SO BEAUTIFUL!| FIRST TIME HEARING Marvin Gaye - What Going On REACTION

[@christianmattison6096]

This song was song to a generation weaned on watching the war in Vietnam played out before us on the nightly news, as we waited class by class, to be called up to the front line after HS graduation. College campuses exploded in protest across the nation and were on fire with constant riots and bomb threats being the norm. Much is made of those being simpler and innocent times. Nothing could be further from the truth. Marvin Gaye's song is a lament, yearning for sanity to return. My father's enlistment ended the same year our first troops were sent to 'Nam. Saigon fell in April of 1975, I graduated 2 months later. My father and I were bookends of that war. This song resonates with me deeply.

[@kevinsmith4429]

Thanks for the comment about things being cool & innocent in those days. Should have been with me in Grant Park in the Chi in '68 getting teargassed & chased by cops at the Democratic Convention. I will qualify that last statement by acknowledging the fact if you dropped a beer bottle it could start a riot in that city at that time. Think that had to be the toughest place & time of my life.

[@drc1989]

So true. When I turned 14, I realized i only had 4 more years to live. Thank God and all the protesters for the end of the war and the draft. I still live by the line "...only love can conquer hate." Thanks for your comment.

[@joy88867]

Shame how not much has changed and the song is just as relevant today! ☮️

[@dextercashwell5030]

I'm a little older than you but thanks for pointing out the significance of this song coming out during the Nam era. That was a "coming of age" period for a lot of us. Also, there was the battle between the generations. If you were young (and "liberal") you questioned the war. The older (and "conservative") folks supported it. With hindsight I thinks it pretty clear who was right.

[@362chop]

Yeah well back then there was a little reason for protests, something that arrived by mail called a draft card.

[@carolanestanley4030]

It's an album you play all the way through without a pause. One of the greatest albums ever!!❤😢

[@PJB71064]

I agree FAMILY!😁🙏✌️

[@rocjackson5975]

You are exactly right! The album has a flow to it, and it just flows from one song to another. One of the best albums ever!! His Trouble Man album flows like this too!

[@brendamclain3567]

Amen

[@roycelabor4339]

Amen! In a word, Marvin is absolutely "sublime." This entire album is, IMO, the finest concept album ever recorded. There's not a single weak spot in the entire album.

[@isurvive8251]

YES !!!! UNCONTESTABLE !!!

[@kerrihennebury7616]

He fought with Motown to make this album. They wanted more of the Grapevine sound. But he wanted to get serious and make a social statement. This was his statement album. Beautiful.

[@carolanestanley4030]

Should have won the Grammy for this album!

[@michaelparks5669]

@@carolanestanley4030 you got that right. One of the most profound albums ever produced. Marvin said God was inspiring him.....

[@KtotheG]

Berry Gordy wanted to keep the public singing about "baby love" and hearing stuff through the grapevine. Marvin wanted to speak to the people about what was in his heart at the time, which is what a true artist does. He wasn't about to be a factory worker. Berry just wanted to keep the factory running and keep it profitable.

[@michaelparks5669]

@@KtotheG Marvin like many ballad singers of the ancients was the voice of the people. May he rest in peace..May we see him in the next life.

[@susieterry9099]

I cry every time I hear this song, knowing that it has all, in fact, escalated. We miss you Marvin.

[@ellenjones7819]

"What Going On" still resonates 50 years later.

[@FirstSuiGeneris]

: )

[@RAakaCHI-191]

....and it will resonate 1,000s of years from now!

[@poppslayer7660]

Right on, Brother.

[@CatherinePearl100]

This song had me tearing up before the first verse was over, because I realized that in 50 years, nothing has changed. It’s only gotten worse.

[@Jcrash71]

Yep nothing has changed sadly:( I take it you were a teen when this came out ?

[@knightscroftsquire-muldoon]

But in some ways we have come together as well! I say: "just talk to me so I can see whats going on!"

[@fmk353]

I agree... this is a tear jerker. I was a teenager during the time this song was recorded. I'm 70 now and I cry about the time we've wasted. Listen to the first verse and you'll realize what's going on now was going on then... and there isn't a single reason for it.

