First Time Hearing Buffalo Springfield - “For What It's Worth” Reaction | Asia and BJ

[@metalmark1214]

Written by Buffalo Springfield guitarist Stephen Stills, this song was not about anti-war gatherings, but rather youth gatherings protesting curfew laws, and the closing of the West Hollywood nightclub Pandora's Box. Stills was not there when they closed the club, but had heard about it from his bandmates.

[@rubroken]

It's good to know the original intent for writing the song, but no one can deny that it became an anthem of the anti-war movement

[@rustbeltwriter]

Came here to say this!

[@5burowz]

Loitering laws have been consistently shot down by higher courts. Vagueness doctrine comes to mind.

[@casst346]

and the curfew put in place for teens..

[@joeking6763]

Don't forget NEIL YOUNG was a band mate!!

[@wesalker3479]

Back, in the 60's and 70's, EVERYTHING was from the radio. It was the "internet" of the day and the creation of FM Stereo made it all magical! WE HAD MUSIC EVERYWHERE and we listened whenever we could . . . . .

[@gregorystathos6085]

Wes speaks the truth.

[@lauraschwartz1077]

What a field day for the heat, a thousand people in the street ... I had forgotten that police were referred to as "the heat" when they showed up to crack heads. Music is a time machine for those who lived during that time. Thank You for the memories .We all listened to the same stuff that spoke for so many, unlike now.

[@pigs18]

"Music is a time machine for those who lived during that time." This song is just as relevant today.

[@jessegreen6138]

This is about the November 12, 1966 on Sunset Strip Curfew Riots in L.A. Jack Nicholson and Peter Fonda were handcuffed during the riot. This song was recorded on December 5, 1966 and Released on December 23, 1966 as a single. It appeared on the Album "Buffalo Springfield" on March 1967 during this time the single hit number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. The song originally didn't have a title it was added later. Also I hope you noticed that the the title of the song isn't in the song. Thank you Asia and BJ for your reaction to this song.

[@thomastimlin1724]

Yeh they could have called it "Stop Children" or "Stop, what's that Sound" or something.

[@jonathanlocke6404]

I have read that the title came from an incident where Stills first played this song solo on acoustic guitar to some friends and/or band mates, and prefaced it by saying: "Here's a new song, for what it's worth"...And someone either actually thought that was the title or concluded that it would make a good title...

[@jollyrodgers7272]

Good synopsis. I remember the original lyrics as "a thousand hippies in the street", but might be my wishful thinking from back then.

[@vickyshoemaker9702]

I remember that like it was yesterday I was 11 years old.

[@jessegreen6138]

@@jollyrodgers7272 Thank you Jolly Rodgers about my synopsis.

[@rexkimberley9537]

I am 66 years old. Graduated in 1974. These songs were played on the radio. There was a big mistrust of the people in power back then. We tried to educate the young people that followed us. They didn't listen. So here we are again.

[@vicprovost2561]

Agree, subsequent generations have let us down, they do seem to understand climate change and t.he ugly face of racism but need them to get involved in how the future goes.

[@bintheredonethat]

66 & 1974 as well. Deja vue all over again. They don't teach history any more so they can't possibly learn from it.

[@Peter-oh3hc]

Same age. Same graduation year. Same thoughts. I keep thinking "if only..."

[@johnlane1206]

OK, I'm 60 so a little younger but not too much. I feel I have to point out that many of the people of the 60's generation are the same ones who went on to add to the problem. Once they became the establishment, they didn't enact the changes they protested for when they were young. Not all of them of course, but enough that the changes didn't happen.

[@rexkimberley9537]

@@johnlane1206 That's true. Most left college and became what they were protesting against. I joined the military and learned first hand how the people in power act. Served with the finest people in the world, traveled to many countries, and found it is not the regular people of the world that have a problem with each other. It's people who put greed of money and power over the welfare of everyone else. Peace and happiness to you and yours.

[@richdiddens4059]

Almost everyone who played on this song or in this band went on to be key people in rock and roll. Later band they were part of or influenced include Crosby, Stills, and Nash (and sometimes Young), Crazy Horse, Poco, Steppenwolf, Blood Sweat and Tears, Loggins and Messina, and others. A seminal band like the Yardbirds and the Blues Breakers.

