Written ten years after Woodstock when the country was contemplating drafting women into the armed forces, "What's Goin' On" expresses a frustration with the world that is re-emerging in many folks today. "Has the whole damn world gone mad?"
lyrics
What’s Goin’ On – Words and Music by Darrell Elmer Rodgers
Back in Sixty Nine we fought the draft,
Fightin’ for what we felt was right.
“Hell No We Won’t Go” was our reply,
when they said we’d have to go and fight
Then one day they called my name.
Could’ve run to Canada but I joined up just the same.
My father said I was the bravest one.
Truth is, I was just too damned scared to run.
Chorus:
Oh-Oh-Oh Lord, Lord, what’s Goin’ On?
Has the whole damn world gone mad?
Where did we go wrong?
Can’t seem to hold on to what little peace we’ve had.
Well the world is in a jam again.
And the countyu’s calling for all of its young men.
If losing sons ain’t bad enough for you,
this time they just might take your daughter too.
Had a dream, two M-Ps came to my door.
Oh No I thought I’ve got to fight them off once more.
They said “You’ve server your time, we’re not comin’ for you mister”
“This time we’ve orders, to induct your little sister!”
Chorus:
Lord, Lord, what’s Goin’ On?
Has the whole damn world gone mad?
Where did we go wrong?
Can’t seem to hold on to what little peace we’ve had.
Seems to me, we could do away,
with the state of warfare in the world today,
if men of power weren’t filled with such greed,
confusing what they want for something that they need.
Oh Oh Oh In the final run, its gonna come down to you and me,
to protect those things that we hold dear.
Won’t be no armies, no leaders left to cheer,
when the smoke is finally clear
Chorus:
Oh-Oh-Oh Lord, Lord, what’s Goin’ On?
Has the whole damn world gone mad?
Where did we go wrong?
Can’t seem to hold on to what little peace we’ve had.
Lord, What’s Goin On?
Lord, What is Goin on?
Just got to wonder, what’s goin’ on
Somebody tell me what’s goin’ on!
Copyright 2014 Darrell Elmer Rodgers
credits
from Woodstock Generation (album),
track released August 1, 2014
All vocals and instrumentatals by Darrell Elmer Rodgers including that Tenor Sax solo!
Darrell Elmer Rodgers is a veteran singer-songwriter. He has been called the Bard of the Baby-Boomers for songs that celebrate his generation's life and times.
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