[@JPMadden]

That's what the voices of division always want us to think. More has improved than gotten worse.

[@OCGal78]

Marvin Gaye was a genius. His ability to sing about war and injustice in this world at that time during my middle school years was unmatched. And as some have said, sadly things are still the same. There is so much hate and violence perpetrated on the innocent. RIP Marvin.

[@surlechapeau]

J & Amber, you'll love his "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"(w/Tammi Terrell), "Mercy Mercy Me" and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine"!!! He's a big part of what made the 60s and 70s great. What a voice!!

[@Jcrash71]

Especially during his peak 1965-1973. After that, he went downhill in my opinion.

[@user-ii4zf5iq3t]

Love Mercy, Mercy Me...

[@peanutbutter35]

I love mercy mercy me!

[@shanenolan8252]

Hell do all his greatest hits.

[@SG-js2qn]

For me, Diana Ross owns "Ain't No Mountain." I'd love to have them react to that, or "Theme from Mahogany."

[@AL13NM]

This entire album is a MASTERPIECE! And a Must Hear, MERCY MERCY ME (The Ecology) and INNER CITY BLUES MAKE ME WANNA HOLLER are FIRE!!!

[@steppingrazor5520]

Hell yes on Make Me Wanna Holler.

[@AL13NM]

@@steppingrazor5520 This entire album belongs with the greatest artworks in recorded history, like the Mona Lisa and Beethoven's 9th symphony! And following his footsteps, Living Colour song Open Letter To A Landlord!

[@Sheffield_Steve]

This is one album that vinyl album should only be purchased to appreciate the blending of some of the tracks like from this to "What's Happening Brother" that a CD or a streaming service might end up missing out with key changes between tracks that the vinyl doesn't.

[@samuelalexander558]

Perfection is difficult but Mr Gaye accheived that.

[@carolholly1608]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@derekfnord]

One of the most iconic songs of all time, and (sadly) always relevant. Now is no exception...

[@マシュードーラン]

The looting, shooting each other and general failure to simply assimilate to modern society certainly isn’t helping things. If you don’t learn from history you’re doomed to repeat it over and over again

[@aden2957]

I am a 65 year old man from the UK. I first heard this when i was 17 years old. Marvin was a beautiful man with a fantastic, wonderful voice. I saw him perform live in London UK..he was spellbinding! This song is from around 1973 and even more relevant today than it was back then. This album is considered the 6th best album of all time in the Billboard top 500. Your comments about the media today etc. are absolutely on point. You are blessed, I love you both..Peace always 🙏🏼 A.

[@FirstSuiGeneris]

: )

[@danielswood]

I'm your age and have loved Marvin for forever too. Cheekbones, vocals, morals/ethics - probably in that order for me. 😉 He was so ahead on eco concerns. I have a lot of love and respect for him that outlasts many later artists.

[@carolholly1608]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@aden2957]

@@carolholly1608 Thankyou Carol - peace and love A. 🙏

[@cherrieerie4801]

my granddaddy played this album everytime we went on a drive around town 💗

[@kellyreiterman]

One of the most powerful, beautiful songs ever written and sung. Hands down.

[@FirstSuiGeneris]

: )

[@pathare3031]

still gives me chills

[@Lakeshore14]

OMG….I have been waiting for this reaction. This isn’t just a song….it’s an anthem to how tumultuous the times were. If you listen to the lyrics, you can relate them to everything that is happening today. Marvin was upset about Vietnam because he had a brother fighting in that war. This has often ranked at or near the top of best socially conscious songs. CNN recently did a special about this song and how important it was. Funny thing is, Berry Gordy didn’t want Motown to release it because he thought it was too controversial. Marvin got the last laugh because this was one of the biggest sellers Motown had.

[@Mwoods2272]

50 years later and the world feels worse now then it was back then.

