Did You Know?
“For What It’s Worth” is a famous song by the American rock band Buffalo Springfield. The song was written by Stephen Stills and was released in 1967 as a single and part of their self-titled debut album, “Buffalo Springfield.” It is a quintessential protest song of the 1960s and is celebrated for its relevance and impact during a tumultuous period in American history.
Here are some key details about the song:
- Release Date: “For What It’s Worth” was released as a single in 1966 and was later included on the “Buffalo Springfield” album, released in 1967.
- Chart Success: The song performed well on the charts, peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It quickly became an anthem for the counterculture and anti-establishment movements of the 1960s.
- Lyrics and Theme: The lyrics of “For What It’s Worth” convey a sense of social unrest and protest. The song was inspired by the Sunset Strip curfew riots in Los Angeles, which were sparked by tensions between young people and the authorities. The lyrics emphasize the need for understanding and peaceful resolution, famously stating, “There’s something happening here, what it is ain’t exactly clear.”
- Impact: “For What It’s Worth” is considered one of the most iconic protest songs of the 1960s. It captured the spirit of the era and served as a rallying cry for those seeking social and political change. The song’s enduring relevance and message continue to resonate with subsequent generations.
- Buffalo Springfield: The band Buffalo Springfield was a short-lived but influential group that featured talented musicians such as Stephen Stills, Neil Young, and Richie Furay. Their music combined rock, folk, and country influences, and they played a significant role in shaping the folk-rock and country-rock genres.
- Legacy: “For What It’s Worth” remains a powerful and enduring song that is often associated with the 1960s counterculture movement and the struggle for civil rights and social justice. It has been covered and referenced by numerous artists and continues to be a symbol of protest and change.
The song “For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield remains a vital part of music history and an iconic representation of the social and political climate of the 1960s.
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Lyrics
“For What It’s Worth”
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
A thousand people in the street
Singing songs and carrying signs
Mostly saying, “hooray for our side”
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 man come and take you away
We better stop
Hey, what’s that sound?
Everybody look – what’s going down?
We better stop
Hey, what’s that sound?
Everybody look – what’s going down?
We better stop
Now, what’s that sound?
Everybody look – what’s going down?
We better stop
Children, what’s that sound?
Everybody look – what’s going down?