About the song
Marvin Gaye’s landmark album, “What’s Going On,” released on May 21, 1971, stands as a towering achievement in the realms of soul and social commentary. Produced amidst a backdrop of personal and societal turmoil, it marked a pivotal moment not only for Gaye’s career but also for the trajectory of popular music.
The album, recorded in sessions across Detroit and West Hollywood, was a departure from Gaye’s previous work both sonically and thematically. It became his first album where he received credit as a producer, showcasing his growing autonomy within Motown Records. The record also prominently featured Motown’s session musicians, the Funk Brothers, lending a cohesive musical backdrop to Gaye’s introspective lyrics.
“What’s Going On” is more than just an album; it’s a concept album, where each song seamlessly transitions into the next, creating a narrative arc that explores pressing social issues of the era. From the title track, which addresses the disillusionment of a returning Vietnam veteran, to “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology),” which highlights environmental concerns, and “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler),” which delves into urban poverty, Gaye’s lyrics are poignant and socially conscious.
Upon its release, the album resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. It spent over a year on the Billboard charts, becoming Gaye’s second number-one album on the Soul LPs chart. The title track and subsequent singles such as “Mercy Mercy Me” and “Inner City Blues” all achieved top ten status on the Billboard Hot 100, a remarkable feat that underscored Gaye’s impact as an artist willing to tackle complex themes through his music.
Critically acclaimed from the start, “What’s Going On” has continued to receive accolades over the decades. It is often cited as one of the greatest albums of all time, a sentiment echoed by music historians, critics, and fans worldwide. In 1985, it was named the best album ever by the NME, and in 2020, Rolling Stone ranked it at the top of their “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” list.
Beyond its musical and cultural significance, “What’s Going On” represents Marvin Gaye’s personal journey—a testament to his resilience and artistic integrity in the face of adversity. Through its seamless blend of soul, jazz, and social commentary, the album remains a timeless reflection of its era and a poignant reminder of the power of music to provoke thought and inspire 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