For What It's Worth
Stephen Stills & Neil Young Lyrics
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But 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?
There's battle lines being drawn
And 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 saying, "Hooray for our side"
It'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
Step out of line, the men 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?
We better stop
Children, what's that sound?
Everybody look, what's going down?
"For What It's Worth" is a song by Stephen Stills of Buffalo Springfield. The song, which is now considered a protest anthem, was written and recorded in response to a riot on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. The song's lyrics reflect a time of social unrest and political upheaval in the United States in the 1960s.
The opening lines "There's something happening here, but what it is ain't exactly clear" sets the tone for the rest of the song. The lyrics suggest that there is something stirring among the people, but no one is really sure what it is. The mention of the "man with a gun over there" suggests the police presence at the Sunset Strip riots.
The chorus "It's time we stop, hey, what's that sound, everybody look what's going down" reflects the confusion and chaos of the situation. The battle lines being drawn and the resistance from behind suggest the growing opposition between the younger generation and the establishment. The line "What a field day for the heat, a thousand people in the street" reinforces the idea that the police are not seen as allies in this conflict.
The lyrics "Paranoia strikes deep, into your life it will creep, it starts when you're always afraid, step out of line, the men come and take you away" suggest the fear and intimidation felt by people during this time. The message of the song encourages people to pay attention to what is happening around them and to take action to stop it.
Line by Line Meaning
There's something happening here
There is a situation occurring but specific details are unknown.
But what it is ain't exactly clear
It is difficult to discern exactly what is happening.
There's a man with a gun over there
Someone has a weapon.
Telling me I got to beware
This person is warning others about something dangerous or potentially harmful.
I think it's time we stop
It is time to take action and stop whatever is happening.
Children, what's that sound?
Asking for clarification or to draw attention to a noticeable something.
Everybody look, what's going down?
Asking for others to observe what is happening.
There's battle lines being drawn
Different camps or allegiances are being established.
And nobody's right if everybody's wrong
If everyone is misguided or mistaken, there is no correct answer or side.
Young people speaking their minds
Young people are sharing their thoughts and opinions.
Getting so much resistance from behind
They are facing opposition or pushback from those behind them.
It's time we stop
It is time for action.
Hey, what's that sound?
Asking others to listen or pay attention to something.
Everybody look, what's going down?
Encouraging others to observe and take notice of what is happening.
What a field day for the heat
Law enforcement or authority figures are benefitting from the situation.
A thousand people in the street
There are many people participating or affected by the situation.
Singing songs and carrying signs
People are protesting or expressing themselves through music and visuals.
Mostly saying, 'Hooray for our side'
People are showing their support for one side of the issue.
Paranoia strikes deep
Fear is deeply ingrained.
Into your life it will creep
This fear will slowly consume the individual's perspectives and possibly change their way of living.
It starts when you're always afraid
The process of being consumed by fear starts when one is always scared and in panic.
Step out of line, the men come and take you away
If one doesn't follow the established rules, consequences will occur.
We better stop
There is a need to take action right away and solve the ongoing issue.
Now, what's that sound?
It is time to identify the source of the noise and give it attention.
Everybody look, what's going down?
Once again, encouraging others to observe and identify what is happening
Children, what's that sound?
Calling for attention in a less serious manner for children.
Everybody look, what's going down?
Asking everyone to look out and recognize the situation around them
Contributed by Kennedy H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ronaldbourgeois1255
Love the song.
@lindaphelanthompson7455
Thanks Dror
@EdwardCharles-we8ez
Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan ? Have a great day....
@rosihosch1746
Einfach grandios; diese Musik das Beste!!!!
@IagoRodriguezDopico
What a fucking legend (s)
@kathrynscafuro992
It’s the message. Still the same no matter the age of the words or the great musicians. Changing the world one human at a time.
@petersheely7246
👍👍
@johnpower2018
Nice to hear but those two look OLD!!! Oh wait. They are. But then of course so am I because I remember when these songs first came out...
@danburke9164
Time to give it up!
@FirewindII
1) Who'd have thought that the meaning of this song would ever flip?*
2) Gentlemen, please take care of yourselves!!
*To be clear, back then it was Sunset Blvd. Now, it's Jan. 6.
ETA: Are Young's pickups even working most of the time?!