What's Going On
Harmony in Turmoil: Unveiling the Message of 'What's Going On'
Lyrics
Mother, mother
Addressing the maternal figure, possibly symbolizing nurturing and care.
There's too many of you crying
Expressing concern about widespread sorrow and distress.
Brother, brother, brother
Calling out to a brother, highlighting the prevalence of death.
There's far too many of you dying
Noting the excessive number of deaths among brothers.
You know we've got to find a way
Advocating the need to find a solution to the problems.
To bring some lovin' here today, yeah
Emphasizing the urgency of introducing love into the world.
Father, father
Addressing the paternal figure, discouraging the escalation of conflict.
We don't need to escalate
Rejecting the idea of war as a solution.
War is not the answer
Asserting that love is the only force capable of overcoming hate.
For only love can conquer hate
Reiterating the need to bring love into the current situation.
You know we've got to find a way
Highlighting the importance of finding a resolution through love.
To bring some lovin' here today
Reemphasizing the urgency of introducing love into the world.
Picket lines and picket signs (sister!)
Mentioning protest actions and signs, possibly against injustice.
Don't punish me with brutality
Requesting not to be treated with violence or cruelty.
Talk to me so you can see
Encouraging communication to foster understanding.
Oh, what's going on!
Pose the central question: "What's going on?" expressing confusion and concern.
Mother, mother
Revisiting the maternal figure, addressing societal perceptions.
Everybody thinks we're wrong
Noting the widespread belief that they are wrong or misguided.
Oh, but who are they to judge us
Challenging judgment based on appearance, such as long hair.
Simply 'cause our hair is long
Emphasizing the need for love to address societal issues.
Oh, you know we've got to find a way
Reiterating the urgency of bringing love into the current situation.
To bring some lovin' here today
Stressing the importance of fostering love in the present context.
Picket lines and picket signs (brother!)
Recalling picket lines and signs, possibly symbolizing protest against injustice.
Don't punish me with brutality
Repeating the plea not to be treated with brutality.
Come on talk to me so you can see
Encouraging dialogue as a means to understand each other.
Oh, what's going on!
Reiterating the central question, expressing the need for understanding the current situation.
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