[@maloishwilson]

@@Mwoods2272 PREACH

[@johnplaysgames3120]

@@Mwoods2272 Two of the biggest changes that have made the world worse: (1) Nixon's "Southern Strategy" institutionalized the political practice of stirring up fear and hatred of "the other" (races, mainly) in order to frighten/anger voters into voting the way the pols wanted; and (2) Modern media has become WAY more sophisticated at using propaganda, the 24-hour news cycle, and twisting words to convince their audiences that "the other" is anyone who doesn't agree with them and that the other half of the country are "enemies of the US." Of course, the anonymity of the internet and the freedom it gives to randos and trolls to say things to each other that they would NEVER say if they were standing face-to-face doesn't help either. There are times that I worry that the use of propaganda and "alternative facts" (by both sides, let's not kid ourselves) has become so ingrained in the culture that the current level of brainwashing (on both sides) is going to ruin us for generations to come but, man, I truly hope we grow out of this phase before they stir people up into physically fighting each other. It's crazy that we've come to a point where political gamesmanship is cynically splitting the country into two warring factions... And for what? To get votes in "the next election." It's irresponsible and short-sighted of our "leaders" and yet they seem addicted to these strategies. The problem? The solution is to get rid of all of these pols or somehow send a message that we're tired of these strats. But when a significant portion of the populace continues to fall for it and the "news" networks that are firehosing the propaganda at us are the highest rated, most profitable "news" stations on the air... I just don't know where you start. Locally, I guess, within in your own circle. But, as someone who lives in a state that is 3/4 filled with people who believe in every crazy conspiracy and speak with venomous vitriol about people like me bc their chosen "news" source tells them that I'm the enemy, it's easier said than done. The liars have the megaphone and all I can do is quietly be kind to the people I meet. Sometimes it feels like a losing battle.

[@billiondollarbaby3276]

Actually Berry Gordy ALWAYS got the last laugh cause he didnt have record sales counted for any of the artists on Motown/Tamla (Jackson 5, Marvin, Temptations, Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross + Supremes etc). He refused to be part of the RIAA so he could tell his artists whatever sales figures he wanted to. Pocketed Gazillions that the artists should have received. No wonder most of them were completely broke after their heyday was over. Sickening how so many great artists were robbed by having no business sense whatsoever.

[@RitaBowen1]

CNN special was a great doc. If you get a chance watch it

[@lemonrie6421]

Brother, Marvin Gaye...a legend gone too soon. R.I.P. you're so missed. 🙏

[@aspjake123]

@@Jcrash71 What does this matter?

[@vandergod]

Seriously an amazing song. You can feel his hurting heart in this piece. He was so concerned about oppression in his time. And we still have so far to go. RIP Marvin. Thank you again for this gift.

[@waynemarvin5661]

That's why the song was such a hit. All of us (the Boomers) at the time could relate. We all identified with his pain and frustration.

[@jamessugg7061]

Check out the song, Moses Brown, by the Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies. 🐆

[@Kim-427]

This was just a powerful time during the 70’s. The Vietnam war,racism,The Civil rights struggle,The Panthers. I was a kid during those times. A lot going on but the unity in the black community was at an all time high. This album was powerful. RIP Marvin!

[@Kim-427]

@@cottonplant100 No offense but you couldn’t be a black person in America. The phrase is as much as things change they remain the same.

[@4508bluesky]

I guess that his brother had just come back from the war and it got Marvin thinking…

[@angelagoodwin5758]

Amber's beautiful smile says it all! This song is timeless and Marvin's masterpiece. RIP Marvin Gaye.

[@ohfour-seven6228]

This is one of the most important songs ever written and recorded. The sad part is that this was released in the 70's and it's needed even more today. Thanks for the great reaction!

[@BadlndsBob]

Absolutely, this is one of the top 100 pop songs ever -- in my estimation. Great music and superb message.

[@robin9876]

And how sad his own father killed him!

[@RobertSmith-iw2kb]

This song was groundbreaking for this era of the early 70's.another tragic figure gone to soon in that drug infested era.

[@ohfour-seven6228]

@@RobertSmith-iw2kb Yes, so many gone so soon!

[@jackikarmichael65]

"This is one of the most important songs ever written and recorded." I could not agree more. The message is timeless for as long as any man is oppressed by another.

[@billygalanis4015]

AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH is a beauty. Marvin & Tammi Terrell.

[@floydlawson3765]

One of the best duets ever. Tragic and sad end for both of them.

