Although a very talented musician in has own right, he is best known as a Grammy winning producer / engineer having worked with just about everybody of consequence in the jazz world. These include Norman Brown, Peter White, George Benson,Boney James, Luther Vandross, Euge Groove, Jeffrey Osbourne, Larry Carlton, Al Jarreau, Bobby Caldwell, Patti Austin and Kirk Whalum to name but a few !
So it should come as no surprise to notice that whemever he puts out an album - the list of guests on it can be quite staggering...!
The recent album 'White Sand ' is typical of this and has received excellent reviews throughout.
For What It's Worth
Paul Brown 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 everybody's wrong
Young people speaking their minds
Getting so much resistance from behind
It's time we 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 say, hooray for our side
It's 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
We 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, now, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop, children, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Paul Brown's song For What It's Worth is a reflection of the social and political climate in the United States during the 1960s. The song starts with the singer noticing that something is happening that is not clear. He sees a man with a gun, who tells him to be careful. The singer is unsure of what exactly is happening, but he urges everyone to stop and take a closer look at what is going on. This implies that there is a lot of tension and confusion in the air.
The next verse describes the conflict between opposing groups, with young people speaking out against social injustices and receiving resistance from those who are not ready for change. The singer points out that nobody is right if everyone is wrong, suggesting that people should not be so quick to dismiss those they disagree with.
The chorus repeats the message to stop and pay attention to what is happening, with the sound of something looming in the background. The final verse depicts the government's authority and control over its citizens, with a warning that paranoia can take over when people are constantly living in fear and feeling unsafe. The song ends with a last call to stop and look at what's happening around them.
Overall, the song is a commentary on the turmoil and unrest of the 1960s, with a call to stop and examine the issues at hand instead of blindly following authority. It urges people to be aware of the consequences of their actions and to not be afraid to speak out against injustice.
Line by Line Meaning
There's something happening here
There's a situation occurring, although it's not clear what it is
What it is ain't exactly clear
Although something is happening, it's difficult to understand or define
There's a man with a gun over there
A person is present with a weapon, indicating potential danger
Telling me I got to beware
This person with a gun is warning me to be cautious or watchful
I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound
It's crucial that we, as a group or community, pay attention to what's occurring and take action
Everybody look what's going down
We all need to observe and acknowledge the situation unfolding before us
There's battle lines being drawn
Groups or sides are being identified and tensions are escalating
Nobody's right if everybody's wrong
No one wins in a conflict where everyone is acting improperly or unfairly
Young people speaking their minds
Youth are sharing their thoughts and opinions on the matter
Getting so much resistance from behind
Facing opposition or pushback from those who disagree or wish to maintain the status quo
It's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
It's important that we pay attention to what's happening and work towards resolution
What a field-day for the heat
A prime opportunity for law enforcement or authorities to intervene and potentially escalate the situation
A thousand people in the street
Large groups are gathered, adding further tension to the situation
Singing songs and carrying signs
Protesters are expressing their views and opinions in a nonviolent manner
Mostly say, hooray for our side
Many people are supporting or cheering on one particular group or viewpoint
Paranoia strikes deep
Fear and suspicion are causing individuals to feel anxious or uncertain
Into your life it will creep
These negative feelings and attitudes can slowly take over a person's mindset
It starts when you're always afraid
This type of paranoia can begin when someone experiences frequent feelings of fear or unease
You step out of line, the man come and take you away
Behaving in a way that's seen as a threat or challenge to authority could result in punishment or consequences
We better stop, hey, what's that sound
We should take action and work towards resolving the situation before it escalates further
Stop, hey, what's that sound
We need to pay attention and acknowledge what's occurring
Stop, now, what's that sound
It's crucial that we take steps to address the situation and seek resolution
Stop, children, what's that sound
Everyone, including younger people, should be involved in addressing the situation, as it affects everyone
Everybody look what's going down
We must all be aware of and involved in responding to the situation at hand
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stephen Stills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind