About the song
“For What It’s Worth (Stop, Hey What’s That Sound)” stands as a seminal anthem of the 1960s, encapsulating the spirit of protest and social unrest that defined the era. Penned by Stephen Stills and performed by Buffalo Springfield, the song emerged from the turbulent backdrop of the Sunset Strip curfew riots in Los Angeles in November 1966.
Released in December of that year, the song quickly climbed the charts, peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the spring of 1967. Its enduring relevance was further underscored when Rolling Stone magazine ranked it No. 63 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004.
Inspired by the clashes between young people and authorities over curfew restrictions on the Sunset Strip, Stills crafted lyrics that captured the frustration and defiance of a generation. Although often interpreted as an anti-war anthem due to its timeless themes of civil rights and social justice, the song’s origins lie in the specific events unfolding in Los Angeles at the time.
The production of “For What It’s Worth” is also noteworthy for its innovative use of guitar harmonics by Neil Young, adding a distinctive sound that complemented Stills’ poignant lyrics and melodic structure. Recorded at Columbia Studios in Hollywood, the song benefited from the collaborative efforts of producers and engineers who sought to capture the urgency and emotion of the moment.
Its impact on popular culture was immediate, with local radio stations championing the song and listeners responding passionately to its message. Its rush-release strategy, only five days after recording, reflected the urgency felt by the band and their label, Atco Records, to capitalize on the song’s relevance to current events.
Over the years, “For What It’s Worth” has remained a touchstone for protest music, resonating with subsequent generations who continue to face social and political challenges. Its inclusion in Buffalo Springfield’s debut album and subsequent recognition as a cultural landmark attest to its enduring significance in the annals of music history.
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?