[@angelalacour2384]

Marvin was such a great song writer and singer. This and Mercy Mercy Me are still relevant today. He sang so many great songs.

[@ronjm945]

R.I.P. Marvin Gaye who’s music is timeless. A extremely talented singer,songwriter and musician… More of this masterwork album please!

[@andyo3689]

Only love can conquer hate. Marvin paraphrasing Dr. King. When I heard this album when it first came out I was in boot camp studying war. Viet Nam was real and Marvin went against the wishes of his record label boss Barry Gordy to release a socially conscious album. A brave move. A move that changed society! I cried when I heard this. It was strong to see you reacting to history.

[@Spazzmatazzz]

Thank you! Barry wanted love songs and didn't realize where it could go.

[@A14Rors]

An entire generation woke up with these civil rights tracks - music and lyrics just perfect. Privileged to have seen Marvin Gaye live in London. Queued up for hours to get those tickets at the Royal Albert Hall. Worth it thousand times over

[@TorontoJon]

A few years ago, I was lucky enough to find Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On?' record at a local Salvation Army Thrift Store or Value Village for two dollars. The cover looked pretty rough and I remember saying, "Please don't be scratched, please don't be scratched" and the record inside was in BEAUTIFUL shape. It is a cherished record indeed. :)

[@shemanic1]

"War is not the answer, for only Love can conquer Hate". Such a powerful line & one I have tried to live my life by. It is songs like this that still give me hope.

[@stephaniejones4749]

Marvin Gaye he had some powerful, powerful songs with some powerful, powerful words that rings true today. You can't go wrong with a Marvin Gaye song. Also check out his song called "Trouble Man"

[@carltonbakerii8274]

"Trouble Man"! Definitely!

[@Lamoatic]

I’m a Detroit born and raised white 71 year old guy and my eyes still shed tears for the senseless loss of Marvin Gay! He had sooooo much more in store for the world, with that GOD GIVEN voice!!! Motown was the Heartbeat of the Entire area! It still is. No electronic voice falsification. I feel so truly sorry for you younger folks out there.

[@Wordsmyth8]

One of the greatest songs ever! Marvin’s masterpiece.

[@michaelparks5669]

yea brother.

[@janicerosen]

This is my all time favourite album. I'm 71, so you could assume I've heard a few. Marvin's masterpiece.

[@kellypedersen6590]

This album is an absolute masterpiece, and a high water mark of not just R&B but popular music/ culture in general. 51 years later, it still cuts deep.

[@josephadiaz8343]

Bring Marvin Gaye to any event, he's loved where ever you go 👍♥️🙏✝️✌️😎

[@paul.kristoff]

This whole album demands a listen from start to end. Each song flows into the next seamlessly, and it tells such an important narrative. The record label didn't want to release it as it was so different and political and they figured it'd tank Marvin's career. Even things like the sounds of the street and people chatting in the background were considered too different and crazy by the label. Boy were they wrong! He was over doing the Motown bubblegum pop, please everyone thing, and wanted to speak some truth and make a difference. Still so relevant today. Plus the tunes are all bangers musically.

[@hog7203]

Yep. It's such a unique album, it's definitely worth a listen.

[@RAakaCHI-191]

#1 album in my list!

[@agent01soul]

Definitely one of the greatest albums of all time.

[@AckeeandSaltfish]

Agreed it’s so cohesive and sonically sublime!!

[@woodyheywood8792]

Marvin...what a gentle soul

[@Anita-kd4zu]

One of the most tragic losses in the music world at the hands of his father. Every song of his was a gem.

[@stephen4763]

Marvin is The Man. Legend. True classics.

[@perrymalcolm3802]

The What’s Goin On ALBUM is Marvin’s pinnacle artistic achievement not just as a singer/musician, but as a person who had an awakening and wanted to communicate it to us! PLEASE listen to the album, at least once, from beginning to end as he intended. No need to react to it unless u want. But you, it and he deserves that

[@21paulst]

YES! One of the greatest albums ever. Do listen to the whole thing from start to end.

[@teresajarrell452]

YES!!! 👍😃❣️

[@AckeeandSaltfish]

Emphatically agree ❤️❤️

[@danielmorley4919]

This is one of the most socially important songs of our modern era.

