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 lyrics to "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield, as interpreted by RDM ft. OneRepublic, describe the feeling of unrest and confusion that characterized the late 1960s in America. The song is a call to action, urging young people to pay attention to the world around them and take a stand against the forces of authority and oppression.
The opening lines capture the sense of tension and danger that permeated the era, with a "man with a gun" warning the singer to be wary. The chorus urges listeners to pay attention to the "sound" of what's happening and to take action to stop it. The second verse echoes the sense of division and conflict, with "battle lines being drawn" and young people facing "resistance" from those in power.
The third verse introduces the theme of paranoia, warning that "it starts when you're always afraid." Ultimately, the song is a rallying cry for anyone who feels disaffected and powerless in the face of the larger forces shaping society.
Line by Line Meaning
There's something happening here
There is some event or situation occurring here that demands attention and observation
What it is ain't exactly clear
The nature and the details of this occurrence are not precisely understood
There's a man with a gun over there
There is a person with a weapon in that area
Telling me I got to beware
Warning me to be cautious and watchful
I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound
I believe it is necessary that we halt our activities, youngsters, can you hear that noise?
Everybody look what's going down
Everyone around should pay attention to what's happening in this situation
There's battle lines being drawn
Two sides are taking positions, indicating a hostile situation
Nobody's right if everybody's wrong
When everyone is incorrect, no one has an actual advantage
Young people speaking their minds
The youth are expressing their thoughts and ideas
Getting so much resistance from behind
Encountering a lot of opposition from opponents or people who do not agree
It's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
It's crucial that we end everything, and listen, do you hear that noise?
Everybody look what's going down
Everyone everywhere, be aware of what's happening currently
What a field-day for the heat
The authorities or law enforcement officers are very busy during this situation
A thousand people in the street
Several individuals are gathered together in the street
Singing songs and carrying signs
Singing and holding posters or signs to broadcast their message
Mostly say, hooray for our side
Mostly what they say is hailing and supporting their group or faction
It's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
it's necessary that we stop now, and pay attention, do you hear that noise?
Everybody look what's going down
Everyone everywhere should observe and note what exactly is happening
Paranoia strikes deep
Extreme fear or suspicion has taken hold deeply
Into your life it will creep
It will slowly and gradually affect your life and thoughts
It starts when you're always afraid
It begins when you're in a state of persistent fear and anxiety
You step out of line, the man come and take you away
If you act against the opinion of authorities, they would come and arrest you
We better stop, hey, what's that sound
It's high time we stop now, and be attentive, do you hear that noise?
Everybody look what's going down
Everyone should observe and interpret what is happening in this situation
Stop, hey, what's that sound
Stop now and listen. Can you hear that noise?
Everybody look what's going down
Everyone needs to watch, know, and assess what is happening
Stop, now, what's that sound
Halt now, concentrate, and pay attention, Can you hear that noise?
Everybody look what's going down
Everyone should be aware of, and informed about what exactly is transpiring
Stop, children, what's that sound
Children, stop the action, and listen, What's making that sound?
Everybody look what's going down
Everyone everywhere, watch and pay attention to the situation
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stephen Stills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind