What's Going On

Cyndi Lauper's rendition of 'What's Going On' is a poignant plea for peace, love, and understanding in a world fraught with conflict and suffering. The song opens with a heartfelt address to 'Mother' and 'Brother,' highlighting the widespread pain and loss experienced by many. The repetition of 'too many of you crying' and 'too many of you dying' underscores the urgency and scale of the issues at hand. Lauper's call to 'bring back love here today' serves as a powerful reminder of the need for compassion and unity in the face of adversity.

The song's second verse shifts focus to 'Father,' urging against escalation and violence. Lauper's assertion that 'war is not the answer' and that 'only love can conquer hate' echoes the sentiments of many peace movements throughout history. This verse emphasizes the importance of dialogue and understanding over conflict and aggression. The repeated plea to 'find a way to bring back lovin' here today' reinforces the song's central message of love as a transformative force.

In the chorus, Lauper addresses the societal tensions and misunderstandings that often lead to violence and division. The imagery of 'picket lines' and 'picket signs' evokes scenes of protest and civil unrest, while the plea to 'talk to me' instead of resorting to 'brutality' highlights the need for communication and empathy. The repeated question 'What's going on?' serves as both a cry for answers and a call to action, urging listeners to reflect on the state of the world and their role in making it better.

The final verse challenges societal judgments and stereotypes, particularly those based on appearance, such as 'just because our hair is long.' Lauper's call to 'bring back understanding today' underscores the importance of breaking down barriers and fostering mutual respect. The song's closing lines, 'I'll tell you what's going on, you tell me what's going on,' invite a dialogue and shared responsibility in addressing the issues at hand, reinforcing the song's overarching theme of collective action and empathy.