[@resurrectionwaiting9294]

Marvin was inspired to write/record his 1971 "What's Going On" album after hearing Donny Hathaway's 1970 album "Everything Is Everything". In fact, Marvin directly quotes from Donny's album. To experience the full effect of this artistic masterpiece, you must first listen to Donny's album, followed immediately by Marvin's album.

[@maryannturton9830]

Marvin Gaye is fire🔥This song is everything! Best song to kick the last two years to the curb,and come together in love and unity❣👏🏿👊

[@Lion-9699]

Loved your reactions!!! I was a teenager when this song came out. During that tine, it was a time of fear for many young men/women in America who were qualified for military draft during the Vietnam War and the horror and sadness of seeing all the news channels tally up the deaths of hundreds of U.S. troops being killed almost every day. According to some news media, the turning point for the Vietnam war was not on the battlefield but on a little known college campus in 1970, Kent State University, where college students were protesting the war and police opened fire and killed four college student protesters. The shooting death of these 4 students had galvanized the anti-war movement in America to a point where even the Congress and the Senate started to talk about how to end the war peacefully and honorably. Also, I saw on TV how police used brutality to control the protesters. Marvin Gaye masterfully illustrated in his song about the tragic war events during that time. On the side note, the background singers that were singing beautiful harmony and making street talking/protests noises were members of the NFL Detroit Lions. Marvin Gaye knew some of the NFL players very well and invited them to the recording studio to help him make this song. During the middle of the song Marvin Gaye said “right on”, “right on”, he was telling the football players that he liked the way they were making street talking and protest noises as well as their harmony singing. I only knew this because I saw the documentary of how Marvin Gaye made this song.

[@guyray7445]

The police did not kill those students it was the National Guard the Governor called in.

[@carollandrum9223]

There are just some songs in life that you remember exactly where you were the first time you heard it. This is one. I was 12 and my parents were building a house. We were living in an apartment complex in Atlanta until it was done. I was watching some people playing handball and there was a speaker where you sat to watch. The radio station played this song and I've never forgotten that moment. This was in 1971!

[@davidbordonaro1631]

I've often wondered why certain moments stick in our memories and others are just forgotten .

[@Goobie77]

Turned 12 in 1971 too! Down the road from Atlanta.

[@jaycorby]

Thank you, Carol. I really like it when people include dates in their posts. My next birthday ( Sept. 25 ) I'll turn 77. In 1971 when this album came out I turned 26! The years have slipped by so fast, it's hard to believe that this classic is 51 years old, and has withstood the test of time. I'm also extremely grateful that KZbin exists today. At the stroke of a few keys any song ever recorded can be retrieved almost immediately. We could never have imagined what the future would bring back then.

[@tennesseehusky]

"Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology)" another Marvin song with a great message you'd both Dig. If a groove thing is what you're interested in try Marvin's "Got To Give It To Me". If you want a soulful, sensual song Marvin's "Let's Get It On" or "Sexual Healing" (From early 80's just before we lost Marvin) are top notch. If a spectacular cover song is your taste Marvin's version of "I Heard It Through The Grape Vine" is one of the best. Enjoy!

[@kenhayhurst374]

This and "Mercy, Mercy Me" were my faves.

[@chrisbarrett1191]

I think Marvin Gaye has one of the best voices ever I could listen to him everyday all day long

[@terrymccluskey8758]

His brother was in the Vietnam war and told Marvin about what was going on there and here,and he wrote it down, still has meaning for today's society.

[@philipmcinerney8224]

Stop talking propaganda

[@JTS578]

I've always thought of this entire album as being a single piece of music. The tracks flow together so naturally. Listen to the whole thing at one sitting. It's a great experience.

[@Shrykespeare]

You may know "Let's Got it On", but do you know "Sexual Healing"? It's a classic, and was also his final top ten hit before his untimely death in 1984.

[@surlechapeau]

great choice!

[@sallyduval7164]

It's so sad that he could sing so beautifully of peace & brotherhood, & die from family violence was so unfair.

[@michaeloesterle6652]

Classic bass line in Sexual Healing

[@kahuna754]

Are they old enough for, Sexual Healing? I can just imagine Amber's vapors. LOL.

