What's Going On
Patricia Marx 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 loving here today - Ya
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 loving 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" by Patricia Marx was inspired by Marvin Gaye's song of the same name. The lyrics discuss the issues of war, injustice, and inequality. The first two stanzas address the high number of people crying and dying, calling for a solution to end the pain and bring peace. The following stanzas are directed towards the father, calling for love instead of war and asking for people to understand and accept each other. The last stanza goes back to picket lines and signs, which symbolize protest and activism. The author calls for communication instead of violence, to discover what's really going on in order to bring about change.
The lyrics of "What's Going On" are a social commentary on the world's issues. Marx confronts the listeners with images of death, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. She goes on to question the use of violence as a method to resolve conflict, calling for love instead. The song also highlights the importance of communication in solving problems, a call for people to come together and work towards a common goal.
Line by Line Meaning
Mother, mother
Addressing mothers who are crying due to too much suffering in the world.
There's too many of you crying
Expressing concern about the large number of mothers who are crying.
Brother, brother, brother
Addressing brothers who are dying in large numbers due to various issues.
There's far too many of you dying
Concern about a high number of brothers dying.
You know we've got to find a way
Expressing a need to find a solution to the problems faced.
To bring some loving here today - Ya
Urge to bring love to the world to solve problems.
Father, father
Addressing fathers by calling them.
We don't need to escalate
Stating that escalation is not needed to solve problems.
You see, war is not the answer
Asserting that war is not the solution to the problems faced.
For only love can conquer hate
Love can change things and hate cannot.
Picket lines and picket signs
Referring to protest and urging not to be violent.
Don't punish me with brutality
Requesting that protesters are not subjected to violence.
Talk to me, so you can see
Asking for the right to talks so that people can see eye-to-eye.
Oh, what's going on
Questioning the situation and seeking clarity.
In the mean time
In the meantime.
Right on, baby
Encouraging and supporting.
Father, father
Calling fathers once again.
Everybody thinks we're wrong
Others think differently, but it may not be the truth.
Oh, but who are they to judge us
Questioning the right of others to judge them.
Simply because our hair is long
Implying that judging people by their looks and appearance is unfair.
Oh, you know we've got to find a way
Reiterating the need to find solutions to problems.
To bring some understanding here today
Urging the need to understand and empathize with each other.
Tell me what's going on
Requesting to know the situation and seeking clarity.
I'll tell you what's going on - Uh
Assuring to tell the situation as it is.
Right on baby
Encouragement to support and push forward.
Contributed by Eli P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.