[@bobschenkel7921]

It is still amazing how relevant songs from the 1960's still are. Word for word.

[@karenj3611]

Exactly what I was going to say

[@jackiegoodspeed1849]

Right.

[@johnlane1206]

I think you could substitute the word amazing for sad.

[@jackiegoodspeed1849]

@@johnlane1206 It's sad too but you must remember in the 70s through 90s kids experienced true unity.

[@alteredaustin1]

For sure. Because of all the 10 PM curfews that people are protesting against, RIGHT NOW!

[@joelliebler5690]

Legendary song that will live on for hundreds of years. Unforgettable members of Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Jim Messina, and more.

[@dmpo5450]

I remember sitting in Vietnam across from the Evac Hospital watching the the helicopters bringing in the wounded. This tune playing on the "boombox". Songs this this and "Run Through the Jungle" by CCR. 1969. Jeeze it brings back a lot of memories. Thanks.

[@robertprice6830]

Thank you for serving. Much appreciated.

[@Roh_Echt]

The song is about the 60's riots in LA on Sunset...over the curfews put in place because of the traffic the attendees of the Clubs along Sunset Blvd were causing. It was perceived to be more about Viet Nam, as few knew of the real inspiration. The curfew went into effect in 1966, I believe.

[@ta2gypsy]

The curfew riot on Sunset re: dance clubs staying open see Pat and Lolly Vasquez-Vegas later called Redbone.

[@carolyncostner9619]

It also became a Vietnam war anthem. My brother served in Vietnam and he had this song on replay, like so many who served during that time.

[@amitabhhajela681]

It transcended its original inspiration. If it had stayed that small in focus, the song would have been forgotten years ago.

[@MrDiddyDee]

@@amitabhhajela681 There's more to a song's popularity than the message. The melody, the production, the performance all create feelings, even if you did understand a word of English this track is still memorable. Even if the song had not had become a hit at the time, the fact that the band contained members Stephen Still, Neil Young and Jim Messina, who all went on to have massive success in their own right, ensures this song would have not been overlooked by their fans.

[@amitabhhajela681]

@@MrDiddyDee I fully agree with you. I just find it funny people like to focus on the proximate cause (Sunset Strip riots) rather than the enormous resonance the song would eventually assume. But you’re right the song is just on point regardless.

[@davidzimmerli489]

Yes, we heard it played on the radio repeatedly, and it expressed the feelings of our generation.

[@jessepruit8385]

This song is as relevant today as the day written!

[@neildonley9626]

As mentioned, it's about a specific event, but it has become a universal protest song.

[@jondhuse1549]

A characteristic of the best songs is that they transcend the writer's original intent and experience!

[@jackiegoodspeed1849]

@@jondhuse1549 Amen

[@jimklipper6022]

Independence Day by Martina McBride was ‘used’ later for 9/11.

[@davidgagne3569]

This was indeed played on the radio and everybody knew what it was about. It was a hit. The catalyst for the song was a demonstration in LA about the closing of a cub. But AT THE SAME TIME it's about and the suppression of young people speaking against the war. At that time 18 year old mmen could be shipped off to Vietnam to die but couldn't even vote. Thank you for your reaction.

[@mrb4749]

I'm listening to this great song since 1967 loved it then still dig it much. Steven Stills did a great job on lead. To me 68, 69 and 70 were the greatest yrs for music.

[@jackiegoodspeed1849]

Excellent choice! Too young for Vietnam but to this day, these songs continue to ring on. Excellent artists. So mature in their thinking and writing.

[@tomatolady11]

One of the favorite groups of my youth. Everything old is new again. Can relate to it even more in my old age.

[@bkm2797]

Neil Young and Steven Stills were in this stellar group, this is my favorite song by them. Thanks for the memories Asia and BJ.

[@kathyrams]

This song is 56 years old and still holds up!

[@danielmcgraw7908]

Look at the members, they are some of the founders of the rocks bands that became over the next 2 decades.

[@tunetitan5683]

BJ you nailed it - this is a classic song like few others. Its about a time and place that we never seem to get away from. It's the human condition. It's as timeless as that bassline.

