What's Going On By Marvin Gaye - Songfacts

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What's Going Onby Marvin Gaye

Album: What's Going On (1971)Charted: 2 License This Song  artistfacts

Songfacts®:

• "What's Going On" was written by three golfing buddies who also happened to be Motown hitmakers: songwriter Al Cleveland, Four Tops member Renaldo "Obie" Benson and singer Marvin Gaye, who added lyrics and worked on the arrangement. Gaye wanted the Originals to record the song, but Benson and Cleveland prevailed upon Gaye to do it himself.
• Until this song, Gaye rarely participated in the songwriting process. For this album, he took control of the production so he could make a statement as an artist. Motown management was skeptical, but Gaye was an established star and had enough power to pull it off, going so far as to use an orchestra on this track.
• Gaye's lyrics in this song were inspired by the stories his brother Frankie told him when he came back from the Vietnam War.
• This was one of the first Motown songs to make a powerful political statement. Stevie Wonder and the Temptations were also recording more serious and challenging material, which was a radical departure from the Motown hits of the '60s. The song had a tremendous impact because listeners weren't used to hearing social commentary from Gaye. As Jackson Browne said in a 2008 interview with Rolling Stone: "No one was expecting an anti-war song from him. But it was a moment in time when people were willing to hear it from anybody, if it was heartfelt. And who better than the person who has talked to you about love and desire?"
• Gaye worked hard to become a talented football player, and while he never played in the NFL, he was good friends with Detroit Lions Mel Farr and Lem Barney. "What's Going On" was an expression they used to greet each other, and Gaye used it as the title. Farr and Barney sang backup on the track.
• Gaye was deeply affected by the death of his partner Tammi Terrell, who succumbed to a brain tumor a year earlier. This led him to take charge of his career and infuse messages in his songs.
• The What's Going On album takes on many issues, including the environment ("Mercy Mercy Me") and poverty ("Inner City Blues"). It was the first album Gaye released that sold a lot of copies. Until then, like most Motown artists, he had lots of hit singles but album sales were secondary.
• According to the book Mercy, Mercy Me: The Art, Loves & Demons of Marvin Gaye, Motown head Berry Gordy initially refused to release this song, calling it the "worst record I ever heard in my life." The song was slipped out by the man in charge while Gordy was on vacation and, of course, he was furious... until he found out the single sold 100,000 copies in the US upon its release. Needless to say, he soon changed his mind about this song.At the end of the single version, the song fades out, then suddenly rises in volume again. This was Gaye's way of giving a "nice F–You" to Berry Gordy, as in "you think this song you hate so much is about to end?...PSYCHE!"Although Berry Gordy admits he had reservations about "What's Going On," he claims all of the stories surrounding his refusal to release the song are false. He explained to the Wall Street Journal: "For years, people have written that I stood in the way of this song's release and that Marvin had threatened never to record for me again if I didn't put it out," he said. "That must make for great reading, but none of it is true."He went on to explain the potential ramifications of the song: "My reason for pushing back on Marvin wasn't to stop the single, just to determine whether or not this was another one of his wild ideas," Gordy said. "Motown was about music for all people - white and black, blue and green, cops and the robbers. I was reluctant to have our music alienate anyone. This was a big risk for his image."
• Gaye wrote this when he could no longer take refuge in his love songs. His marriage to Anna Gordy was in shambles (although the divorce wouldn't be final until 1977), his duet partner and friend Tammi Terrell collapsed into his arms during a concert and died in 1970, drug use was pervading the inner city culture and Malcolm X, Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy were all gunned down.
• Shortly before the terrorist attacks on the US in 2001, a group of artists including Bono, Michael Stipe, Jennifer Lopez and Christina Aguilera recorded this to benefit AIDS research in Africa. After the terrorism, they decided to give half the proceeds to victims of the attacks and the other half to AIDS charities. The song was scheduled for release on World AIDS Day, December 1, but it was pushed up to September 21 due to the tragedy. MTV aired a version of this featuring footage of the recording session mixed with images from the attacks.The new version was released as a CD single containing different mixes of the song. The first one released as a single was the rock remixed by Fred Durst. Scott Weiland, Perry Farrell and Bono were on the track. Other remixes include an R&B mix by Jermaine Dupri, an electronic mix by Moby and a contemporary mix by Bono.The videos for the mixes were directed by Jake Scott, who worked on "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M. He had the artists wear blindfolds to demonstrate how some people are blind to issues like racism and religion.
• Cyndi Lauper scored a hit with this song when she recorded it in 1986 for her album True Colors. Her version went to #12 in the US.
• A possibly apocryphal story has circulated that in-house Motown studio musician James Jamerson, who is regarded as one of the greatest bass players ever, recorded his part for this song while lying flat on his back as he was too intoxicated to stand upright.
• Asked by the Melody Maker's David Fricke if "What's Going On" still held meaning for him in 1983, Marvin Gaye replied, "Not really. I feel a bit apathetic about the world, that the song hasn't done a great deal of good."

