“What’s Going On” is a profoundly important and landmark song by Marvin Gaye, released in 1971. It is the title track and creative centerpiece of the album of the same name. The song, a departure from Gaye’s earlier work, became one of the most culturally significant recordings of the 20th century, cementing his status as a visionary artist who used the Motown platform to address serious social issues.
Background and Origin
The song’s genesis is rooted in the social upheaval and personal turmoil of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The initial concept came from Renaldo “Obie” Benson of the Four Tops, who had witnessed an anti-war demonstration in Berkeley, California. Troubled by the violence and police brutality, he brought the song idea, focused on the question “What’s Going On?”, to Marvin Gaye.
Gaye was initially hesitant to record a protest song, worrying it might damage his smooth, romantic image. However, the lyrics resonated deeply with him, as he was personally affected by the return of his brother from the Vietnam War and the general state of the nation. He took Benson’s initial idea and, along with co-writer Al Cleveland, reshaped it into a profound meditation on war, poverty, and social injustice. Crucially, Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. initially disliked the song, calling it “the worst thing I ever heard,” but Gaye stood his ground and insisted on its release.
Musical Style and Arrangement
“What’s Going On” is a masterful blend of soul, jazz, and gospel. It is a sophisticated piece of music that moves away from Motown’s traditional structure toward a looser, more atmospheric, and jam-like feel.
- Atmosphere and Groove: The song is built on a relaxed, subtle, yet complex groove. The famous walking bassline, played by the legendary James Jamerson, is one of the most iconic in music history. The use of strings, horns, and congas gives the track a layered, almost cinematic depth.
- Vocal Delivery: Gaye’s vocal performance is serene, gentle, and questioning, rather than angry. He uses multiple layers of his own voice (a technique called double-tracking), including a famous spoken-word intro and background vocals, which gives the song a sense of inner dialogue and a communal feel, as if a group of friends is discussing the issues.
- The Saxophone Solo: The soulful saxophone solo by Eli Fontaine is a pivotal moment, providing a mournful and reflective voice to the music.
Lyrical Content and Theme
The lyrics are not a fiery protest, but a tender, non-confrontational series of questions and observations, framed as a conversation between a troubled man and his faith.
The themes are powerful and timeless:
- Anti-War: “Father, Father, we don’t need to escalate. You see, war is not the answer, for only love can conquer hate.”
- Environmentalism: “Oil wasted on the water and garbage on the land.”
- Police Brutality/Social Injustice: “Picket lines and picket signs, don’t punish me with brutality.”
The song’s genius is its empathy. It approaches these monumental issues with a sense of sadness and confusion, asking why we can’t treat each other better, embodied in the simple, searching refrain: “What’s going on?”
Cultural Impact and Legacy
“What’s Going On” was an immediate, overwhelming success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming Motown’s fastest-selling single at the time.
The song shattered Motown’s previous artistic constraints, ushering in an era where major label artists could tackle serious political and social themes. It is universally recognized as a masterpiece of American music and is routinely ranked among the greatest songs of all time. Its enduring legacy is its ability to blend deep social commentary with beautiful, accessible music, proving that soul music could be both emotionally rich and intellectually challenging. The song remains a profound anthem for peace, empathy, and social change.