What's Going On
The BB Band Lyrics

Mother, mother There's too many of you crying
Addressing all mothers, the singer recognizes that there are many who are grieving and crying.

Brother, brother, brother There's far too many of you dying
Addressing all brothers, the singer recognizes that there are too many lives lost due to war or violence.

You know we've got to find a way To bring some lovin' here today, yea
Recognizing the need for love and unity, the singer stresses that we must actively work towards it.

Father, father We don't need to escalate
Addressing all fathers, the singer argues that we must avoid any escalation of conflicts.

You see, war is not the answer For only love can conquer hate
The singer believes that war cannot solve anything, and that only love can stop the spread of hate.

Picket lines and picket signs Don't punish me with brutality
The singer doesn't believe in the use of violence to achieve any sort of change.

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
The singer wants people to communicate and understand one another's perspectives in order to address the issues affecting us all.

In the mean time Right on, baby Right on Right on
The singer agrees with positive action and empowerment towards change.

Father, father, everybody thinks we're wrong Oh, but who are they to judge us Simply because our hair is long
The singer recognizes the criticism faced by those who spoke out against the war, but argue that their appearance (e.g., long hair) should not dismiss their concerns.

Oh, you know we've got to find a way To bring some understanding here today Oh
The singer stresses the need for open-mindedness, listening, and understanding towards others who may have different opinions.

Tell me what's going on I'll tell you what's going on - Uh Right on baby Right on baby
The song concludes with a call for dialogue and discussion around the issues, while encouraging positivity and progress.