• More songs from Marvin Gaye
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Comments: 29

• Matt From Myrtle Beach from Myrtle Beach, ScTo Anthony from New York - I think the word after "picket signs" and "picket lines" in the first chorus is "sister". I believe this makes sense because in the second chorus I think it's "brother".
• Gregory R Van Leer Sr from Evansville, Indiana UsaAt this writing I am 70 years old. Having come of age during the 60's and 70's, during the time which America as a country experienced dynamic changes and upheavals that rocked its thus very foundation, people were looking for hope and meaning in the in the chaos. The music during this age was beginning to reflect the world as it was not how the powers to be wanted it imaged. I came to this sight because the lyrics "war is not the answer, only love can conquer hate" was playing in mind perhaps because of the war raging in Gaza, Israel. I also had listened to "Holy, Holy Holy" about a year ago really listening over and over to the lyrics in a way I had not when it was released on the album. I must admit I missed the message he (Marvin) felt The Father, Great Creator wanted the world to hear. Can you imagine if Pres. Nixon had called for a nationally televised listening of the song, followed by prayer and repentance. Marvin felt it was his duty to perhaps to be obedient to recording the song (and the album), get it old to the public and perhaps he hoped others would use it to inspire action. This I do know the song is continuing to inspire and Gaye's legacy and impact was cemented when in 1985, writers on British music weekly the NME voted it the best album of all time. In 2020, it was ranked number one on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. War is still not the answer America!
• Marion Delgado from OregonThe Four Tops were performing in Oakland and saw governor Reagan's attack on Berkeley and People's park. Obie Benson wrote the first draft of this song inspired by what they saw. bit.ly/3L5AmrI
• Anthony from New York, NyGreat song! An immortal classic! What I dislike is that no lyrics site ever bothers to include the lyrics from the chorus for this song. For example “Picket signs (silly stuff) & picket lines (silly stuff), don’t punish me with brutality, etc”. Think I”m nitpicking much? No, because for want of this simple 2 line lyric being omitted, it helps to change the face of what the song is really about & helps explain it more. He’s telling you basically that you if you think you’re doing something with all the marching & picketing & shouting then surprise you happen to be wrong, that in fact it’s all “silly stuff” that isn’t worth anything & you’re not really accomplishing anything. He’s telling you the listener not to go & do that but instead go up to HIM to see “What’s going on.” This song wouldn’t be as good (to me anyway) if it never included that line in the lyrics, it expresses so much more to what’s being said & adds to the song. So yes it IS an important inclusion.Now when the “Picket signs/lines” lyric is repeated again, the chorus (I think) is singing something different the second time around but I can’t make out exactly what they’re saying no matter how I strain to listen to hear what theyr’e saying. Maybe someone here knows, but I can’t make it out. But is IS important & the background/chorus lyrics should always be included as part of this song.
• Bobby Mcherrin from Kennesaw,georgia I told people for years that Len Barney and Mel Farr sang background vocals on “What’s Going On”! I guess most people couldn’t believe that two football players had that kind of of singing qualities. I thank God for Marvin Gaye and his legacy.
• Danny K Manning from Raleigh, North CarolionaThis was one of my favorite songs. I'm a Vietnam vet and during that time his song blessed us to help us keep a settled mind. I sing his song a great deal now and i write for the Carolina Call Newspper in Rleigh nd my own newsletter "The Manning Chronicles.
• Markantney from BiloxeJul16,Noah, if I'm getting your question correct, Vietnam was heavy on his mind during this album. His brother had recently returned I believe. That and it was on the tail end of Civil Rights, MLK and Kennedy assassinations,..
• Noah from WinnipegmbWhat conflict is he referring to?
• Markantney from Biloxi, MsForgot to add, as a kid I'd be in my own little world (playing, watching TV,...) and as soon as I'd hear that (Alto?) Sax and those Brothas mumbling in the the background; I'd stop what I was doing to hear that song.I've always wondered why an instrumental wasn't released or popular, based on the opening of "What's Goin On". It's one of the most memorable openings of song I can recall?
• Markantney from Biloxi, MsTo Gordy's credit, (to a degree) he cops to the Brain Cramp in a Bio I saw on either Motown or Marvin. But he never really explained how/why he believed it wasn't a Great Song?I was a mere Puppy when this came out and though I wasn't mature enough to fully understand the lyrics/message; it was a Hit the first time I heard it.
• Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn February 14th, 1971, "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #81; and on April 4th it peaked at #2 (for 3 weeks) and spent 15 weeks on the Top 100 (and for 8 of those 15 weeks it was on the Top 10)...And on March 21st, 1971 it reached #1 (for 5 weeks) on Billboard's R&B Singles chart...The first week it was at #2, the #1 record was "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)" by the Temptations; and for its 2nd and 3rd week it was "Joy To The World" by Three Dog Night that was in the top spot...On the R&B Singles chart it knocked "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)" out off the top spot on March 21st...R.I.P. Mr. Gay (1939 - 1984).
