Few songs in popular music history have captured the essence of a turbulent era as perfectly as Marvin Gaye’s iconic hit “What’s Going On.” Released in 1971, this song didn’t just add to the catalog of Motown hits; it shattered the conventions of what a soul song could be, delivering a powerful message that resonated across racial and generational divides. It is a song that transcended entertainment, becoming an anthem for social change, and it remains deeply relevant today.
The Origins of “What’s Going On”
The story behind “What’s Going On” begins with Renaldo “Obie” Benson of the Four Tops. Witnessing a confrontation between anti-war protestors and police in Berkeley, California in 1969, Benson was deeply disturbed by the violence and the wider state of the world. Inspired by this moment, he penned the beginnings of a song and brought the concept to Marvin Gaye, who at the time was going through his own personal and artistic struggles.
Gaye, whose life had been shaken by the death of his close friend and fellow Motown artist Tammi Terrell, was in the midst of an emotional transformation. He had also become disillusioned with Motown’s typical fare of love songs and upbeat hits. As he connected with the socio-political climate of the late 1960s and early 1970s—rife with issues like the Vietnam War, racial injustice, and urban poverty—Gaye felt a deeper calling to use his music as a form of protest. Benson’s song idea became the perfect outlet for this desire.
Initially, Motown founder Berry Gordy was skeptical. The label was known for its crossover-friendly hits, and Gordy feared a politically charged song like “What’s Going On” would alienate Gaye’s audience. But Gaye was resolute. He refused to record any other material until Gordy agreed to release the single. Finally, after much persuasion, “What’s Going On” hit the airwaves in January 1971—and it became an instant success.
A Song That Defined an Era
Musically, “What’s Going On” was groundbreaking for its time. Instead of a traditional verse-chorus structure, the song flows seamlessly from one section to the next, creating a continuous, almost conversational feel. This aligns with the song’s thematic structure: Gaye’s lyrics read like a personal plea for understanding and empathy in a chaotic world.
The track opens with ambient sounds of people talking and playing—capturing the real-life noise of a bustling city street—which creates a sense of community and reality. The listener is immediately pulled into the world Gaye is describing. Over a laid-back groove, Gaye’s voice glides in, soothing yet urgent, asking the listener, “Mother, mother / There’s too many of you crying / Brother, brother, brother / There’s far too many of you dying.”
Gaye’s delivery is at once conversational and deeply soulful, blending gospel’s sense of devotion with a jazz-like improvisational feel. His voice is layered in harmony, creating a lush, immersive sound that makes the song feel intimate yet grand. The song’s arrangement, led by the Funk Brothers (Motown’s house band), includes strings, horns, and a prominent bassline, which add to the richness of the sound. Every element in the song feels purposeful and deliberate, from the orchestration to the vocal phrasing.
But beyond its sonic beauty, it is the song’s message that truly sets it apart.
A Call for Compassion and Understanding
“What’s Going On” tackles a number of pressing social issues, from police brutality to poverty to the Vietnam War, but it does so in a way that is remarkably gentle and heartfelt. Rather than condemning any particular group or lashing out in anger, Gaye asks questions—pleading for understanding rather than taking sides. This approach makes the song feel inclusive rather than divisive. The famous refrain, “You know we’ve got to find a way / To bring some lovin’ here today,” is less of a protest chant and more of a collective prayer for peace.
One of the most remarkable aspects of “What’s Going On” is its ability to channel deep sorrow without descending into hopelessness. Gaye doesn’t shy away from the pain of the issues he’s singing about, but he wraps that pain in a message of hope and reconciliation. The song asks us to confront the injustices around us, but also to seek out love and empathy as we do so. In a time when the United States was deeply divided—much like today—this message was both timely and timeless.
The Album That Followed
While “What’s Going On” began as a single, its success allowed Marvin Gaye to record an entire album of socially conscious songs. The What’s Going On album, released in May 1971, was a cohesive exploration of the same themes present in the title track, but with even more depth and nuance. Each song flows into the next, creating an overarching narrative that touches on environmental issues (“Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)”), urban poverty (“Inner City Blues”), and the emotional toll of war (“What’s Happening Brother”).
The album was a departure from Motown’s usual fare, both lyrically and musically. It blended elements of soul, jazz, and classical music, breaking new ground in popular music and elevating the role of the “concept album” in the world of soul and R&B. Gaye’s artistry on What’s Going On helped push the boundaries of what pop music could address, inspiring countless musicians to follow in his footsteps.
A Legacy That Endures
More than 50 years later, “What’s Going On” remains as relevant as ever. Its themes of social justice, environmental concern, and the quest for peace continue to resonate in a world still grappling with many of the same problems. Gaye’s plea for compassion and understanding speaks not just to the issues of his time, but to the human condition itself.
Today, “What’s Going On” is recognized as one of the greatest songs ever recorded. Rolling Stone ranked it No. 1 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2021. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to speak to the soul while also challenging the mind, making it a piece of art that transcends its era.
Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” is more than a song—it’s a call to action, a cry for peace, and a timeless reminder of the power of music to effect change.