What’s Going On
I heard a song the other day that took me back to another time when people were protesting in the streets, fighting and dying for their rights and freedom.
I just had to share the words of a talented and troubled musician who expressed through song, a stunningly relevant song from the early 70’s – “What’s Going On?” by Marvin Gaye.
His determination to be the artist who, influenced by events, causes, people, fears, joys and desires, etc., led him to pen a song whose lyrics bring an immediate comparison to what’s happening now when you listen to the words.
We’re reliving the 70’s all over again -Vietnam then, Iraq and Afghanistan now. (I suggest also listening to the words of the companion piece from a first time ever concept album – “What’s Happening Brother?”) Rather Unnerving I think you’ll find.
Marvin’s legacy as an artistic rebel and sensual romanticist is solid and secure. He was one of a kind and his songs are loved the world over, sung and re-sung by younger generations-OUR future generations.
Our generation, who feel, and will feel the sincerity of his struggle, the joy of his spirit and his message of peace, love and justice as we did way back then. Marvin Gaye, I salute you for Black History Month!
What’s Going On lyrics
Songwriters: Benson, Renaldo; Cleveland, Alfred; Gaye, Marvin;
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
Don’t punish me with brutality
Talk to me
So you can see
Oh, what’s going on
What’s going
What’s going on
What’s going on
Right on, baby
Right on
Right on
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
To bring some understanding here today
Picket lines and picket signs
Don’t punish me with brutality
Come on talk to me
So you can see
What’s going on
What’s going on
Tell me what’s going on
I’ll tell you ya, what’s going on
Right on, baby
Right on, baby
Right on, baby