Did You Know?
For What It’s Worth is a timeless anthem penned by Stephen Stills and brought to life by the American-Canadian rock band, Buffalo Springfield. Released in 1966, the song rapidly became a cultural touchstone, serving as a powerful voice for the growing disillusionment and unrest of the era.
Inspired by the Sunset Strip riots in Los Angeles, “For What It’s Worth” captures the raw energy and confusion of a generation on the brink of upheaval. Its lyrics, filled with evocative imagery and a sense of impending doom, resonate with themes of societal discord and the questioning of authority. Stills’s raw vocals, coupled with the band’s driving rhythm, create a sonic landscape that perfectly mirrors the turbulent times.
Beyond its immediate context, the song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to transcend generations. Its exploration of themes like alienation and the search for meaning continues to strike a chord with listeners today. As a result, “For What It’s Worth” has secured its place in the pantheon of rock and roll classics, serving as a powerful reminder of the music’s ability to reflect and shape the human experience.
Video
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?