stephen Stills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind