In 1998, a mutual friend introduced Victor to the Grammy-nominated producer/songwriter, Kashif (Kenny G, George Benson, Whitney Houston), which led to their collaboration on his debut album, Promise (1999). Released on Victor's independent label, Regina Records, the CD gained impressive reviews and a strong cult following. In 2002, Victor followed with the disc, 52nd Street, produced by famed guitarist, Chris Camozzi (Mariah Carey, Michael Bolton).
The CD, with featured guests Chris Botti, Jeff Lorber, Nelson Braxton and Gerald Albright received critical acclaim and landed at #12 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart.
In 2005, Fields and Camozzi once again collaborated on the "Victor" CD. A collection of contemporary interpretations of jazz standards and compositions by celebrated songwriters Diane Warren, Stevie Wonder, Vince Gill and Chuck Loeb, the disc also highlighted Victor's mastery of a wide offering of musical styles ranging from contemporary jazz, R&B and adult pop to even theatrical Broadway-esque tunes.
With his latest release Thinking of You, Victor once again showcases his gifts as a song master in action featuring smooth jazz stars Richard Elliot, Jeff Lorber, and Rick Brausn. The first two singles are receiving international radio airplay and placed in the top 10 on the Indie Smooth Jazz and in the top 30 on the Urban AC Radio and Records Charts.
WHAT'S GOING ON featuring Chris Camozzi
Victor Fields 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 lyrics of "What's Going On" by Victor Fields featuring Chris Camozzi speak about the various social issues that affected humanity at the time of its release. The song urges peace, love, understanding, and unity in the face of conflict, oppression, and inequality. The first verse mentions the crying and dying of too many people, urging the need for love to bring about change. The second verse directly addresses the issue of war, with a plea for fathers to stop escalating conflicts as war is not the answer. The bridge talks about picket lines and picket signs, which signify protest, but the song urges these protests to be non-violent and instead promote dialogue and understanding. The song ends on a positive note of hope that understanding and change can be achieved.
The song was originally recorded by Marvin Gaye in 1971 but was later covered by multiple artists. This rendition by Victor Fields was his tribute to the original song and its message. The song was released on the album "52nd Street" in 2004. To this day, the messages behind the song still hold weight, as issues of socio-political inequality and conflicts around the world continue to persist.
Line by Line Meaning
Mother, mother
There's too many of you crying
Addressing mothers who are crying over the loss of their sons.
Brother, brother, brother
There's far too many of you dying
Addressing brothers who are dying in wars and conflicts.
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some lovin' here today, yea
Stressing the need to bring love and compassion to counter the suffering and pain.
Father, father
We don't need to escalate
Addressing fathers to avoid escalating conflicts and wars.
You see, war is not the answer
For only love can conquer hate
Emphasizing that violence and war cannot solve anything, only love can overcome hatred.
Picket lines and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
Requesting to be treated with respect and compassion, even during demonstrations and protests.
Talk to me, so you can see
Oh, what's going on
Urging people to engage in constructive dialogue to understand the problems and issues.
Ya, what's going on
Ah, what's going on
Expressing confusion and concern about the state of the world.
In the mean time
Right on, baby
Right on
Right on
Encouraging people to keep moving forward with positive energy and attitudes.
Father, father, everybody thinks we're wrong
Oh, but who are they to judge us
Simply because our hair is long
Challenging the stereotypes and prejudices against people with long hair and unconventional looks or ideas.
Oh, you know we've got to find a way
To bring some understanding here today
Oh
Stressing the importance of building mutual understanding and trust among people.
Tell me what's going on
I'll tell you what's going on - Uh
Right on baby
Right on baby
Expressing the desire to learn more about the current situation and provide helpful solutions.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Alfred W Cleveland, Marvin P Gaye, Renaldo Benson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind