Marvin Gaye's 1971 hit "What's Going On" appeals to oldies fans.

The song What's Going On by Marvin Gaye was released in 1971 in response to the turbulent social and political issues of the time, including the Vietnam War and civil rights struggles. The song was also inspired by an incident where Gaye witnessed police brutality at a protest. 

The lyrics addressed themes of poverty, peace, and environmental degradation, while also encouraging empathy and understanding. The song was initially rejected by Motown Records for being too politically charged, but it became a critical and commercial success, and it is now considered one of the greatest songs of all time.

• What's Going On was Marvin Gaye's first self-produced album.

• The inspiration for the song came from a mix of personal tragedies and social injustices that Gaye saw happening in the world around him.

• The song was originally rejected by Motown's founder, Berry Gordy, who thought it was too political and wouldn't sell.

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