About the song
“For What It’s Worth (Stop, Hey What’s That Sound)” by Buffalo Springfield stands as an enduring anthem of the 1960s counterculture movement. Written by Stephen Stills and recorded hastily in response to the civil unrest on Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip in late 1966, the song captured the essence of youthful dissent and societal tensions of the era.
Released as a single in December 1966, “For What It’s Worth” quickly gained traction, peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart by early 1967. Its success was bolstered by its timely reflection of the Sunset Strip curfew riots, where young people clashed with authorities over civil liberties. The song’s title, added later, was not mentioned in its lyrics but served to encapsulate the frustration and questioning spirit of the protests.
Stephen Stills, then part of Buffalo Springfield, drew inspiration from the palpable atmosphere of protest and upheaval in Hollywood, translating it into lyrics that resonated with a generation. The song’s production at Columbia Studios in Hollywood highlighted Neil Young’s distinctive guitar harmonics, further enhancing its iconic sound.
Despite its association with anti-war sentiments, “For What It’s Worth” was fundamentally a response to local political tensions rather than a direct commentary on the Vietnam War, as commonly misconstrued. Its impact transcended its origins, becoming a symbol of broader social change and a soundtrack for subsequent movements.
Recognized for its cultural significance, the song was later included in Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004, solidifying its place in music history. Over the years, it has been covered and sampled by various artists, underscoring its enduring relevance and influence across different musical genres.
“For What It’s Worth” remains a poignant reminder of an era marked by activism and cultural transformation, its legacy continuing to resonate through its music and enduring relevance in popular culture. As Buffalo Springfield’s most recognized work, the song continues to evoke the spirit of a tumultuous yet transformative period in American history.
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Lyrics
There’s something happening here
But what it is ain’t exactly clear
There’s a man with a gun over there
Telling me I got to beware
I think it’s time we stop
Children, what’s that sound?
Everybody look, what’s going down?
There’s battle lines being drawn
Nobody’s right if everybody’s wrong
Young people speaking their minds
Getting so much resistance from behind
It’s time we stop
Hey, what’s that sound?
Everybody look, what’s going down?
What a field day for the heat (Ooh ooh ooh)
A thousand people in the street (Ooh ooh ooh)
Singing songs and they carrying signs (Ooh ooh ooh)
Mostly say, “Hooray for our side” (Ooh ooh ooh)
It’s time we stop
Hey, what’s that sound?
Everybody look, what’s going down?
Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you’re always afraid
Step out of line, the men come and take you away
We better stop
Hey, what’s that sound?
Everybody look, what’s going down?
You better stop
Hey, what’s that sound?
Everybody look, what’s going down?
You better stop
Now, what’s that sound?
Everybody look, what’s going down?
You better stop
Children, what’s that sound?
Everybody look, what’s going down?