Somethin's Goin' On
Echoes of Unrest: Ian Hunter's Warning in 'Somethin's Goin' On'
Lyrics
The spirit of war is all around us
The presence or influence of war is pervasive in our surroundings.
'N' everybody knows somethin's goin' on
There is a shared awareness or acknowledgment that something significant is happening.
Fasten your seat belts - say goodbye to your mothers
Prepare for a turbulent ride, bid farewell to your mothers; hinting at potential danger or upheaval.
'Cause everybody knows somethin's goin' on
There is a collective awareness that something significant is underway.
Nuclear missiles - cover to cover
Refers to the presence of nuclear missiles, possibly indicating a heightened state of global tension.
Everybody knows somethin's goin' on
Everyone is aware that something important or alarming is occurring.
The world is a subway - all the leaders are muggers
Describes the world as a dangerous place, with leaders being likened to muggers.
'N' everybody knows somethin's goin' on
There is a general consensus that something significant is happening.
Well I say
Introduction to a personal statement or perspective from the speaker.
Roll up to the party - welcome to the show
Arriving at a social gathering, inviting people to witness the unfolding events.
We'll make you live in fear - then we'll make you disappear
A tactic of instilling fear and making individuals disappear; alluding to manipulation or control.
Somethin's goin' on 'n' everybody knows
Reiteration that something significant is happening and that everyone is aware of it.
What you got - what you got
Questioning or challenging possessions or status quo.
Everybody knows somethin's goin' on
Emphasizing the widespread awareness of ongoing events.
Most people got nothin' - a few got the lot
A contrast between those who have very little and those who possess a lot.
'N' everybody knows - it's still goin' on
Asserting that the acknowledged situation is still continuing.
Well I say
Reiteration of the personal perspective of the speaker.
Roll up to the circus - welcome to death row
Arriving at a place of impending danger, suggesting a connection to death row.
Just do what we say - then we'll blow you all away
Instructions to comply with authority, or face severe consequences.
Somethin's goin' on 'n' everybody knows
Reaffirmation that something significant is happening, and it is widely known.
What about hunger... are they just another number?
Pose a question about the significance of hunger and whether individuals affected are devalued.
We're all an endangered species
Statement on the vulnerability of humanity as a whole.
'N' everybody knows - it's still goin' on
Confirmation that the acknowledged situation is still ongoing.
Well I say
Reiteration of the personal perspective of the speaker.
Welcome to Thanksgiving - what we reap is what we sow
Symbolic reference to a holiday, suggesting a connection between gratitude and consequences.
We'll watch you die in vain from the safety of our plane
Observation of suffering from a position of safety, possibly indicating detachment or indifference.
Somethin's goin' on 'n' everybody knows
Restatement that something significant is happening, and it is widely known.
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