• Joseph from Bronx, NyTo follow up on the comment on bassist James Jamerson. Gaye insisted he be there; he was subsequently found in a club in Detroit, and brought back to the studio (Motown’s famous Studio A - The "Snakepit"). However he was too drunk to sit in the chair — he kept slumping down and falling off. Eventually, he ended up playing the song — one of the most famous bass lines in history — lying on his back, with another musician holding the sheet music suspended over his head.
• Don from Aurora, OhWhen you read a little about Marvin Gaye you will understand why he was as deep and profound as he was! This man went through a lot and he was a very sensitive person and able to take all that pain and turn it into something genius. I remember something I heard when visiting the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. Smokey Robinson said of Marvin when he was writing" What's Going On" when he talked to Gaye on the phone Gaye said he was not writing this album God was! This guy was a sensitive soul and we all should be thankful he graced this planet and left us with so many gifts!
• Derek from London, United KingdomBassist James Jamerson was called in last minute to perform for the recording as the session bassits couldn't get it down. Jamerson, a stroppy Motown genious got it down in minutes and played it with his back on the floor due to his physical and possibly mental status.- Stratis, Brighton, EnglandThat's my favourite musical fact ever.... He was absolutely wasted on this session, according to Jack Ashford who was present at the session.... But some other musician called Carole Kaye claims to have played on that session! Everyone said it was Jamerson on those sessions!
• Ahmed from Chorley, United Kingdomat Johnny, LA:funny u should say that, because Hendrix apparently wanted to join Motown and become a sould/RnB singer, but could only find work/record label as a guitarist.
• Scott from Palm Desert, CaAlthough I was 11 when this came out and I didn't understand the lyrics I loved this song.
• Greg from Menlo Park, CaGaye became friends with Lions players Mel Farr and Lem Barney (one of the most underrated football players ever) because he actually tried out for the Lions in 1970. He didn't make the team but was good enough that his tryout was taken seriously, and he put on 50lbs training.
• Stratis from Brighton, EnglandBassist James Jamerson was called in last minute to perform for the recording as the session bassits couldn't get it down. Jamerson, a stroppy Motown genious got it down in minutes and played it with his back on the floor due to his physical and possibly mental status.
• Johnny from Los Angeles, CaAnd also, Tammi did not die in Marvin Gaye's arms. She had a brain tumor and from then on her health deteriorated.
• Johnny from Los Angeles, CaI would say Hendrix is better then Marvin Gaye, because Hendrix revolutionized the guitar. And I am more of a rock guy then a mowtown guy. But Marvin Gaye is by far the best in motown (him and Stevie Wonder, actually). His songs have so much meaning. Also nice comment by Nathan.
• Ray from Stockton, Njthis song had meaning when it first came out and still has meaning 35 years after. This is my mom's favorite song. The thing that hurts me the most is that Hendrix and Lennon dying is a really big deal and Marvin gaye's isnt.Hendrix died because of drugs I think that's your fault yet everyone feels sorry for you(i don't weant to sound mean because i like hendrix) . Lennon got shot by a random guy. Then Marvin Gaye gets shot by his father. Nobody makes a big big deal out of it. In my opinion Marvin Gaye was a better artist than Jimi Hendrix because hendrix did a lot of remakes of songs. I just think its terrible that everyone makes a huge deal in New York about lennon. i mean their was a 3 page article in the new york post about lennon. when gaye's death anniversery comes up nobdy does anything(at lest not much).
• Nathan from From The Country Of, Canadaaren't we all still asking ourselves whats going on almost 40 years later?
• Elaine from Waldorf, MdThe album "What's Going On" is in my opinion, one of, if not the best album of all time. The themes are timeless--war, poverty, drug addiction. I loved Marvin Gaye and I don't think there's another performer who comes close to him.
• Brian from Melfort, Sask, Canadaydur from Knoxville is not totally right, He Married Berry Gordy's Sister Anna from 1961-75, and he wasn't shot on his birthday, it was a day before his birthday
• Ydur from Knoxville, TnMarvin was an interesting guy; He was kin to Barry Gordy (I think he married Barry's daugter or sister), lived in an abandoned bread truck in Hawaii in a fashion befitting an accomplished hobo (AFTER he was famous), and was ulitamtely shot and killed by his own father (a preacher, no less)on his birthday.
• Ross from Independence, MoIt is #4 in Rolling Stone's list of 500 greatest songs.
• Kirstin from Hereford, MdThe cover by A Perfect Circle in reaction to the war with Iraq is a very heartbreaking, slow alternative to this song. I wouldn't say one is better than the other, but A Perfect Circle creates a very different feeling in the listener. It's amazing how this song applies to two very different wars and two very different counter culture movements.
• Horace from Western, MdThe song bridge wa reused in the songs "Mercy, Mercy, Me" and "Inner City Blues", both of which also became hit singles.
• Horace from Western, MdLem Barney and Mel Farr, on the Detroit Lions football team at the time, provided backing volcals.

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