The word "Muppet" itself was said by Henson to have been created by combining the words "marionette" and "puppet"; however, Henson was also known to have stated that it was just something he liked the sound of, and he made up the "marionette/puppet" story while talking to a journalist because it sounded plausible.
Muppets are distinguished from ventriloquist "dummies", which are typically animated only in the head and face, in that their arms or other features are also mobile and expressive. Muppets are typically made of softer materials. They are also presented as being independent of the puppeteer, who is usually not visible, hidden behind a set or outside of the camera frame.
For What It's Worth
The Muppets Lyrics
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Miscellaneous
For What It's Worth
There's something happening here
What it is ain't exactly clear
There's a man with a gun over there
Telling me
I've got to beware
Think it's time we
STOP! Hey
What's that sound
Everybody look what's going down ...
There's battle lines being drawn
Nobody's right, if everybody's wrong
People speaking their minds
Getting so much resistance
From behind
Think it's time we
STOP! Hey
What's that sound
Everybody look what's going down ...
Singing songs and carrying signs
Getting so much resistance
From behind
Think 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 shoot you down
Think it's time we
STOP! Hey
What's that sound
Stop and take a look around
Hey! What's that sound
Look what's going down.
The Muppets's song "For What It's Worth" tackles the issues of political unrest that dominated America in the 60s. The song opens with the singer acknowledging that there's something happening, and although the events aren't clear, the man with a gun staring at him is a clear indication that something is amiss. In the second verse, the singer talks about the battle lines being drawn, and although nobody can claim the moral high ground, they are all fighting for their ideals.
In the chorus, the singer urges everyone to stop and listen to the commotion, indicating that something big is happening, and they need to be aware of the situation. The third and final verse talks about the paranoia and fear that plagues individuals, prompting them to stay in line or risk being shot by the authorities. The song's message is crystal clear, asking individuals to be aware of their surroundings and to remain vigilant in the face of political unrest.
Overall, "For What It's Worth" serves as a warning to Americans that they need to stay alert during the political turmoil, or else they might end up being the next victim of the unjust system.
Line by Line Meaning
There's something happening here
There's a sense of change or upheaval in the air
What it is ain't exactly clear
It's hard to pinpoint exactly what's happening or why
There's a man with a gun over there
There's someone armed and potentially dangerous present
Telling me
I've got to beware
Warning me to be on guard and cautious
Think it's time we
STOP! Hey
What's that sound
Everybody look what's going down ...
Suggesting that it's time for everyone to pause and take notice of what's happening
There's battle lines being drawn
People are taking sides or forming opposing factions
Nobody's right, if everybody's wrong
If everyone is so entrenched in their beliefs, there can be no real answers or solutions
People speaking their minds
Getting so much resistance
From behind
Those who express their opinions are facing pushback or opposition from unknown sources
Singing songs and carrying signs
Getting so much resistance
From behind
Even peaceful or artistic forms of protest are being met with hostility
Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you're always afraid
A sense of fear can be all-consuming and begin to dictate a person's life
Step out of line
The Men come and shoot you down
Disobeying or going against the established order can have deadly consequences
Think it's time we
STOP! Hey
What's that sound
Stop and take a look around
Reiterating the call to pay attention and assess the situation
Hey! What's that sound
Look what's going down.
Another plea for people to wake up and realize what's happening
Writer(s): STILLS STEPHEN A
Contributed by Alexis H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@harleyludy6596
My favorite thing about the Muppet Show is the poignant, quiet moments like this. The Muppet Show, while it had the ability to be funny, also has the ability to convey very powerful messages.
@amandak84
I remember watching this when I was just a little kid. This has stuck with me ever since for some reason.
@tanyapetersen7238
I remember seeing this when it aired, and ever since then I always play this in my head when I hear the real song.
@johnforeman634
Haha, I love that they portray hunters as bumbling idiots.
@karenbrown2135
I love The Muppet Show. I would watch it all the time back in the day.
@Rooie1961
Wow even the writers of the Muppet Show get that Hunting is reeking havoc on nature... a most brilliant video and message... ty for sharing this... as an Animal rights activist, it's really encouraging to even know this kind of video is out here ... mgf
@radical_accpt
Whoa... very interesting... not how I remember it, but... respect for the art 🎨
@thequackateers9300
Jerry Nelson is a great singer.
@TheTruthseeker1954
Thanks very much for putting up this video. Very much.
@Aster_Iris
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