Richard Stephenson, better known as Richie Stephens, born December 5, 1966 … Read Full Bio ↴Richard Stephenson, better known as Richie Stephens, born December 5, 1966 in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, Jamaica, is a R&B, dancehall and reggae singer and producer. In the early 90s Stephens was a part of the 2-time Grammy winning act Soul II Soul and had recorded at Motown, besides producing reggae records on VP and establishing his own label, Pot of Gold. Later that decade he published famed dancehall singles like "Winner", "Bus the Place" and the mock operatic "Slop Dem".

In 1998, Stephens album Winner was released on Greensleeves, produced by himself, Frenchie, Danny Brownie and Donovan Germain.

Stephens has sinced then focussed his music on Christian related themes.

In 2006, Stephens was rewarded the Jamaican Governor-General's Achievement Award for contributing to civic, social and recreational projects in and around the parish of Westmoreland.

What's Going On
Richie Stephens Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Mother, mother
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

We don't need to escalate
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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Richie Stephen's song "What's Going On" is a powerful call for peace, love, and understanding during a time of turmoil and violence. The opening lines, "Mother, mother, there's too many of you crying. Brother, brother, brother, there's far too many of you dying," immediately set the tone for the song's message. The repetition of "too many" emphasizes the urgency of finding a solution to the violence and injustice happening around us. Stephen's pleads for people to find a way to bring love and peace to society.

The lyrics continue to touch on issues of war, police brutality, and the misunderstanding of long-haired individuals being judged. Stephen's, through his lyrics, realizes that peace cannot come through violence. He begs for people to talk and understand each other to address these pressing issues. The last lines, "Tell me what's going on. I'll tell you what's going on," offer a hopeful resolution that understanding can be reached through open dialogue and compassion for others.

Overall, "What's Going On" is a timeless song that recognizes the value of promoting love and understanding. It serves as a reminder that we all have a role to play in helping create a more peaceful world.

Line by Line Meaning

Mother, mother There's too many of you crying
Addressing mothers who are crying while there are too many of them in such a state.

Brother, brother, brother There's far too many of you dying
Addressing brothers who are dying while there are too many of them in such a state.

You know we've got to find a way To bring some lovin' here today, yea
There is a need to find a way to introduce love to this situation.

Father, father We don't need to escalate
Addressing fathers stating that there is no need to continue with the use of force.

You see, war is not the answer For only love can conquer hate
War cannot be the solution as only love can conquer hate.

Picket lines and picket signs Don't punish me with brutality
Peaceful protests should not lead to violence and punishment.

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
Communication is key to understanding what's happening.

In the mean time Right on, baby Right on Right on
In the meantime, continue doing what's right.

Father, father, everybody thinks we're wrong Oh, but who are they to judge us Simply because our hair is long
Addressing fathers and stating that people judge them simply for having long hair even though everyone thinks they're wrong.

Oh, you know we've got to find a way To bring some understanding here today Oh
It's important to find a way to bring understanding to the situation.

Tell me what's going on I'll tell you what's going on - Uh Right on baby Right on baby
Asking to be informed and state that they will do what's right.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALFRED W CLEVELAND, MARVIN P GAYE, RENALDO BENSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS