Buffalo Springfield was a short-lived but highly famous folk rock band active in the late 1960s. The group included Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Richie Furay, Dewey Martin, and Bruce Palmer.

Despite releasing only three albums, the band helped shape the future of rock and introduced the world to major artists like Neil Young and Stills. Their ability to address social issues through music set them apart from many of their contemporaries.

About the Song

For What It’s Worth is about the tension and conflict between young people and police during the 1966 Sunset Strip curfew riots in Los Angeles. It captures the feeling of confusion, fear, and protest as the youth stood up against anti-loitering laws and police actions.

Though often linked to the Vietnam War, the song mainly reflects social unrest and the struggle for freedom during the 1960s counterculture era.

Read Full Lyrics of For What It’s Worth

Verse 1

There’s something happening here
But what it is ain’t exactly clear
There’s a man with a gun over there
A-telling me I got to beware

Chorus

I think it’s time we stop
Children, what’s that sound?
Everybody look what’s going down

Verse 2

There’s battle lines being drawn
And nobody’s right if everybody’s wrong
Young people speaking their minds
Are gettin’ so much resistance from behind

Chorus

It’s time we stop
Hey, what’s that sound?
Everybody look what’s going down

Verse 3

What a field day for the heat (Ooh-ooh-ooh)
A thousand people in the street (Ooh-ooh-ooh)
Singing songs and a-carryin’ signs (Ooh-ooh-ooh)
Mostly say, “Hooray for our side” (Ooh-ooh-ooh)

Chorus

It’s time we stopped
Hey, what’s that sound?
Everybody look what’s going down

Verse 4

Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life, it will creep
It starts when you’re always afraid
Step out of line, the man come and take you away

Chorus

We better stop
Hey, what’s that sound?
Everybody look what’s going
We better stop
Hey, what’s that sound?
Everybody look what’s going
We better stop
Now, what’s that sound?
Everybody look what’s going
We better stop
Children, what’s that sound?
Everybody look what’s going down

Similar Songs Like For What It’s Worth

If you appreciate music that stands the test of time with its message, these songs will connect just like For What It’s Worth.

• Mr. Soul: Starting with a gritty guitar riff, this song mixes rock and psychedelia. It highlights fame, confusion, and identity with sharp lyrics.
• Expecting to Fly: This gentle ballad carries a dreamlike atmosphere. The rich orchestration and emotional vocals make it one of their most haunting songs.
• Bluebird: With shifting tempos and layered acoustic guitars, this track moves through folk, rock, and jam-like sections in a truly unique style.

Similar Artists Like Buffalo Springfield

These bands and musicians helped define an era, bringing together heartfelt lyrics and unforgettable melodies just like Buffalo Springfield.

• Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
  Genre: Folk Rock / Classic Rock
  Top albums: Déjà Vu (1970), 4 Way Street (1971), CSN (1977)
• The Byrds
  Genre: Folk Rock / Psychedelic Rock
  Top albums: Mr. Tambourine Man (1965), Younger Than Yesterday (1967), The Notorious Byrd Brothers (1968)
• Simon & Garfunkel
  Genre: Folk / Pop
  Top albums: Sounds of Silence (1966), Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966), Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970)
• The Band
  Genre: Roots Rock / Americana
  Top albums: Music from Big Pink (1968), The Band (1969), Stage Fright (1970)
• Neil Young
  Genre: Rock / Folk Rock
  Top albums: After the Gold Rush (1970), Harvest (1972), Rust Never Sleeps (1979)

Frequently Asked Questions

Has For What It’s Worth Been Covered by Other Artists?

Yes, it has been covered by artists like Cher, Stevie Nicks, and Rush.

Was For What It’s Worth Used in Movies or TV?

Yes, it has appeared in films like “Forrest Gump” and TV shows about the 1960s.

Who Played the Iconic Guitar Harmonics in For What It’s Worth?

Neil Young is credited with playing the iconic guitar harmonics in the track, which are a key part of its distinctive sound.