Marvin Gaye "What's Going On"

"What's Going On" is a landmark 1971 single by Marvin Gaye and the opening track of his album of the same name. Written by Renaldo "Obie" Benson, Al Cleveland, and Marvin Gaye, the song was inspired by a police brutality incident witnessed by Benson during a 1969 protest in Berkeley, California12. Gaye transformed the song into a deeply personal and socially conscious statement, marking his departure from Motown’s traditional love songs to more introspective and political material13.

Inspiration and Writing

The song’s genesis lies in the social upheaval of the late 1960s and early 1970s: the Vietnam War, civil rights protests, and growing environmental and economic anxieties45. Benson, moved by the violence he witnessed at the "Bloody Thursday" protest, collaborated with Cleveland to write a song reflecting his concerns. When the Four Tops declined to record it, Benson brought the song to Gaye, who added new melodies and lyrics, infusing it with his own experiences—particularly his brother’s return from Vietnam and the loss of his singing partner Tammi Terrell152.

Gaye’s revisions made the song more conversational and direct, turning it into a plea for empathy and understanding rather than a straightforward protest. He described it as a "love song, about love and understanding," rather than a protest song12.

Lyrics and Themes

"What's Going On" opens with ambient sounds of a homecoming party for a Vietnam veteran, immediately setting a scene of both celebration and unease56. The lyrics address themes of war, police brutality, poverty, and environmental destruction, all filtered through a lens of compassion and spiritual longing:

"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 loving here today, yeah"63.

The chorus’s central question, "What's going on?", is a cry for clarity and empathy, inviting listeners to seek understanding rather than escalate conflict7. Lines like "Father, father, we don’t need to escalate / You see, war is not the answer, for only love can conquer hate" directly reference the Vietnam War and the broader need for peace76. The song also alludes to protest and brutality—"Picket lines and picket signs / Don’t punish me with brutality"—underscoring the urgency of Gaye’s message76.

Musical Innovation

Musically, "What's Going On" broke new ground for soul and pop:

• Genre Fusion: Gaye blended soul, funk, jazz, and even classical elements, creating a lush, sophisticated soundscape4.
• Production: He produced the track himself, layering multiple lead vocals and intricate harmonies, and using orchestral arrangements and extended instrumental passages45.
• Motown Resistance: Motown executives, including Berry Gordy, initially resisted releasing the song, fearing its political themes would alienate fans. Gaye stood firm, threatening to leave the label if it wasn’t released43. The song’s success proved transformative for both Gaye and Motown.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

• Chart Success: "What's Going On" topped the Hot Soul Singles chart for five weeks and reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, selling over two million copies17.
• Critical Acclaim: The song is consistently ranked among the greatest of all time, including No. 6 on Rolling Stone’s 2024 list of the 500 Greatest Songs1.
• Enduring Message: Its themes of peace, social justice, and empathy remain relevant, with the song frequently cited as a touchstone for protest music and social commentary47.
• Influence: "What's Going On" redefined what soul music could address, paving the way for artists to tackle social issues in popular music45.

Key Facts Table

Summary
"What's Going On" is Marvin Gaye’s timeless plea for understanding, compassion, and social change. Inspired by real-world events and personal loss, the song’s blend of soulful melody, innovative production, and urgent, empathetic lyrics made it a transformative moment in music history—one whose relevance endures to this day147.