In 1971 Marvin Gaye, one of R&B’s most talented artists wrote and performed his chart topping song, “What’s Going On”. The song was a deeply personal protest of the period’s biggest controversy, the Vietnam War. His song was meant to tell the world his views against it and his belief there had to be a better way than sending soldiers into battle to solve the problems. “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye gave have him the opportunity to tell the world his thoughts on the war and how it should be solved by the lyrics he chose, the pathos rhetoric he used and the catchy beats and harmony of the song.
His anti-war anthem was released to make a statement, a statement to raise social consciousness and make the deaths of so many felt by his immense audience. For example, line 5, “There's far too many of you dying” (Marvin Gaye) almost begs us to understand how many lives were being taken for a cause most had ceased to believe.Marvin Gaye knew his views, along with many of his peers weren’t taken seriously due to their lifestyles, the way the dressed and their voices against the war. They were often dismissed as evidenced in line 25, “but who are they to judge us, simply because our hair is long” (Marvin Gaye). Gaye was known to be somewhat of a “hippie” and was speaking for himself and many of his fans, also categorized as “hippies”. In the chorus, Gaye writes about giving protesters a chance to be heard, not punished. The line “picket lines and picket signs” (Marvin Gaye) signifies the peaceful protest against the war and “don’t punish me with brutality” (Marvin Gaye) further pleads to let them have their opinions without worry of being quieted or even attacked. This song was written to tell the government the war in Vietnam was wrong and there had to be more peaceful ways to solve a problem.
“What’s Going On” is an extremely powerful song. Even now, 36 years later it still evokes intense emotions when heard. Each verse displays a reason why fighting is not the answer to the conflict, such as “for only love can conquer hate” (Marvin Gaye). While the chorus shows Marvin’s view of the war being pure chaos, repeating, “What’s going on...what’s going on” (Marvin Gaye). Marvin Gay is able to make the listener understand the sense of fear and disarray the soldiers must have been feeling. These simple words were meant to trigger our humanity and make us question if the war really should have been happening. By repeating this chorus, we cannot avoid the question and acknowledge there must be a better answer. Marvin Gaye wanted us to feel the destruction of war personally. He used, “mother, mother” to imply that any mother’s child could be sent to war and be at risk of dying. More than likely mother’s were not Marvin Gaye’s fan base, but many were now realizing that this war killed sons, and for what cause?
Gaye’s use of pathos in this hit song is an incredible strategy. Pathos lets the audience connect more to the issue. Using instances like “mother, mother” make it more real, as if someone’s son, or brother could be taken away instantly. If Gaye were to have used logos, or ethos, I doubt the song would have been such an inspirational song for most. The pathos used in the song, hits many people close to home, and makes them realize that everyone is hurt by the controversy and the war is everyone’s business, not just our governments.
Marvin Gaye’s goal for writing “What’s Going On” was to let the United States hear what he considered most of the country’s views in a peaceful manner and attempt to make the government know that war was not the answer. War never solves anything. Marvin Gaye used such a strong, but subtle way of expressing his views without shutting out those of others. His message was very peaceful, showing no aggression. He found a way to ask for change without writing any lyrics that could have incited violence or rioting.
By keeping the rhythm simple and upbeat, it became “catchy”. Marvin Gaye’s fan base kept the song on the charts further spreading the message for a peaceful resolution to the war. Its simplicity may have given him an even bigger audience.
It was four more brutal years after Marvin Gaye’s song was released before the war was over. His musical plea was effective, heard around the world due to his popularity as a musician and performer. It was intended to open the country to possibilities other than war. Through his music and lyrics Marvin Gaye made a very powerful, yet peaceful political stand.
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