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, eh eh

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, oh oh oh

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
Yeah, what's going on
Ah, what's going on

In the mean time
Right on, baby
Right on brother
Right on babe

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 oh

Picket lines and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
C'mon talk to me
So you can see
What's going on
Yeah, what's going on
Tell me what's going on
I'll tell you what's going on, ooh ooh ooh ooh
Right on baby
Right on baby


Lyrics submitted by yuri_sucupira

What's Going On Lyrics as written by Marvin P Gaye Alfred W Cleveland

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, O/B/O DistroKid, Capitol CMG Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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What's Going On song meanings
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24 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment

    This song means so much to me, not least because my father used to have this playing all the time when i was a kid.

    If you listen really closely you can hear so many different layers to this song, it is truly amazing. the emotion in Marvin's voice in this song is unparalleled by any other singer i have heard in recent years.

    The song speaks very openly and candidly about racism, war, sexism and even ageism.

    Marvin, wherever you are, what you've given to this world in this song is a lot. Thank God for you!!

    preshpearlon March 09, 2005   Link

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