Songs That Changed the World--The Most Important Songs of the Rock Era: "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye

In this great song, Marvin Gaye hits on the one theme that can solve the world's problems--understanding, or put another way--empathy.  But to understand someone else, you have to first talk to them.  And then you can see what's going on.

"What's Going On"

by Marvin Gaye

Written by Renaldo "Obie" Benson, Al Cleveland and Marvin Gaye


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 - Ya

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
Ya, what's going on
Ah, what's going on

In the meantime
Right on, baby
Right on
Right on

Father, father, everybody thinks we're wrong
Oh, but who are they to judge us
Simply because our hair is long
Oh, you know we've got to find a way
To bring some understanding here today
Oh

Picket lines and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
Talk to me
So you can see
What's going on
Ya, what's going on
Tell me what's going on
I'll tell you what's going on - Uh
Right on baby
Right on baby