For What It's Worth
RDM (ft. Onerepublic) 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
The song "For What It's Worth" was written by legendary musician Stephen Stills in response to the Sunset Strip curfew riots that occurred in Los Angeles in 1966. The song has a simple message: something is happening in society, and we need to pay attention to what's going on.
The opening lines of the song, "There's something happening here / What it is ain't exactly clear" set the tone for the rest of the song. With the mention of a "man with a gun over there, telling me I got to beware," Stills is painting a picture of police presence and tension in the streets.
Stills' call to action is directed specifically at young people, encouraging them to speak their minds despite the resistance they may face. The chorus repeats the phrase "stop, hey, what's that sound / everybody look what's going down," urging people to pay attention and take action.
Overall, "For What It's Worth" has become a timeless classic, with its message still resonating with listeners today.
Line by Line Meaning
There's something happening here
There are events occurring right now that are significant.
What it is ain't exactly clear
The current situation isn't entirely understood or obvious.
There's a man with a gun over there
There is someone with a weapon present in the situation.
Telling me I got to beware
This person is warning me to be cautious.
I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound
It's necessary to pause and pay attention to the noise we're hearing.
Everybody look what's going down
Everybody needs to be aware of what's happening in the situation.
There's battle lines being drawn
Groups are forming and taking sides in this conflict.
Nobody's right if everybody's wrong
No one is truly correct if everyone is misguided or biased.
Young people speaking their minds
The younger generation is voicing their opinions and beliefs.
Getting so much resistance from behind
They are facing opposition and pushback from those who disagree with them.
It's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
It's necessary to stop and listen to what we are hearing right now.
Everybody look what's going down
Everyone needs to pay attention to what's happening in the current situation.
What a field-day for the heat
The authorities are having a good time with all of the chaos occurring.
A thousand people in the street
There are many individuals protesting or involved in the situation.
Singing songs and carrying signs
They are expressing themselves through music and picket signs.
Mostly say, hooray for our side
Their messages are generally in support of their own team or movement.
It's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
It's necessary to pause and listen to what's happening.
Everybody look what's going down
Everyone needs to take notice of what's happening in the current situation.
Paranoia strikes deep
Anxiety and fear are making a deep impact and causing division.
Into your life it will creep
These emotions will seep into all facets of your life and affect your day-to-day behavior.
It starts when you're always afraid
It all begins with being continuously scared or anxious.
You step out of line, the man come and take you away
Breaking any rules or going against authority will lead to punishment.
We better stop, hey, what's that sound
It's crucial for us to pause and pay attention to what we're hearing.
Everybody look what's going down
Everyone needs to take notice of what's happening in the current situation.
Stop, hey, what's that sound
We need to stop and listen to what's happening around us.
Everybody look what's going down
Everyone needs to take notice of what's happening in the current situation.
Stop, now, what's that sound
It's important to pay attention and stop what we're doing to listen to the sounds around us.
Everybody look what's going down
Everyone needs to acknowledge and take notice of what's happening in the current situation.
Stop, children, what's that sound
We need to stop the younger generation and listen to what they're saying.
Everybody look what's going down
Everyone needs to take notice of what's happening in the current situation.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stephen Stills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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