What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye feels like it’s speaking directly to what’s happening around you.
Even decades after its release, this track still connects with listeners through its heartfelt words and emotional delivery.
Rather than focusing on division, Gaye calls for meaningful conversations and collective action to create a better society.
In this blog, we’ll look at the song, its meaning, memorable live performances, and a few artists and songs you might enjoy if this track speaks to you.
All About the Song “Whats Going On”
What’s Going On is one of Marvin Gaye’s most recognized songs and remains an important part of soul music history.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Album | What’s Going On |
| Release Year | 1971 |
| Genre | Soul, R&B |
| Songwriters | Marvin Gaye, Renaldo Benson, Al Cleveland |
| Duration | 3:53 |
Full Lyrics Breakdown
[Intro]
Hey, hey-hey
Hey, what’s happenin’?
Hey, brother, what’s happenin’?
Boy, this is a groovy party (Hey, how you doin’?)
Man, I can dig it
Yeah, brother, solid, right on
What’s happenin’?
Hey, man, what’s happening?
Woo
Everything is everything
We’re gonna do a get down today, boy, I’ll tell ya
[Verse 1]
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 loving here today, yeah
[Verse 2]
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 loving here today, oh (Oh)
[Chorus]
Picket lines (Sister) and picket signs (Sister)
Don’t punish me (Sister) with brutality (Sister)
Talk to me (Sister), so you can see (Sister)
Oh, what’s going on (What’s going on)
What’s going on (What’s going on)
Yeah, what’s going on (What’s going on)
Oh, what’s going on
[Post-Chorus]
Ah-ah-ah-ah (In the meantime, right on, baby)
Woo (Right on, baby), woo
Ah-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya, ya-ya-ya-ya-ya
Woo (Right on, baby, right on), woo
Ah-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya
Ba-da-boo-doo, boo-boo-boo-doo, boo-boo-boo
Ba-da-boo-boo-boo-doo, boo-boo-boo-ba-ba-do
[Verse 3]
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, oh-oh
[Chorus]
Picket lines (Brother) and picket signs (Brother)
Don’t punish me (Brother) with brutality (Brother)
Come on, talk to me (Brother), so you can see (Brother)
Oh, 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)
[Post-Chorus]
Woo-ooh-ooh-ooh (Right on, baby, right on)
Ah-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya, ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya
Woo, woo (Right on)
Ah-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya
Ba-da-boo-doo, boo-boo-boo-doo
Ba-da-boo-boo-boo-doo, ba-da-da-da-da-da-da
[Outro]
Woo (Right on, baby, come on, right on)
Ah-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya
Woo (Right on)
Listen, ah-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya
Da-boo-doo, boo-boo-boo-doo
Da-boo-boo-doo, boo-boo-boo
Meaning of the Song
Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On is a powerful plea for peace, compassion, and social understanding during a time of political unrest and division.
The song addresses issues such as war, police brutality, poverty, discrimination, and generational conflict, urging people to replace violence and hatred with love and dialogue.
Through lines about mothers grieving, brothers dying, and communities facing injustice, Gaye highlights the human cost of social problems while questioning why society remains divided.
Rather than offering anger or blame, the song calls for empathy, unity, and mutual respect.
Tracks Similar to What’s Going On
If What’s Going On is a song you keep coming back to, these tracks offer a similar mood, sound, and emotional connection.
1. People Get Ready by The Impressions
A soulful classic with a hopeful message and gentle musical arrangement. Its uplifting tone makes it a natural companion to Marvin Gaye’s work.
2. Lean on Me by Bill Withers
Focuses on friendship, support, and human connection. The straightforward lyrics and warm delivery make it easy to connect with.
3. Let’s Stay Together by Al Green
Features smooth vocals and heartfelt emotion throughout. The song carries the same comforting soul sound many listeners enjoy.
4. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) by Marvin Gaye
Shares similar themes and musical style with “What’s Going On.” The track reflects on social concerns through powerful lyrics and soulful vocals.
More Artists Like Marvin Gaye
If you like Marvin Gaye’s smooth vocals, soulful sound, and thoughtful songwriting, these artists are worth adding to your playlist.
1. Al Green: Known for his warm voice and emotional soul recordings that carry a similar feeling of sincerity.
2. Curtis Mayfield: Blends soul music with meaningful songwriting and memorable melodies.
3. Bill Withers brings simple yet heartfelt storytelling that connects easily with listeners.
4. Stevie Wonder: Combines soulful vocals with thoughtful themes and rich musical arrangements.
5. Donny Hathaway: Delivers emotional performances and a soulful style that fans of Marvin Gaye often appreciate.
Wrapping it Up
What’s Going On remains one of Marvin Gaye’s most meaningful recordings because of its heartfelt lyrics, memorable melody, and message centered on understanding and compassion.
It is the music that speaks about real-life concerns while still feeling personal and emotional.
More than five decades after its release, the song’s message continues to resonate with listeners facing many of the same challenges.
Its evergreen themes and thought-provoking lyrics have helped What’s Going On remain one of the most influential and socially conscious songs ever recorded.
