When I first heard this song in 1971, I was serving on a U.S. Navy Destroyer. I'm white, but one of the brother's was playing this song on his cassette player. I had to know who this was. I immediately walked over to listen along with him. I got goose bumps. I absolutely loved the music and the lyrics. The opening alone with the solo Saxaphone, is incredible. I'm 70 years old now, and after enjoying this Marvin Gaye song (among others) after so many years I still get goose bumps.
I was in the Marines in Viet Nan in 68-69, and cried my eyes out listening to 'Whats Going On', after being home 2 years. Marvin is still the greatest.
Can't hear this song without tearing up. It's sweet, yet melancholy. And it's got a powerful message. Incidentally, Marvin died at the hands of his own father in 1984.
This song is a monumental cultural classic. It speaks volumes of the time. Marvin Gaye was a great R&B artist of his time, trying to bring the world together through his music, while his own life was a tumultuous battle of its own. He died a tragic death far too early. RIP
@@bkm2797His dad COULD OR MAY PROBABLY BE ACCUSED OF BEING EITHER JEALOUS, DISAPPOINTED IN MARVIN'S DIRECTION WITH HIS GOD GIFTED TALENTS OR AN EXTREMELY HEAVY HANDED RELIGIOUS ZEALOT WHO TAUGHT IT NECESSARY TO "ERADICATE THE SNAKE" THAT HE BELIEVED WAS ATTEMPTING "TO INFILTRATE" HIS FAMILY LINES AND SPIRITUAL LEGACY LIKE SATAN "EVENTUALLY DID" LIKE HE DID SOOO MANY OTHERS IN BIBLICAL TEACHINGS. IN SHORT. IN HIS EXTREME RIGHTEOUS JUDGEMENT HE MIMICKED SEVERAL ERRANT FATHERS AND LEADERS FROM SCRIPTURE AS WELL AS EVERYDAY LIFE. DISAPPOINTED FOR GOING CONTRARY TO YOUR PARENTS WISHES FOR YOU AND YOUR LIFE COULD AND MAYBE SHOULD BE A FREAKING PRESCHOOL COLORING BOOK-ISH.
This *album* is anti-war, anti-racism, anti-poverty, anti-pollution, anti-politics. Please listen to the entire album on continuous play to truly appreciate how the end leads back almost seamlessly to the beginning - I think the message is about the endless cycles of poverty, violence and government BS.✌🏻🤟🏻🤘🏻
@@gaildevaney6074 The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing - Edwin Burke It starts at home, locally, across the world. It doesn't have to be war. Cooperation, not competition is the best problem solver.
My dad was drafted and served as a United States Marine radio field operator in the Vietnam War. They had a life expectancy of about 5 minutes in combat .He was lucky to come home. He was just a country white guy from West Virginia ,but he always loved this song.. He hated war. RIP my old man .
This song changed Motown Records.Marvin Gaye made Berry Gordy realize how important it was for artists to confront what was happening to people of color. This song is a big part of the Making of Motown documentary.
The finger naps, claps and jive talking were performed by a few members of the Detroit Lions football team, who were friends of Marvin. He, actually, died in the '80s! I believe in '84. His father had dementia and a contencious relationship with Marvin for years. Marvin, also had his own demons,, drugs.. These facts I think, contributed to his death!!!
This man helped raise the awareness of social injustice in this country with phenomenal songs like this. We lost him way to soon, may he rest in peace!
That whole album is a masterpiece! Many people only knew Marvin for his baby-making songs, but this one shows that he had a deep social consciousness. We lost him far too early.
The Heavenly Father truly touched Marvin's pen when he made this album. Every song on that album is relevant today and all throughout history. I'm glad y'all too listened to this song. I hope y'all to get a chance to listen to the entire What's Going On Album if you haven't. To me, this album is the greatest R&B album of all time. GOD BLESS Y'ALL BOTH.
It never ceases to amaze me how much fantastic music came out of Motown in such a short time. Definitely the greatest American record company of all time. Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, The Supremes, Aretha Franklin, Martha and the Vandellas, Tammy Tyrell; the list is endless.
Aretha Franklin(even though she's from Detroit)wasn't on the Motown Records Label -She Started Her Career With Columbia Records and Later Atlantic Records and Other Record Labels, Too-But Never Motown
I ran right out and bought this 78 vinyl album the day it was released. I still have the album and many more from late 50's to the early 80's, of course this along with Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson and Elvis are among my most played and treasured.
Hello again Asia & BJ, Marvin Gaye had many hits, but IMHO this is his "staple-song," this song is so iconic & classic that it has become synonymous with Marvin Gaye!!! Several artists have covered this song, but the moment you hear it, you can't help but think about the late, great Marvin Gaye!!! Shout out to you guys for this reaction, it is much appreciated!!!
This entire album is a masterpiece a 60-year-old white boy i was raised by my momma Hattie Down in new orleans my grandmother.She was black, she loved Marvin Gaye.Oh, she love Marvin gay.It's probably one of my favorite albums in the world.Listen to the entire album from start to finish.It is a masterpiece
So glad y'all did this one. This one changed Motown. Changed R & B. After this album, Stevie Wonder started his string of albums that had something to say. Still as meaningful today as it ever was.
I was 11 when I first heard this. I Didn't understand, and couldn't explain, why it brought me to tears. 50 years later it still brings me to tears, only now I understand better; the more things change the more they stay the same.
Wow, tears running down my face as this song brings back memories. But I smile as I see Asia and BJ realizing their dream on this channel, something that their fathers and grandfathers wouldn't have been able to do. I pray Asia and BJ are always safe and warm and happy in this country that we share. 2023 is nothing like the 1960 and 1970s and that is because of people like Marvin Gaye who chose to shine a light on a problem.
