Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On

Introduction:

In 1971, amidst a backdrop of social and political turmoil, a song emerged that would become an anthem for a generation yearning for peace and change. “What’s Going On,” the brainchild of the iconic soul singer Marvin Gaye, transcended the boundaries of genre to become a timeless commentary on war, poverty, and injustice.

Gaye, known for his smooth vocals and romantic ballads on the legendary Motown label, experienced a creative shift in the late 1960s. Witnessing the horrors of the Vietnam War, the escalating racial tensions in the United States, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights, Gaye felt compelled to address these issues in his music. He pushed back against the bubblegum soul sound that Motown was known for, and with his frequent collaborator Renaldo “Obie” Benson, crafted a song that spoke directly to the anxieties of the time.

“What’s Going On” wasn’t just a song written by Gaye; it was a collaborative effort. The instrumental track, spearheaded by producer Marvin Pinché, featured a haunting melody played on the piano by Gaye himself, interwoven with a melancholic flute line and a driving drumbeat. The result was a soundscape that perfectly captured the introspective mood of the lyrics.

Gaye’s vocals on “What’s Going On” are a masterclass in soulful expression. He begins with a quiet, almost questioning tone, asking the titular question – “Mother, mother, there over seas, Is there something wrong in the land of the free?” As the song progresses, his voice builds in intensity, reflecting the growing frustration and anger at the state of the world. Yet, amidst the despair, there’s a flicker of hope. The song ends with a plea for unity and a return to love – “Pick up the phone, call your brother, home across the sea.”

“What’s Going On” was a critical and commercial success. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and spent a staggering seventeen weeks at number one on the Billboard R&B chart. The song earned Gaye a Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and has since been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it number six on their list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, a testament to its lasting impact on music history.

“What’s Going On” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone. Its message of peace, love, and social justice continues to resonate with listeners across generations. The song serves as a reminder of the power of music to challenge the status quo and inspire positive change.

Video:

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