Rolling Stone's Top 20

"What’s Going On"- #4

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Released-1971

 

This song was written about police brutality upon African Americans. This song was originally brought to Marvin Gaye from Obie Benson of Four Tops who eventually collaborated with Al Cleveland- a Motown writer. The song expresses a sincere desire for a peace reformation. His main point is seen in the chorus when Gaye states that “only love can conquer hate.” He does this by calling out to the African American community through repeating terms of familial endearment (mother, brother, father) and ushering pleas in order to help end brutality. He calls for his brothers to help usher in peace and he calls for his fathers to stop trying to escalate the violence. His chorus is directed towards white people. He calls for an end to brutality at protests and for white people to merely listen to what they have to say. His final verse shows a clear frustration with other’s perceptions of his message. He feels like his movement is written off because of their long hair, but he shows resilience in efforts to continue to progress for his cause.

 

Themes: Protest, Civil Rights, Peace