For What It's Worth
Unveiling Social Unrest: Decoding the Message in 'For What It's Worth'
Lyrics
There's something happening here
Observation of a significant event or change.
What it is ain't exactly clear
Uncertainty about the nature of the happening.
There's a man with a gun over there
Presence of a threatening figure with a gun.
Telling me I got to beware
Being warned to be cautious or vigilant.
I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound
Suggesting a need for collective action and attention.
Everybody look what's going down
Encouraging everyone to be aware of the unfolding situation.
There's battle lines being drawn
Indication of conflict with opposing sides.
Nobody's right if everybody's wrong
Expressing the idea that nobody is right if everyone is wrong.
Young people speaking their minds
Recognition of young people expressing their opinions.
Getting so much resistance from behind
Facing resistance and opposition from others.
It's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
Reiteration of the need to stop and pay attention.
Everybody look what's going down
Emphasizing the importance of collective awareness.
What a field-day for the heat
Describing a chaotic situation or conflict.
A thousand people in the street
Large gathering of people, possibly in protest.
Singing songs and carrying signs
People expressing themselves through songs and signs.
Mostly say, hooray for our side
Recognition of factionalism or polarization.
It's s time we stop, hey, what's that sound
Reiterating the call to stop and take notice.
Everybody look what's going down
Encouraging collective awareness of the ongoing events.
Paranoia strikes deep
Introducing the theme of deep-seated paranoia.
Into your life it will creep
Warning that paranoia can infiltrate one's life.
It starts when you're always afraid
Identification of fear as a catalyst for paranoia.
You step out of line, the man come and take you away
Consequence of stepping out of societal norms.
We better stop, hey, what's that sound
Reiteration of the need to stop and pay attention.
Everybody look what's going down
Emphasizing collective awareness of the unfolding events.
Stop, hey, what's that sound
Repeating the call to stop and take notice.
Everybody look what's going down
Reiterating the importance of collective awareness.
Stop, now, what's that sound
Further emphasizing the need to stop and pay attention.
Everybody look what's going down
Stressing the significance of collective awareness.
Stop, children, what's that sound
Addressing the younger generation, urging them to be aware.
Everybody look what's going down
Final emphasis on the importance of collective awareness.
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