About the song
Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth (Stop, Hey What’s That Sound),” often shortened to simply “For What It’s Worth,” is more than just a catchy song. This 1966 anthem has transcended generations, becoming a powerful symbol of protest and a call for understanding.
While many associate the song with the Vietnam War, its origins lie closer to home. Written by Stephen Stills, the song was inspired by the Sunset Strip curfew riots in Los Angeles that same year. These clashes between police and young people on the famed Hollywood strip served as a catalyst for Stills’ poignant lyrics.
The song opens with a sense of unease, the lyrics painting a picture of confusion and tension: “There’s something happening here/ What it is ain’t exactly clear.” Stills captures the frustration of a generation yearning for peace and understanding. The iconic line, “Paranoia strikes deep/ Into your life it will creep,” speaks to the underlying anxieties of a nation divided.
Despite its somber opening, “For What It’s Worth” ultimately carries a message of hope. The plea, “Stop, hey, what’s that sound?/ Everybody look what’s going down” urges a moment of reflection, a call for people on both sides to step back and listen. The song advocates for open communication and a willingness to see things from another’s perspective.
The song’s impact is undeniable. It quickly became a rallying cry for the counterculture movement of the 1960s, finding its way onto countless protest playlists. “For What It’s Worth” transcended its time period, however, remaining relevant as generations continue to face social and political unrest. Its message of peace and understanding continues to resonate, making it a timeless anthem.
The song’s legacy is further solidified by its enduring presence in popular culture. Featured in films like “Forrest Gump,” “For What It’s Worth” continues to serve as a potent symbol of the era. The song has also been covered by a diverse range of artists, from Cher and David Cassidy to Public Enemy and Stevie Nicks, a testament to its universal appeal.
“For What It’s Worth” is a song that refuses to be silenced. It serves as a reminder of the power of music to challenge the status quo and advocate for change. As long as there are voices yearning for peace and understanding, this timeless anthem will continue to inspire.
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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?