[@gs8191]

A very short two years together, Buffalo Springfield still was one of the most productive and influential bands of the 60s. Their talented members went on to great things after the group disbanded. Lead singers, songwriters and guitarists Stephen Stills and Neil Young went on to Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and successful solo careers, singer, rhythm guitarist and writer Richie Furay went on to form Poco and Jim Messina who played bass on the last album joined up with Kenny Loggins to form Loggins and Messina.

[@cathyhall1350]

This song is kind of along the same lines as "Ohio", by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young! 💕🎼✌️

[@wadsworthaaron]

This is more than just a song... it's a voice of American history. Very few artists see their work become entwined in the fabric of national history & culture. Even at such a young age, they were already true artists. I was born in '69 ~ I really wish that I could have seen Buffalo Springfield play. I've seen Crosby, Stills, Nash, snd Young play (Farm Aid 4) and I saw Neil Young and Crazy Horse (twice) in the 90s, but seeing Buffalo Springfield would have been truly epic.

[@paulprendergast3184]

I was fortunate enough to see CSNY in 1974. They played with the Band. Jesse Colin Young opened. Buffalo Springfield was done by 1968--I was 10--they were way before my time too.

[@wayneclendenen2036]

This song wasn't about Vietnam but it became an anthem for that time ...Now we keep getting involved in wars that we don't have the resolve to finish just like Vietnam...The only difference now is the people who are sending others to war are the same people who got deferments for one thing or another to keep from going themselves during Nam !!! Love you guys!!!

[@esdel1955]

Right on 👍

[@firedoc5]

This is probably my favorite song since I was a kid. It's still relevant to these days in many ways. As others have already pointed out, with it referring to the LA riots in can still reflect the times of Viet Nam.

[@geoffreybaumer3037]

It amazes me how music from the past can fit into future periods of time such as this song fits into days society to some degree. Music is one of the best things humans create! I love that young people like you have this platform to do what you are doing. I love it when I see you guys are actually enjoying listening a song I used to listen to. Even though it may not make your playlist, but the fact I know you have a few of my generations songs on your playlist and don't give a D if nobody else likes it, puts a smile on my old mug!! i use to love going to the record stores spending sometimes hours there. Tower Records was my second home for a few years while in the Navy. I am 63 and heard this on the radio and probably still have the vinyl. Yes, I still have my 1st LP to, 3 Dog Night "Several Separate Fools" and every LP I ever bought. And yes all have been copied to digital format, but sometimes I do break one or more out at times just for the original crackle. ☺

[@greg2976]

I was 10 when my 18 yr old brother was drafted. He came back never to be the same! He NEVER talked about it. It so screwed him up, that he became an alcoholic. He had a heart of gold, however! Passed away 4 yrs ago! He was the dad I never had! When this song came out. I did not know what it was about. But I loved it. What a wasted war!

[@revaflowers3115]

By the time this song was released the young adults had had several years of Viet Nam,and so music like this was being played more and more and accepted as the common thread that united us in practicing our freedom to protest and exercise our displeasure with "the man"(government, authority).StephenStills would go on the be a part of Crosby,Stills,Nash and Young,would sing at Woodstock and continue to be a voice of the young generation.

[@myownchannel247]

This song written by Stephen Stills, also of CSN wasn’t written as a protest song originally but did serve as one. Neil Young was also in the band, check out his song Mr. Soul

[@elemar8209]

The entire 'Retrospective' album is excellent front to back.

[@BelindaTN]

This song still applies to today. Nothing has much changed.

[@stephanim2436]

and if history tells us... it won't either😣

[@reb1050]

Isn't it amazing how little we have learned over the past 50+ yrs.?

[@argonwheatbelly637]

The Buffalo Springfield was popular enough to get slots on TV shows, so I believe they were received well enough, right?

[@timmistorey5989]

Powerful song

[@dannycasson1551]

Nobody in this band was afraid to take on important social and political issues as a group or later as individual artists. Especially Neil Young. One of the things I love about music is that a song may be written about a particular incident or subject, yet it can be interpreted and personalized any way the listener chooses.

[@traceydsm]

Yes, it was played on the radio, a national Top Ten record on Billboard.

[@jeanstrickland2445]

You picked a good one love to listen to this genre of music ❤

[@debravirnich3961]

This song is timeless. Look where we are now.

