What's Going On?
Tom Hanks / Gary Sinise 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 song "What's Going On" by Tom Hanks and Gary Sinise is an expression of concern about the state of affairs in society. The song conveys a sense of sorrow and dismay at the continued suffering and violence experienced by people, especially through the themes of war and discrimination. The opening lines "Mother, mother, there's too many of you crying" suggest a deep sense of empathy for the suffering that has been too protracted.
The song emphasizes the need for love to conquer hate, and this is exemplified in the lines "For only love can conquer hate.You know we've got to find a way/ To bring some lovin' here today." There is also a call for understanding and respect, especially when it comes to cultural differences. The lines "Father, father, everybody thinks we're wrong/ Oh, but who are they to judge us/ Simply because our hair is long" is an appeal to society to embrace our differences and set aside "judgments."
In summary, the song "What's Going On" is an apt critique of the society's state with a strong emphasis on the need for love and respect, while also reiterating the call for peace and understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
Mother, mother
Addressing the concept of motherhood
There's too many of you crying
Expressing concern for the sorrow and suffering caused to mothers
Brother, brother, brother
Addressing brothers and the fraternal bond
There's far too many of you dying
Expressing sadness at the number of deaths among brothers
You know we've got to find a way
Highlighting the need for a solution
To bring some lovin' here today, yea
Advocating for an increase in love and positivity in the world
Father, father
Addressing fatherhood
We don't need to escalate
Arguing against escalation
You see, war is not the answer
Stating that war is not the solution
For only love can conquer hate
Advocating for love as the only way to overcome hate
Picket lines and picket signs
Referring to public protests
Don't punish me with brutality
Opposing aggressive response to protests
Talk to me, so you can see
Advocating for peaceful communication
Oh, what's going on
Questioning the current state of affairs
In the mean time
In the meantime until progress is made
Right on, baby
Expressing positive affirmation
Father, father, everybody thinks we're wrong
Addressing the perception of being misunderstood
Oh, but who are they to judge us
Expressing the idea that no one has the right to judge others
Simply because our hair is long
Referencing the counterculture movement of the 60s and 70s
To bring some understanding here today
Highlighting the need for understanding and empathy
Tell me what's going on
Asking for an explanation of current events
I'll tell you what's going on - Uh
Offering to share one's own perspective on the matter
Right on baby
Expressing positive affirmation
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALFRED W CLEVELAND, MARVIN P GAYE, RENALDO BENSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
gcHK47
Gary Sinise is an underrated actor, but an incredible human being. I don't think any other celebrity in Hollywood has done more for veterans than Gary.
Javier Rivera
gcHK47 you are totally right, i saw his foundation and it’s awesome.
Sandra Wats
Hi
Sandra Wats
Aerosmith it's amazing
Sandra Wats
Aerosmith
Chris Kalogeropouls
Gary is a class act. He is so genuine. His fame has not gone to his head.
Steve Meredith
Because he was never in the industry of filmmaking for fame or celebrity status.
Misty Padgett
Gary Sinise is so nice! I met him when his band came to play for the troops. I got to go on stage and dance with him playing base right beside me. When the song ended he stood at the end of the stage and shook all of our hands as we were going down. I reached out and hugged him and thanked him for coming to play. He smiled really big at me and said "You're welcome sweetheart." Best moment ever.
aalirillazz
That's amazing I salute you
Somee Dude
Gary is such a humble, graceful fellow. One of the greatest American actors and people.