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Marvin Gaye June 15, 2023

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.

Did You Know

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

https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/210507120152-marvin-gaye.jpg

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

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/84/MarvinGayeWhat%27sGoingOnalbumcover.jpg

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

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🎵 Let's sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

Lyrics

Mother, motherThere's too many of you cryingBrother, brother, brotherThere's far too many of you dyingYou know we've got to find a wayTo bring some lovin' here today, yeah

Father, fatherWe don't need to escalateYou see, war is not the answerFor only love can conquer hateYou know we've got to find a wayTo bring some lovin' here today


Picket lines and picket signsDon't punish me with brutalityTalk to meSo you can seeOh, 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, babyRight on, babyRight on

Mother, motherEverybody thinks we're wrongOh, but who are they to judge usSimply 'cause our hair is longOh, you know we've got to find a wayTo bring some understanding here today

Picket lines and picket signsDon't punish me with brutalityCome on talk to meSo you can seeWhat'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 onRight on, babyRight on, baby, right on


Let's rate this Song ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
author OldiesMusics

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