About The Song
“Buffalo Springfield – For What It’s Worth – 1967” refers to the iconic protest song “For What It’s Worth” by the American rock band Buffalo Springfield. Here are five facts about the song:
- Release and Context: “For What It’s Worth” was released in 1967 and became one of Buffalo Springfield’s most well-known songs. The song gained popularity during a time of social and political unrest, particularly with the rising counterculture movements and anti-war protests in the United States.
- Songwriting Credits: The song was written by Buffalo Springfield’s lead singer and guitarist, Stephen Stills. Stills was inspired by the Sunset Strip curfew riots in November 1966, where young people clashed with the police over issues like civil rights and freedom of expression.
- Timeless Message: “For What It’s Worth” is often considered an anthem of the 1960s protest movement. Its lyrics express a sense of disillusionment and concern about the state of society, capturing the tensions and conflicts of the time. The chorus’s refrain “Stop, children, what’s that sound, everybody look what’s going down” has become particularly memorable.
- Commercial Success: The song achieved commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Despite its association with the 1960s, “For What It’s Worth” has maintained its relevance and is often cited in discussions about social and political activism.
- Enduring Legacy: The song has been widely covered and sampled by various artists over the years, demonstrating its enduring impact. Its timeless message about questioning authority and standing up for one’s beliefs continues to resonate with listeners, making it a classic in the folk rock and protest song genres.
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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 bewareI 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 behindIt’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 awayWe 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?