History
The group's music and unusual costuming (large Afros and white makeup) typified the then-popular trend of "psychedelic soul". A number of their singles became minor hits, and many of them were also songs for Whitfield's main act The Temptations, among them "You Make Your Own Heaven and Hell Right Here on Earth" and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone". Their single Top 40 hit in the United States was the ominous "Smiling Faces Sometimes", also originally recorded by The Temptations, which hit #3 on the US pop charts in 1971.
The Undisputed Truth, along with Rose Royce and Willie Hutch, followed Whitfield during his exodus from Motown to set up Whitfield Records in 1975. At this time, Calvin and Joyce left the group, and Harris was joined by new members Taka Boom, Tyrone "Lil Ty" Barkley, and Calvin "Dhaak" Stephenson. The group's costuming and style changed as well, becoming even more unusual and Funkadelic-influenced. However, the group had little success at the new label, and faded into obscurity after two more albums, although they charted in the UK in 1977 (#43) with the disco single "You + Me = Love" from the album Method to the Madness.
(from the Wikipedia Page)
What's Going On
The Undisputed Truth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
The Undisputed Truth's "What's Going On" is a powerful song that addresses the social and political issues that were prevalent in America, particularly during the era of the Vietnam War. The song begins with the lyrics "Mother, mother, there's too many of you crying. Brother, brother, brother, there's far too many of you dying." This line refers to the many mothers and brothers who were distraught and grief-stricken by the constant loss of life during the war.
The next set of lyrics talk about finding a solution to stop the violence and bring about love instead. The line "You know we've got to find a way to bring some lovin' here today" emphasizes the need for compassion and unity. The following verse appeals to fathers, urging them not to escalate the conflict and reminding them that war is not the answer. Instead, love is the only thing that can conquer hate.
The chorus of the song, "Picket lines and picket signs don't punish me with brutality. Talk to me so you can see what's going on," acknowledges the protests and demonstrations that were ongoing at the time. The song's message is that violence is not the answer, but rather an open dialogue and understanding is needed to resolve the issues at hand.
Line by Line Meaning
Mother, mother
Addressing the idea of mother as being the mother of all people or society.
There's too many of you crying
There are a lot of people hurting and in pain.
Brother, brother, brother
Addressing the idea of brother as being the brother of all people or society.
There's far too many of you dying
There are a lot of people dying in unnecessary ways.
You know we've got to find a way
Acknowledging the need to solve the problems at hand.
To bring some lovin' here today, yea
Recognizing that love and compassion is key to resolving issues.
Father, father
Addressing the idea of father as being the father of all people or society.
We don't need to escalate
There is no need to increase anger and violence.
You see, war is not the answer
Violence begets violence and does not solve any issues.
For only love can conquer hate
Love is the ultimate solution to the problem of hate.
Picket lines and picket signs
Protests and demonstrations.
Don't punish me with brutality
Do not react with violence towards peaceful protests.
Talk to me, so you can see
Communication can lead to understanding and resolution.
Oh, what's going on
Questioning what is happening around us.
Ya, what's going on
Reiterating the question.
In the mean time
In the interim.
Right on, baby
Encouraging and expressing enthusiasm.
Father, father, everybody thinks we're wrong
Acknowledging that some people have disagreements with the movement.
Oh, but who are they to judge us
Questioning the authority of those who judge the movement.
Simply because our hair is long
Arguing that appearance should not be a basis for judgment.
Oh, you know we've got to find a way
Reiterating the need to find a solution.
To bring some understanding here today
To promote comprehension and empathy.
Tell me what's going on
Asking for more information about what is happening.
I'll tell you what's going on - Uh
Offering to provide more information.
Right on baby
Encouraging and expressing enthusiasm.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Alfred W Cleveland, Marvin P Gaye, Renaldo Benson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
primeminister51
This version is really dope and smashingly smoldering like a hot amber. I've heard several versions of this iconic song by Marvin Gaye from several artists, but this version by far ranks at the top of them all.
Oladele James
the undisputed truth albums were my favourites in the 70s. I just love their songs.
llama40204
Quite simply, one of the best cover versions of a song.
LíghtWõlf
A great group.. yes this was real music
Ibrahima Gabar Diop
De très vieux et bons souvenirs. Génial!
Mary Crowther
I really love this group when I was coming of age in the seventies.
stage7
WOW! I just GOT to thinking about THIS song, and remembered how I loved it! But I've never heard ANYTHING about it or 'them' ever, except for "Smiling Faces'! I decided to look this up here, and I found it. I MUST THANK You for uploading it! I've always had a liking for their version...... not necessarily the WAY they sang it, but for the 'groove' it had, which really reminds me of The Supremes!
Andy White
I must say this is a great version it reminds me of my youth they don`t make them like this nowadays I wish this music would all come back
GL AnnapolisTeam
+Andy White yes friend. I remember hearing this a few times on urban radio in the early 70s. Great re-working of a great song. Doesn't the lead male voice sound a little like Jerry Butler? Peace!
Andrew White
Simpley the best