What's Going On?
The Van Jets Lyrics


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My working days are over and I might live somewhere
Tomorrow on my shoulders another day to bear
Forever and all over I feel like
Johnny
Day
My face upon a poster in some window in
Calais
Time hangs heavy on my hands and my footsteps’re uninspired
Kicked out of the bars where I’m a drunkard and a liar
Crying like a dog lost in the night

What is going on?
What is going on?
Is it something in your words of have I got it wrong?
Falling on the ground falling underground
Where I cannot speak a word cannot make a sound

I woke up from a short dream with a dazed look in my eyes
Until darkness pulled me under and took me for a ride
Someone said
Time hangs heavy on your hand and your footsteps uninspired
Travelling through the depths of your mind where you just cannot hide
Crying like a dog lost in the night
What’s going on?




Oh what’s going on?
Oh what’s going o o o o on…

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Van Jets' song "What's Going On?" seem to express a feeling of restlessness and uncertainty. The singer has left their working days behind and is facing the unknowns of tomorrow. They feel like "Johnny Day," perhaps a reference to the song "Johnny B. Goode" and the idea of a restless wanderer searching for meaning in life. The reference to their face being on a poster in Calais suggests that they are some sort of outlaw or misfit, seeking escape or refuge in a new place.


The singer of the song also seems to be struggling with mental turmoil, feeling uninspired and kicked out of bars where they are seen as a drunkard and a liar. They cry like a lost dog in the night, perhaps feeling isolated and disconnected from others. The repetition of the question "What's going on?" suggests a search for answers or understanding, as if the singer is trying to make sense of their situation and their place in the world.


Overall, the lyrics to "What's Going On?" seem to capture a feeling of restlessness and unease that many people can identify with. The singer is facing an uncertain future, struggling with personal demons, and searching for meaning and connection in their life.


Line by Line Meaning

My working days are over and I might live somewhere
I am no longer employed and have no permanent home.


Tomorrow on my shoulders another day to bear
Every day feels like a burden and I don't see any relief.


Forever and all over I feel like Johnny Day
I feel lost and uncertain, like an aimless wanderer.


My face upon a poster in some window in Calais
I feel forgotten and alone, like my only trace is a poster in a distant place.


Time hangs heavy on my hands and my footsteps’re uninspired
I feel stuck and unproductive, unable to move forward.


Kicked out of the bars where I’m a drunkard and a liar
I have been rejected and ostracized from the only places where I feel welcome.


Crying like a dog lost in the night
I feel utterly helpless and vulnerable, like an animal in distress.


What is going on?
I am confused and seeking answers to my current situation.


Is it something in your words of have I got it wrong?
I am questioning if my understanding of the world is incorrect or if my interpretation of others is flawed.


Falling on the ground falling underground
I feel like I am descending into a dark, bottomless pit of despair.


Where I cannot speak a word cannot make a sound
I feel silenced and unable to express myself.


I woke up from a short dream with a dazed look in my eyes
I am disoriented and unsure of reality.


Until darkness pulled me under and took me for a ride
I am consumed by feelings of negativity and depression.


Someone said
Someone attempted to offer me advice or guidance.


Time hangs heavy on your hand and your footsteps uninspired
I am reminded that my lack of direction and productivity is causing me difficulty.


Travelling through the depths of your mind where you just cannot hide
I am confronting my innermost struggles and fears that I cannot ignore.


Crying like a dog lost in the night
I am still overwhelmed and suffering, regardless of any advice or guidance given.


What’s going on?
I am still seeking answers and resolution in my current state.


Oh what’s going on?
My sense of unease and confusion persists.


Oh what’s going o o o o on…
My feelings of frustration and despair persist without relief.




Contributed by Evelyn T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Nick Van Elslander

Live waren ze zalig! Staat bij de top concerten.

Cedric Mestdag

Novarock was zo af ! een van de mooiste momenten uit mijn leven. Bedankt ! Je n'arrive pas à trouver un mot qui exprime mon amour pour cette chanson ;)

martijn salomez

ik eb ze gezien op grensrock ze zijn echt goe live

Jonas Vandenabeele

erg mooie video, zit goed in elkaar.

Yoran Cambier

wa kan er nu aan goede simpele rock tippen !

Elisabet Okmen

@H8000addicted Live is het idd zoooo veel innemender

ottooke007

op de lokerse feestn e moat :D

Roderik Iserbyt

Ah dees is nie aan te horen... (eigenlijk wel > lees verder) Maar live is dit 100000000000000000000000000x beter die mastering trekt op nie te veel... jammer van zo'n talent

Lennert De Clercq

de ruwheid is zo zalig...

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