About The Song
For What It’s Worth by Buffalo Springfield is a classic rock anthem released in 1967, during a time of significant social and political upheaval in the United States. The song’s lyrics reflect the growing disillusionment and unrest among young people who were questioning the established order. The opening lines, “There’s a battle going on outside,” immediately set the tone for the song’s message of conflict and turmoil.
Beyond the immediate themes of police brutality and racial tensions, “For What It’s Worth” also touches on the broader sense of societal decay and disillusionment that characterized the late 1960s. The song expresses a deep frustration with the status quo and a longing for a better future. The line “Stop, hey what’s that sound? / I think I hear a marching band” references the growing anti-war movement and the increasing number of protests taking place across the country.
The song’s iconic guitar riff and driving rhythm have made it a timeless rock and roll classic. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years and continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. “For What It’s Worth” serves as a powerful reminder of the social and political struggles of the 1960s and continues to be relevant today as a commentary on the ongoing fight for justice and equality.
Moreover, the song’s message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity has made it a source of inspiration for many. The final lines, “And maybe someday, you’ll learn / That it’s not too late to start again,” offer a glimmer of optimism amidst the darkness. “For What It’s Worth” remains a timeless anthem that continues to speak to the human spirit and the enduring power of music to inspire and unite.
Beyond its timeless message, “For What It’s Worth” also showcases the band’s musical prowess. The song’s arrangement is both simple and effective, with a driving rhythm section that provides a solid foundation for the melodic guitar work. Stephen Stills’s vocals are full of emotion and conviction, conveying the song’s powerful message with sincerity and passion.
The song’s legacy extends far beyond its initial release. It has been covered by countless artists, from Jimi Hendrix to Pearl Jam, and has been featured in numerous films and television shows. “For What It’s Worth” has become a cultural touchstone, representing a generation’s struggle for change and hope for a better future.
In conclusion, “For What It’s Worth” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Its powerful message of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of justice remains as relevant today as it was when it was first released in 1967. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its musical quality and its ability to capture the spirit of a generation.
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Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
But what it is ain’t exactly clear
There’s a man with a gun over there
Telling me I got to bewareI think it’s time we stop
Children, what’s that sound?
Everybody look – what’s going down?There’s battle lines being drawn
Nobody’s right if everybody’s wrong
Young people speaking’ their minds
Getting so much resistance from behind
It’s time we stop
Hey, what’s that sound?
Everybody look – what’s going down?
What a field day for the heat
A thousand people in the street
Singing songs and carrying signs
Mostly saying, “hooray for our side”
It’s time we stop
Hey, what’s that sound?
Everybody look – what’s going down?
Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you’re always afraid
Step out of line, the man come and take you away
We better stop
Hey, what’s that sound?
Everybody look – what’s going down?
We better stop
Hey, what’s that sound?
Everybody look – what’s going down?
We better stop
Now, what’s that sound?
Everybody look – what’s going down?
We better stop
Children, what’s that sound?
Everybody look – what’s going down?