[@jensen220]

You guys should do a whole "'60s Protest songs" thing. Some of them you've done before, but I could hear them again. 🙂

[@wpl8275]

The song's title supposedly comes from a meeting with an A&R person with the band as they demoed songs to him and he asked them if they had any others and Stills said "Well, for what it's worth, I have this other one".

[@artnow2]

Great reaction. Back then this was a major top 10 hit. It was played a lot on the radio and don't forget , back then radio wasn't so divided as it is now and it was driven by DJ's and not algorithims .Thanks for the moment.

[@arnoldcox9128]

It will always have a place in music no matter what era

[@Serai3]

It's so interesting how often songs about very specific moments in time, snapshots of a moment, last the longest and are the most consistently relevant. The smallest, most intimate thoughts are the most universal.

[@scottmorschhauser4421]

Super reaction guys. As an old guy I watch a ton of reactions hoping that the next generations get these songs. With that in mind I’m really impressed with you guys and the development you’ve shown analyzing these songs. Well done guys! I’d suggest “Ohio” by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young.

[@jmr152]

Another great anti-war song from my generation. We a lot of them on the radio. Great music for difficult times in history. I can see why you two are a favorite on YT. The chemistry and humor you two have going on is sure to put a smile on anyone's face. Love you guys!

[@kevinsievert4531]

To Rex's comment below, it was received very well and profoundly by those of us subjected to an unpopular draft and (possibly) carted overseas to fight a hard to explain war. Think of Russian citizens being conscripted now, to fight their neighbors and relatives. Our exodus was Canada for conscientious objectors and theirs is simply fleeing the country by any means possible. Same theme, fifty years later. This song travels well.

[@jollyrodgers7272]

Yes, very popular on the radio - and I remember seeing them perform this on Ed Sullivan, or some other variety show in 1967. It was picked up as a Vietnam protest song, but see Jesse Green's comment below.

[@jerrydelacruz5119]

The song was written in response to the curfew put on Hollywood Blvd so the kids couldn't go to the clubs after 10 pm. It just hit a nerve because the war was going on at the same time, so people who didn't live in Hollywood presumed it was about the war, but it was just the kids protesting the curfew. The club owners weren't happy about losing the business. Things were different back then, I got into the Whiskey to see Steppenwolf when I was 14. The US wasn't the police state it is today.

[@yankeeboyno7]

Sunset Blvd., not Hollywood Blvd.

[@knuteboy3778]

"The US wasn't the police state it is today." Hmmm..not sure I would agree with that. The police did whatever the hell they wanted back then. There was no restraint. Think about the riots of the Democratic National Convention where they were cracking people's heads open with batons left and right. Or the race riots in cities like Detroit where they would open up full strength fire hoses on the crowds. Or what about Kent State when kids were actually shot. People tend to forget about it, but the authority responses to civil unrest seemed way more intense back then than anything in the modern era.

[@dagmar.6954]

This folk rock band was formed in 66-68. It included Stephen Stills & Neil Young. This was their biggest hit & is considered a protest song. The group disbanded in 1968. Stephen Stills went on to form the supergroup Crosby, Stills & Nash with David Crosby of the Byrds and Graham Nash of The Hollies. Neil Young launched his solo career and later joined Stills in Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young in 1969.

[@classic-kool]

The sixties were so revolutionary compared to the 50's and earlier ..... The young generation really were pioneers, and this song embodies the spirit of that era. Thanks for the review of a truly classic rock anthem ....

[@alanpeterson4939]

67 years old today. (Happy birthday to me). The music I grew up with still being played and appreciated, over fifty years later. Amazing.

[@janabraam7963]

This was released in 1966. The Vietnam War went on for 20 years. We got involved in 1949, right after WWII. Heavily in 1963-4. There were many protest songs. Step out of line "The Man" will come & take you away. We protested peacefully with songs, sit-ins etc., but then there was the violence & riots for no reason. It was a hard time. Some great music came out of it.

[@iowafinn2602]

I never saw Buffalo Springfield, but I saw Neil Young in the early 70's when I was at Ohio State. The concert was on campus and started at midnight on Sunday and went to 3 AM Monday morning.

[@nationaltrails9585]

If one bothers and takes the time to find out the origin of the song, one will find out that it was entirely about something different than what people think it means today. It's an iconic song, it's a great song, it just helps to know more. :)

[@markb1114]

Always liked the vibe of this song. 💥

[@melissatuel862]

This song is still VERY relevant today.