[@chrissneyd9278]

One of the best songs of its time. Marvin had a voice which caressed you whilst promoting its message. The whole album should be promoted by teachers who want to show youngsters how to use your vocabulary to communicate. Not just using words but emotions. But it appears most American schools would rather promote football than communication skills.

[@themajicman745]

The Prince of Motown whose my favorite artist of all times. He wrote this song in response to the stories that his brother told him about being over in Vietnam and all the horrors of that war. Please don't stop there with Marvin's awesome music, because his music catalog is HUGE!!!

[@youforget1000thingsaday]

One of my granny's favorites. This song's been in my heart for twenty six years and it'll be there until the grave. The old school just hits harder.

[@TrevorPalmatiershow]

This song is as relevant today as it was when it was released. Look into the history of this song.

[@TheMkamix]

This is actually my favorite Marvin Gaye song. So glad you reacted to it.

[@JoeRoganIsAnImbecile]

Great great song, glad you picked this one, try mercy mercy me, you’ll love it.

[@Wordsmyth8]

And Inner City Blues.

[@Mr17051963]

Masterpiece! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Sad is to know that such a loving care person like Mr.Gaye died so young and in a savage way. 😢

[@susangalloway3055]

Love this song so much . There were many artists with great messages in 60s and 70s

[@5nowyOwl]

I love this song so much.❤

[@sherrihurst3142]

Such a great song that we need today....Marvin Gaye was so talented...

[@allendesalme197]

Yes, one of the greatest male soul singers ever! And fantastic lyrics delivered perfectly...

[@RobertSmith-iw2kb]

Marvin was an aspiring football player.and some of the backup singers were actually his friends from the Detroit lions.

[@knew3355]

Easily one of my top five songs of all time (and I love allllll music). The message, his voice, the instruments, the background…….IT’S EVERYTHING!

[@jen.radiates]

The way you settled into this song as it started, was like it was in your DNA. ❤️❤️

[@cyndianderson7056]

This song will always be relevant. Such a beautiful song. Marvin Gaye was amazing. Such a tragic loss.

[@srobg1956]

Great to hear this again. As a child of the 60’s we needed Gaye’s message of love and nonviolence. It’s certainly needed today as well.

[@elizabethfranco1284]

Powerful and moving song,only Marvin Gaye could sing this the way it should have been . He wasn’t called the Prince of Motown for nothing.

[@meldonbrindley7093]

Absolute classic. Still rings true today. Only love can conquer hate.

[@TheDivayenta]

What a fitting song given the recent horrors of the last few weeks. Marvin was a genius.

[@bluetopguitar1104]

Well said!!

[@stevehamilton8824]

A song that changed the thinking of so many people during a time when such conflict was going on. We need more socially conscious music like this today.

[@pamcoyer9582]

This song was during the Vietnam War. Every time you turned around, President Johnson was “escalating” the war and the size of our troop presence. The draft was in force, so not many guys escaped it unless you were in school. So this was an anti-war song at the time. Marvin’s smooth voice made this an instant hit. Thanks for playing it.

[@jimlakey8366]

Nixon.

[@cazgerald9471]

@@jimlakey8366 This song was during Nixon. Both had bad war policies - year over year troop escalation was during LBJ.

[@pamcoyer9582]

@@jimlakey8366, Nope. Johnson was famous for his “escalation” word. Nixon won his election by campaigning against the Nam War. (Tho Nixon kept his plan a secret until he was re-elected in ‘72) Marvin Gay sang “Father, father we don’t need to escalate. War is not the answer”. Nixon was in office when the song hit, but it was Johnson’s rhetoric that the song mentions. Thanks for commenting.

[@pamcoyer9582]

@@reallymysterious4520, I hate to be so picky, but Muhammed Ali did not put it on hold. He was about to go to prison for draft evasion. So his Championship Title was stripped from him. And I believe, banned from boxing at the time. Cassius Clay had become a Muslim a little before he was drafted……..then refused to go on religious grounds. He really was “the greatest”.

[@Alan-lv9rw]

The Vietnam War could have been won.

