What's Up?

The song 'What's Up?' performed by Linda Perry, who is also the lead singer of the band 4 Non Blondes, captures a moment of existential questioning and the search for purpose. The lyrics express a sense of frustration and longing for understanding in a world that often feels confusing and overwhelming. The opening lines set the stage for this introspection, with the singer reflecting on a life spent striving for a hopeful destination, yet not quite sure what that destination is or how to reach it.

The chorus, with its repeated question 'What's going on?', serves as a powerful refrain that underscores the singer's quest for clarity. This rhetorical question is a plea for insight into the state of the world and the singer's own life. The mention of crying in bed and feeling 'a little peculiar' suggests a deep emotional turmoil and a sense of alienation. The act of stepping outside, taking a deep breath, and screaming is a metaphor for seeking release and a desire to break free from the constraints of societal expectations, symbolized by the 'institution' mentioned in the song.

The song also touches on themes of unity and the shared human experience, as indicated by the reference to the 'brotherhood of man.' However, the singer's call for a 'revolution' implies a need for change, both personally and collectively. The repetition of the opening lines at the end of the song brings the narrative full circle, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the singer's journey and the universal struggle to find meaning and direction in life.