[@brianmcmaster5112]

This is 100% an anti Violence song. And I am 50,s o this is my parents generation music. Good old classic rock.And,y es,they loved it!! I love seeing you two react to good old 70's rock and roll. You are so receptive to it because its the good shit,lol! Your movie reviews are awesome too. Please do Return of the Jedi, soon. And react to Queen Radio GaGa live at Live Aid. Unless you've already done it. It's magical and Freddie Mercury had 75 K humans in the palm of his hands. Peace out.

[@troys6965]

If you haven't, check out CSN&Y's "Ohio". Protest songs may have been our loudest voice during that era. It was more difficult for government censors to affect music content.

[@Kerrawin69]

My father told me this song was in Protest of the Veitnam Draft and the war in general. It is one of those songs that cover mutiple generations of struggle with Societies. It's a great song that even fits with todays issues. ❤

[@jvsmith7888]

This song originally came out in 1966. Strange how what goes around comes around......... again!

[@troyhyatt635]

They were played, 1968 thru 1974 Many artist were against the war. Another song from this group worth hearing is "Justice why are you so slow" enjoy.

[@mamared56]

During this time (1960's) on the nightly news, we saw live images of the Vietnam War, student protests on college campuses, and racial oppression and demonstrations in the South. This was a first because prior television, the main news sources were radio and newspapers. Seeing these live images tore the country apart and at the same time, brought us together. Yes, this music was very well received among most young people and was played on all the popular radio stations.

[@AncientWisdomTeachingsLLC]

Hit the button… HIT the button… HIT THE BUTTON!!!! 😂😂😂

[@hollypinkley7936]

This song could have q written today!!! We need to be aware ALL THE TIME!!! My fav song from my high school days!!!! Still relevant TODAY!!! This song wax a marching song for the Vietnam War!!! An iconic song of the 60's!!!!

[@barbarabweaver1]

On the radio all the time. Parents typically didn’t listen but everybody in high school or college age knew it all. Listen to albums with the lyrics written on the sleeves.

[@EdPawley]

This song was used as the foundation of rap group Public Enemy's song, "He Got Game," which was the title track of the Spike Lee film of that name, starring Denzel Washington.

[@cathybrookeburt2616]

This wasn't written especially for the Vietnam war, however, after its release, it became an anthem for the protests, against the war, which I participated in. My brother & many friends & cousins were in Vietnam & I was home protesting him having to be there.

[@jonathanwright9613]

I'm 60 years old and the relevance to today is still there. That's the mark of great music.

[@keanlange12]

Those songs were definitely played on the radio, but almost exclusively on FM stations. Also a number of Independent Community stations begin to form around the country. Sometimes the FM stations, at least where I was (Eugene Oregon), would play music for hours without interruptions and without commercials.

[@amoco14]

What a great group and song, And an awesome war protest song.

[@62impalaconvert]

This came out in 1966, 56 years ago. I was in college and I remember it like it was yesterday.

[@genabourassa7962]

I heard this on the radio a lot, loved it. In my Grade 10 English class we acted out a small play about it and it made it more real, good choice on the teachers part.

[@ptrlxc]

Kids these days. Lol. I heard that a lot 50 years ago when songs like this came out. Did we need to speak out then? You bet. I hope that doesn’t stop. Great song.

[@leobrotherton2398]

Somebody hit the damn button already...lol!! You folks crack me up. Classic is right BJ. This song like The Rolling Stones Gimme Shelter are iconic and take you back to that era. Vietnam, civil rights, sex,drugs and rock and roll. Good times ☮✌

[@1967PONTIACGTO]

This song was a radio hit, and on youtube you can watch a video of them on a popular show called "Hollywood Palace"

[@luciolamonica]

from Forrest Gump to Lord of War, this song is a statement!

[@richardkawucha1232]

I'm 71, growing up the music of our day had a meaning. The best way to get heard was through it this was written to protest treatment of protestest by authority.

[@stevenmoser4503]

You two are so, so, SO insightful and intelligent! Of all the reactors, I enjoy y'all the most because of the way you listen and just "get it." Not too much gets by y'all. Great review of this classic!