[@SladeMacGregor]

Rob Squad Reactions.....to understand the deeper meaning of this song, you need to understand and study the time this song was written, 1971. It was a very chaotic time with the Vietnam War, race riots, etc. With this famous song, Marvin Gaye helped us make some sense what was going on and he offered solutions with his beautiful lyrics. Some say he wrote this song because they felt a revolution coming, but I feel Marvin was expressing pain that we all felt and he expressed it well. I love the way Christian Mattison wrote his feelings of this song and I totally agree with him since we both lived through this turbulent time. On a side note, did you notice in the video how skinny the people were back then?

[@SladeMacGregor]

@Jim Crawford I was 16 yo then.

[@louhutson450]

Marvin Gaye actually wrote this song because of his brother's experience in Vietnam.

[@EricKing]

One of the most iconic, beautiful, and Important songs ever performed. A treasure.

[@ixoye56]

This song is more relevant today than when it was produced

[@theresap.3305]

I truly respect your opinion. The song is relevant today, but not more than when this song was written. I grew up in the 1960’s and 1970’s and things were much worse than they are today.

[@terribanks8633]

This is listed in the top 100 albums of all time. Berry Gordy tried to discourage him from recording this album, as it didn't fit with the Motown sound that people had become accustomed to. Marvin didn't cave. This was something he had to do. The world needed it. 50 years later, it's still relevant. Sadly, the world hasn't changed much.

[@dwaynes5983]

Sad. World got a lot worse.

[@twuando]

on the rolling stones list of 500 greatest albums of all time its listed as #1

[@rockinmom8919]

This is my favorite Marvin Gaye song not just because of its socially conscious message, but his voice and singing style make it beautiful to listen to.

[@kimcutts6153]

Love "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" & "Mercy Mercy Me" by Marvin. He also did a beautiful duet with Tammi Terell called "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" 🎵🔥🎙 RIP Marvin.

[@daveford12]

The songs Mercy mercy me, Abraham, Martin and John and what’s going on have been a constant with me since I was a teen in the 70’s. I saw the supremes and the four tops live I so wished I had seen Marvin Gaye. It’s great to see both of reactions to a song that still has so much meaning now, it’s a pity in some things we haven’t learnt much.

[@byrontowles2018]

By the way, another fairly unknown song with a powerful message in the vein of "What's Going On" and Sam Cooke's "Change Is Gonna Come" is Aretha Franklin's "Take A Look" recorded in 1967. I first heard it when I was in high school and to this day it still brings tears to my eyes.

[@lawrenceleong8747]

I was a teenager when this song came out. It stirred me to my soul then. I'm so glad Marvin's gem is affecting your generation.

[@gwenstevens1963]

Marvin was Powerful writer!!!! This song 🎶 was and still is “Deep” Marvin RIP!! I remember the day and what I was doing the day he passed 😞Thanks for the great memories!!! Thank you guys for sharing this remarkable man and his music 🎼❤️

[@jivghi]

He was such an important,beautiful and poignant musician ❤️❤️very critical message hidden in a pretty song

[@jamesferris4573]

This was written in the 60's during the Vietnam War and inner city struggle. However this song is still just as relevant today as the day Marvin sang it. The song "Mercy Mercy Me" , or the ecology song is another song that is even more relevant today than in the 60's.

[@dorothyesked1802]

Yes! The entire album was and still relevant and amazing. Barry felt like America wasn't ready Marvin's message turns this album was what we needed.

[@vicprovost2561]

One of the best albums from that era, he brings voice to millions still. Right on! 🎤

[@michaelaustin9705]

Truly, one of the most beautiful and timeless songs of all time and my personal favorite. "Mercy Mercy Me" is another beautiful song that will give you the same feels.

[@boermed]

one of my all time favourite songs . the line that gets me is Father Father we don't need to escalate . especially after the way this genius died . heart breaking .

[@bethcrumpton476]

I know, I always think the same thing.

[@Kairon111161]

As others here have already said, you've GOT to listen to this whole album from start to finish -- a life-changing spiritual/soulful experience.

