About the song
A Protest Anthem: Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth”
Before you listen to this iconic song, let’s explore the story behind “For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield. This isn’t just a song; it’s a powerful and poignant commentary on social unrest and the changing times of the 1960s. It’s a track that captures a pivotal moment in history and continues to resonate with its message of unease and awareness.
Released in 1967, “For What It’s Worth” became Buffalo Springfield’s signature song and a defining anthem of the era. The song’s haunting guitar riff, combined with its understated yet powerful lyrics, created a sense of tension and foreboding that mirrored the societal anxieties of the time. The song’s ability to convey unease and uncertainty without overt anger or aggression made it a standout track of the late 1960s.
This song is a perfect example of the power of music to reflect and comment on social and political events. It’s a track that feels both timeless and deeply rooted in its historical context, making it a compelling listen for generations. The subtle arrangement and the band’s tight harmonies create an atmosphere that is both captivating and unsettling.
Accolades and Recognition:
“For What It’s Worth” achieved significant commercial success and has become one of the most iconic protest songs in rock and roll history, recognized for its powerful message and its lasting impact on popular culture.
The song reached Number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1967, demonstrating its widespread appeal and its ability to connect with audiences who were experiencing similar anxieties and uncertainties. This chart success solidified its status as a hit and a landmark song of the 1960s.
While “For What It’s Worth” itself did not win specific music awards at the time, the song has been consistently recognized for its historical significance and its cultural impact. Its legacy is in its power to spark conversations and to raise awareness of social issues.
The song’s enduring presence on classic rock radio stations and its frequent use in films and television shows underscore its continued relevance and its power to evoke strong feelings in listeners. It’s a song that continues to speak to the human condition and the challenges of navigating a changing world.
The song’s impact is also reflected in its frequent inclusion in various compilations of classic rock and protest anthems, and its ongoing use in social and political discourse. It’s a testament to the power of music to both capture and influence the zeitgeist.
“For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield is more than just a song; it’s a powerful and enduring commentary on social unrest and the importance of awareness. Now, get ready to reflect on this timeless classic and experience its powerful message. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss. Now, enjoy the video!
Video
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?