Marvin Gaye - What's Going On
"What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye is one of the most iconic songs in music history, released in 1971 as the title track of his album of the same name. The song tackles serious social issues, including poverty, war, racism, and the struggles of marginalized communities. It was inspired by Gaye's brother, who had just returned from the Vietnam War, as well as Gaye’s own growing awareness of social injustices in the world.
The song’s smooth, soulful melody contrasts with its heavy, introspective lyrics, and its introspective tone is what made it a groundbreaking track in the R&B and soul genres. "What's Going On" became a protest anthem and remains relevant today for its powerful message of compassion, understanding, and the need for social change.
Marvin Gaye What's Going On Lyrics
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 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, baby
Right on
Mother, mother
Everybody thinks we're wrong
Oh, but who are they to judge us
Simply 'cause 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)
Yeah, what's going on (What's going on)
Tell me what's going on (What's going on)
I'll tell you, what's going on (What's going on)
Right on, baby, right on
Right on, baby
Right on, baby, right on