“What’s Going On” is a landmark song recorded by Marvin Gaye in 1971. It stands as one of the most significant and influential tracks in the history of American popular music. Written by Marvin Gaye, Al Cleveland, and Renaldo Benson, the song addresses social and political issues of the time.
About The Song
Released as the title track of Marvin Gaye’s concept album, “What’s Going On,” the song became a critical and commercial success. The lyrics reflect Gaye’s concerns about war, racism, and social injustice. The song is framed as a conversation with a brother returning from the Vietnam War and explores the turbulence and challenges of the era.
“What’s Going On” is notable for its introspective and socially conscious lyrics, as well as its innovative production. Marvin Gaye’s layered vocals, the use of the Motown house band known as the Funk Brothers, and the incorporation of spoken-word segments contribute to the song’s unique and immersive sound.
The song was groundbreaking both in its musical and thematic elements. It marked a departure from traditional Motown sounds and became a powerful anthem for the civil rights and anti-war movements. “What’s Going On” is celebrated for its artistic achievement and its enduring relevance, remaining a powerful commentary on the social issues of its time and subsequent eras.
Video
Lyric
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Hey what’s happenin’?
Brother what’s up?
Hey how you doin’? (this is a big party man)
Yeah brother like summer, right on (I dig it)
Hey man what’s your name (my man)
Everything is everything (we gonna get down today boy)
Mother, mother
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, yeah
Father, father
We don’t need to escalate
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 (sister, sister)
Don’t punish me with brutality (sister, sister)
Talk to me (sister)
So you can see (sister)
Oh, what’s going on (what’s going on)
What’s going on (what’s going on)
What’s going on (what’s going on)
What’s going on (what’s going on)
Right on, baby
Right on
Right on baby
Mother, mother
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
Bring some understanding here today
Picket lines and picket signs (brother, brother)
Don’t punish me with brutality (brother, brother)
Come on talk to me (brother)
You can see (brother)
What’s going on (what’s going on)
Yeah, what’s going on (what’s going on)
Tell me what’s going on (what’s going on)
I’ll tell you ya, what’s going on (what’s going on)
Right on, baby, right on
Right on, baby
Right on, baby, c’mon, right on