[@gordonglasgow2711]

There were a lot of protest songs coming out during this era. Not only was the Vietnam War ramping up, but the whole Civil Rights Movement was happening, too. This came out in 1966. Steven Stills went on to be a founding member of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and in 1971 they released the album 4-Way Street. If you want to hear some even more powerful protest songs, check out the pairing of Southern Man (about changes in the segregated South) followed by Ohio (about the killing of four protesters at Kent State University by National Guard troops).

[@TomGorham]

Yes, these songs were played on the radio.

[@jerryactrik1901]

This was also sampled in He Got Game by Public Enemy

[@RogerWyatt365]

The song wasn't specifically anti-war, but was about the closing of a Hollywood bar. But the message was so compelling that it was "adopted" by the anti-war protestors that it became a de-facto standard. Stephen Stills, the writer and signer went on to prominence in the Crosby Stills Nash (and Young) group, and then on to s moderately successful solo career.

[@Spazzmatazzz]

This song was released in 1966 and there were many protests going on. 4 years later, protesters at Kent State University in Ohio had the National Guard open fire on them killing 4 students. Steven Stills along with David Crosby, Steven Stills and Neil Young released the song Ohio as an immediate protest to what had happened. You should check it out. There was a helluva a lot going on back then that was reflected in the music. Look at Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin On?" It was a wild time to be alive...

[@BossDM-2]

This is a classic, lyrically and musically, and BJ is totally correct doubt the song's meaning. Neil Young was in the band then. I remember hearing this on the car radio as a little kid just out of kindergarten (I'm getting too old).

[@ATN2USN]

Radio at the time was genre based. This song would have been played on rock stations, but not necessarily in C&W or R&B. It struck home with the youth at the time, but it caused resentment in older, more conservative folks.

[@gkiferonhs]

Whether protest songs got air play depended on the market. You had the "patriot" stations that refused to play anything like this and then there were the "hippie" stations that would. This came out around the advent of FM radio and the "album stations" where whole sides of albums would be played. Most of the album stations would play this sort of stuff.

[@patcavanaugh4941]

The music was rallying cries. Please consider "Eve of Destruction" by Barry McGuire, 1965. It addresses not only the war, but takes on a host of societal problems and expresses the anger and frustration that we felt at that time.

[@RoyalSkull]

Now yall gotta check out "He Got Game" by Public Enemy , it samples this and has a guest appearance by Stephen Stills

[@xtinkerbellax3]

I've been waiting for someone to react to that one, still one of my favorite samples.

[@gndvancil]

Vietnam Protest music. 1967. Big impression of my teenage life. I was there 2 years later.

[@edwardjones3049]

This was the only song to hit in the Top 10 at number 7. When this song came out, my dad was stationed in Japan, and many Military personnel thought it was a Vietnam protest song.

[@TimBee100]

Someone challenged him to write a song in 10 minutes or something like that. He wrote this song and said here it is 'For what it's worth'. It wasn't intended to be the song title.

[@superdavearmbruster8795]

No truer words were sung back then,......or today! God bless, and we love yall!

[@sepulmattica7649]

You are correct sir…what’s crazy, is it’s still relevant to what’s going on now…especially right now ever since the start of 2020

[@junebug_tx2305]

Love 'Protest Music'...former youngster liberal in the 60s and 70s...now mature conservative, but love the music. I'm going to go put a flower in my hair.

[@elegantirony78]

Regardless of what this song was originally written about it became an anthem for the times, civil rights, Vietnam etc

[@iahelcathartesaura3887]

"Ladies first" ❤️❤️❤️😊👍 Girl, RECEIVE THAT gracious man energy! Just receive it well! It is precious beyond measure. (Advice from an old lady 😉) I love y'all's reactions, depth, mature intelligence & honest observations. Fantastic 💙

[@AsiaandBJ]

Yes! Thank you!

[@glassontherocks]

It was about the shootings at Kent State University. Conflict between Students and the National guard.

[@Bekka_Noyb]

all time classic protest song! ♥

[@robertkenneth6517]

You might like their song "Expecting to Fly." Haunting and beautiful.

[@allencarlson6128]

Classic protest song! It is topical for today too!

[@duanemcfate3119]

A young stills and young what a power house they were.