[@go234ko96ts5]

One of the best and meaningful songs of all times. Released in 1971 this massive hit gave a big boost to Marvin's career. Inner City Blues, Sexual Healing and Ain't No Mountain High Enough with the late Tammi Terrell are all winners. RIP MARVIN you are missed but your music lives on.

[@Jcrash71]

I take it you were a teen when the song was out then ?

[@pamelabest970]

This man's voice was so soothing, smooth and lovely. He was a great talent. I still listen to his music. He is greatly missed.

[@supasoulproductions]

This song is the title track of one of the best albums ever made. Somehow, Marvin managed to make a soul album. a protest album and a party album ALL IN THE SAME ALBUM! When he first played the song to Barry Gordy (head of Motown), Barry hated it because it was so far from the previous stuff that Marvin (and Motown) had been so successful with. Marvin had to threaten to quit to get Barry to put out the single. Once the single was an absolute smash, of course Barry changed his tune and sent Marvin into the studio to make the masterpiece album.

[@djhrecordhound4391]

Since early Motown days, it was regular practice for them to make "dedicated mixes" for singles. (Almost like Easter egg sounds you don't hear on album versions.) They sounded better on radio, and because 45s were usually shorter, sometimes a slight remix could be used to edit an album cut from 5 minutes to 3 and a half or 4. What's Going On has less chatter on the 45, but it seems to groove a little stronger.

[@americanaforever6725]

A sensational timeless classic. Marvin absolutely nails the message combined with his style, awesome!

[@josephscally6270]

This song has always been a favorite of mine because I see it as genius.

[@adamr4198]

One of the best albums ever made. The messages and themes are still VERY relevant today (unfortunately). What a tremendous talent.

[@tonifloerchinger3462]

I remember this song from way back and still love it! The message is loud and clear.

[@tonifloerchinger3462]

@@Jcrash71 I was 22.

[@davidmecusker8050]

Beautiful, Timeless song and his deliverance is stunning. Cindi Lauper did s really cool cover of this song (fun fact),. You can't go wrong with anything from Marvin Gaye.

[@kathyrams]

“What's Going On” was a response to a war that claimed the lives of over 3 million people - more than half of them Vietnamese civilians. The song not only called for an end to the war. It also served as a critique of 1970s America. Drugs, racism and poverty were crippling most inner cities.

[@mpdalyful1]

It's a letter to his brother Charlie, who wanted to fight in Vietnam and got drafted. His relationship with his father was terrible. And he was pleading with him to stop fighting

[@kathyrams]

@@mpdalyful1 His relationship with his father was so bad his father killed him, shot him three times in the chest

[@kathyrams]

@Willow B Maybe but we stopped the war!

[@johnlong9534]

One of the best songs ever written by one of the best male vocalist.

[@graciesmom1477]

I remember buying this single vinyl back in 1971. Amber really did a good job of explaining the real essence of this song. If people would only learn from it.

[@GG.1900]

Mr. Marvin Gaye, so ahead of his time, the 😎 artist out there, his 🎼 will never die…THANKU ❤️

[@1j007zm]

Awesome reaction!, This song is so relevant today. I didn't ever think that things would get like this Again!, we need young people to speak up and teach these old dinosaurs a little love.❤ Another thought provoking song from Marvin Gaye is "Mercy mercy me". Thanks Peace!☮

[@brucedillinger9448]

Completely agree! I was born 1957. I am urging the up and coming generation, when ever they'll listen, to take up the mantle and beat back the new (and old) tide of hate that seems to be gaining an upper hand in present day U.S.A. ✌

[@arthurgreen2652]

Thanks marvin for all the pleasure you have been giving us the world misses you rip marvin 🙏🎶🎶🎶🎶👏👏👏👏👏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Jcrash71]

Take it you were a teenager then ?

[@carleton4199]

Such a wonderful, iconic song, the lyrics are still so relevant today.

[@8164280]

Listen to Marvin Gaye’s rendition of the National Anthem he sung in 1983 at the NBA All Star Game. It’s moving and incredible. Marvin imo was the best R & B singer of all time. No need to talk thru it, play it through. No worries of copyright. You WON’T be disappointed.

[@ericwilliams1031]

This song is an emphatic snapshot of the times and still resonates today. Iconic.