About the song
“For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield is a song that captures the essence of the turbulent 1960s, becoming an enduring anthem for social change and protest. Released in 1967, this iconic track was penned by Stephen Stills, a founding member of the band. It was included on their debut album “Buffalo Springfield,” which showcased the group’s innovative blend of folk, rock, and country influences.
The song emerged from the backdrop of political and social upheaval, specifically inspired by the Sunset Strip curfew riots in Los Angeles. These clashes between young people and police highlighted the generational tensions and the desire for freedom and expression that characterized the era. Stephen Stills channeled this atmosphere into “For What It’s Worth,” crafting lyrics that resonated with the broader civil rights and anti-war movements of the time.
“For What It’s Worth” quickly became a hit, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its haunting melody, coupled with Stills’ poignant lyrics, struck a chord with listeners, making it one of Buffalo Springfield’s most memorable and influential songs. The opening lines, “There’s something happening here / What it is ain’t exactly clear,” perfectly encapsulate the sense of confusion and urgency that pervaded the 1960s.
The song’s impact extended beyond the charts, becoming a staple of protest music and an anthem for those advocating for change. It was frequently played at rallies and demonstrations, its message of awareness and vigilance resonating deeply with activists and ordinary citizens alike.
Buffalo Springfield, which included future stars like Neil Young and Richie Furay, disbanded shortly after, but the legacy of “For What It’s Worth” endured. The song remains relevant today, often revisited during times of social and political unrest. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to articulate a sense of collective questioning and the need for societal reflection.
In “For What It’s Worth,” Buffalo Springfield created more than just a hit song; they crafted a piece of cultural history that continues to inspire and provoke thought. The track’s enduring message serves as a reminder of the power of music to capture and influence the spirit of an age, encouraging us to stay aware and engaged with the world around us.
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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?