What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye, released in 1971, is a powerful response to the social and political turmoil of the time, including the Vietnam War, civil rights struggles, and widespread poverty. The song was deeply personal to Gaye, inspired by his experiences, including witnessing police brutality during a protest. It addresses critical issues such as peace, environmental degradation, and social injustice, urging listeners to empathize with one another.

Initially, the song was rejected by Motown Records because its political message was deemed too controversial, but it went on to become a major commercial and critical success. Today, “What’s Going On” is celebrated as one of the greatest songs in music history.

This song marked a pivotal moment in Marvin Gaye’s career, as it was his first self-produced album, and it solidified his status as a socially conscious artist. The inspiration for the song stemmed from a mix of personal pain and the pressing issues Gaye saw around him.

Despite initial resistance from Motown’s founder, Berry Gordy, who felt the song’s political content would hinder its commercial appeal, the album became a landmark in both the artist’s career and the genre of soul music.

Lyrics

Mother, motherThere’s too many of you cryingBrother, brother, brotherThere’s far too many of you dyingYou know we’ve got to find a wayTo bring some lovin’ here today, yeah

Father, fatherWe don’t need to escalateYou see, war is not the answerFor only love can conquer hateYou know we’ve got to find a wayTo bring some lovin’ here today

Picket lines and picket signsDon’t punish me with brutalityTalk to meSo you can seeOh, 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, babyRight on, babyRight on

Mother, motherEverybody thinks we’re wrongOh, but who are they to judge usSimply ’cause our hair is longOh, you know we’ve got to find a wayTo bring some understanding here today

Picket lines and picket signsDon’t punish me with brutalityCome on talk to meSo you can seeWhat’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 onRight on, babyRight on, baby, right on