What's Going On
Pat Satchmo Lyrics
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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, yea
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
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
Ya, what's going on
Ah, what's going on
In the mean time
Right on, baby
Right on
Right on
Father, father, everybody thinks we're wrong
Oh, but who are they to judge us
Simply because our hair is long
Oh, you know we've got to find a way
To bring some understanding here today
Oh
Picket lines and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
Talk to me
So you can see
What's going on
Ya, what's going on
Tell me what's going on
I'll tell you what's going on - Uh
Right on baby
Right on baby
The song "What's Going On" was written by Pat Satchmo in 1971 as a protest against the Vietnam War and the social injustices of the time. The lyrics address issues of racial tension, poverty, war, and social inequality. The first verse in the song brings attention to the large number of people crying and dying, indicating the sorrowful atmosphere of the time. The voice echoes the need to find a way to bring love instead of hatred and despair. This statement is repeated in the same verses with different wording, and the chorus questions what is happening and what is the problem.
The second verse specifically calls out fathers to stop escalating the war and not to add more fuel to the fire. The song pleads for peace in a world that seems to have lost its way. The message continues to bring our attention to the interrelationships between race, music and attitude, highlighting that people must bring love and understanding into society. The song's overall message is that people must find a way to love one another.
Notably, the song represented the social activism within musicians in the early 1970s. It went on to become a classic because it resonated with a wide audience of the time, and its meaning is still important today.
Line by Line Meaning
Mother, mother
Addressing the world as a mother, acknowledging the pain felt by many
There's too many of you crying
Too many people suffering and in pain
Brother, brother, brother
Addressing the world as brothers, acknowledging the mass deaths that are happening around us
There's far too many of you dying
Too many people are dying, implying the need to stop the ongoing wars that are causing them
You know we've got to find a way
Urging people to come together and find a solution
To bring some lovin' here today, yea
To bring some love and understanding instead of hate and violence
Father, father
Addressing the leaders of the world as fathers, urging them to think for their children's future
We don't need to escalate
We don't need to worsen the situation
You see, war is not the answer
Underlining the fact that war is not a solution
For only love can conquer hate
Only love and understanding can put an end to the ongoing conflicts
Picket lines and picket signs
Protesting through peaceful means
Don't punish me with brutality
Implying that peaceful protests shouldn't be met with violence
Talk to me, so you can see
Urge to communicate and understand each other's perspectives
Oh, what's going on
Asking what's happening around us, seeking to understand the reasons behind the suffering
Ya, what's going on
Reiterating the need to understand and take action
Ah, what's going on
Expressing frustration towards the ongoing violence and conflicts
In the mean time
In the meanwhile, while we try to understand and find a solution
Right on, baby
Encouragement to keep going, expressing hope
Right on
Short form of 'Right on, baby', implying encouragement
Father, father, everybody thinks we're wrong
Pointing out that many people believe their efforts towards peace are misplaced
Oh, but who are they to judge us
Questioning those who judge and criticize the idea of promoting love and peace
Simply because our hair is long
Suggesting that physical appearance shouldn't be a source of judgement or discrimination
Oh, you know we've got to find a way
Reiterating the need to find a solution that promotes love and understanding
To bring some understanding here today
The need to promote empathy and understanding
Tell me what's going on
Asking again what's happening around us
I'll tell you what's going on - Uh
Confidently assuring that they have a clear understanding of the situation and how to resolve it
Right on baby
Encouragement to keep going, expressing hope and positivity
Right on baby
Short form of 'Right on baby', implying encouragement and support
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Alfred W Cleveland, Marvin P Gaye, Renaldo Benson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind