About the song
“For What It’s Worth,” performed by Buffalo Springfield, is a timeless anthem that encapsulates the spirit of the 1960s. Written by Stephen Stills, this song was released as a single in 1967 and later included on the band’s debut album, “Buffalo Springfield.” The song quickly became an emblematic protest anthem, resonating deeply with the turbulent socio-political climate of the time.
Buffalo Springfield, which included members like Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Richie Furay, and Jim Messina, was at the forefront of the folk-rock movement. “For What It’s Worth” emerged as a response to the Sunset Strip curfew riots in Los Angeles, where young people protested against the perceived oppression by law enforcement. Stills was inspired to write the song after witnessing the police crackdown on demonstrators, capturing the growing sense of unrest and demand for change.
The song’s opening lines, “There’s something happening here, but what it is ain’t exactly clear,” immediately draw listeners into a scene of confusion and tension. Its haunting melody and reflective lyrics struck a chord with a generation questioning authority and advocating for peace and justice. The chorus, “Stop, children, what’s that sound? Everybody look what’s going down,” became a rallying cry for the counterculture movement.
“For What It’s Worth” achieved commercial success, peaking at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its impact, however, extended far beyond the charts. The song became an enduring symbol of the era, often associated with anti-war protests and the civil rights movement. Its relevance has persisted through the decades, finding new life in various films, television shows, and political movements.
For many older listeners, “For What It’s Worth” evokes memories of a time when music was a powerful force for social change. The song’s poignant lyrics and evocative melody continue to resonate, reminding us of the importance of vigilance and the need to stand up against injustice. Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth” remains a poignant reminder of the power of music to reflect and influence societal values, ensuring its place as a cornerstone of American musical history.
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Lyrics
There’s something happening here
But what it is ain’t exactly clear
There’s a man with a gun over there
Telling me I got to beware
I 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 (Ooh ooh ooh)
A thousand people in the street (Ooh ooh ooh)
Singing songs and they carrying signs (Ooh ooh ooh)
Mostly say, “Hooray for our side” (Ooh ooh ooh)
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 men come and take you away
We better stop
Hey, what’s that sound?
Everybody look, what’s going down?
You better stop
Hey, what’s that sound?
Everybody look, what’s going down?
You better stop
Now, what’s that sound?
Everybody look, what’s going down?
You better stop
Children, what’s that sound?
Everybody look, what’s going down?