Loved your reactions!!! I was a teenager when this song came out. At that time, 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 every day. According to some news media, the turning point for the 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.
Marvin’s Gaye landmark 1971 album is generally considered the greatest (or one of the greatest) albums in the history of R&B. I was in the 1st or 2nd grade when it was released. I like what I heard but did not fully understand the lyrics until many years later. My early childhood memories include my grandmother teaching me to write by sending letters to my uncle in Vietnam with the Marine Corp, my other uncles being randomly arrested by the police and being beaten or threaten with death for no reason. Coming from a blue color family I remember going to a grocery store and turning away to not cross a picket line. Most of my family members belonged to unions and respected pickets. Other great singles on the album are Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) and Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology). All the albums tracks are great. In the 1960’s long hair was considered rebellious. It was associated with hippie culture. For Black people it was the Afro. The famous Broadway musical “Hair” dealt with the subject as did the Five Man Electric Band in their song “Signs” in the line, “And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply”. This notion continues to this day. There have been highly publicized incidents where high school athletes were forced to cut their braids or dreads in recent years to compete or banned if they did not. I remember working for a top 500 company in the 90’s that would not hire people with dreads.
One of the best & most Important messages ever! I think all humans need to really listen & really hear what the message is about! We must carry this home to our hearts, always!💖
If you truly want to experience Marvin Gaye, watch/listen to him sing the National Anthem at the 1983 NBA All-Star game. If raised the bar on the NA and is my favorite version even to this day.
I absolutely love this song. It’s in my personal Top 10. It’s a classic of soul, R & B, and just the real compassion of the lyrics and the way he sings them.
A brilliant album, a definite landmark masterpiece of music, instrument vs lyric vs voice. I put him up there with John Lennon in the "What could have been" conversation.
The 70's were such a great time to be alive. Songs like this just made it better. Even in the early 80's you could feel the difference from today. I miss when people just tried to spread love and not divide with hate. Keep sharing this great music guys :)
Awww he don't even need to sing🔥 the music has already got me!!!💃💞💃 And then he sings... 😍❤️ Aaahhh I'm soooo gone!!! Major love from me to you both for these classic songs 🎵💜🎶
This was and is not just a black song,Mr. Gaye was talking about the hippies with the long hair also that were marching and carrying protest signs right along with, Spanish, Asian, brown and red people, this song is still an American song, more so till this day, I can't believe I am still going through the same things at 66 that I went through at 16. Lord give us strength to carry on, prayers, blessings, peace and joy to you both
No, not a picket fence. Gaye is referring to the picket signs of the anti-war protesters, who, at times, seemed to be everywhere. The year was '68, when the controversy as to whether to escalate and increase the war effort-or to scale down the war as the protesters, derided as "peace-nicks," were demanding-was raging. The painfully passionate frustration felt on both sides can scarcely be imagined today. I remember those summer nights in August '68 at impromptu block parties in Atlantic City when D-Jays would play this epochal song on a loop, continually throughout the night. Marvin Gaye's humane and compassionate musical message led the way toward the emergence of non-violent protest while chaos and conflict raged all around...
During the Civil Rights Era, MLK, and integration, etc. It was a very violent and political climate. Marvin Gaye was an inspiration to many. Thanx for bringing this to light
This tune is 50 years old and in that long time what have we learned? Very little I say. We are still fighting the same battles today. Talk to me so you can see............. what's going on? Peace!
It is actually sad that these lyrics from the 70s are so relevant today. Back in the 70s we thought these problems would be solved. But here we are in 2023 still dealing with hate and racism and violence and poverty. This song is pure Marvin and he put his heart and soul into it. And how did Marvin die? From violence instigated by a family member. We all need to do better. ❤️
This song was really effective, it made this young teenager (at the time), look around with fresh eyes. Your Dad was absolutely right BJ, they did capture what was going on.
The entire album gives me chills because he was able to put into lyrics what we all were feeling in the 70s. Fyi, big hair was considered anti-establishment. Vietnam, the draft, cities on fire, MLK assassination, etc. It took so much effort just trying to survive. Looking back, frankly I'm surprised that I was able to focus and complete college with undergraduate and graduate degrees.
I truly am glad I grew up with awesome music & it warms my heart that younger generations are listening & appreciating old skool jams❣️ All genres have beauty. Hope you continue on this magical musical adventure.
This song stood out. A lot of great music but this song spoke to so many of us. Thank you for listening. Please make sure this song continues to be shared. It still speaks to us
When looking back , some that died while still a ' star' we mourned them at the time but some like me failed to realize the importance of their music at the time , during that time period you had so many great bands / musicians they slowly took the place of those lost. Radio play and sales kept those that left way to early was and is keeping their memories and music alive . Thank you for keeping this masterpiece alive .
Marvin Gaye is one of the great gods of R & B.......Just a Great Artist!!! He wrote the songs on this album including this one......and "Mercy Mercy Me," produced it and did some of the music and background vocals.....Just a great artist. Definitely one of my favorites.....and he and I share the same birthday.
Back in those days, we were rockin' afros, so your interpretation was correct. Marvin's music then was a breath of fresh air, and inspiration for a race of people to this day, is STILL going through 'it' almost 50 yrs later.
I may be mistaken but I have always thought this was an anti-war song. His record producers didn't want him to release it because it was too "controversial". He released it regardless. His words speak volumes. Only Love can Conquer Hate. Seems to me the Powers that be at this time are doing the exact opposite of the Peace and Love movement of the 60s and 70s and have decided the divide and conquer, hate anyone who doesn't think like you movement is what is best for them, whoever "they" are.
If you watch the video that goes with this song, you will see what he is actually sing about back then..I grew up in the 70's with all the riots going on no how black people were treated and the Vietnam war still going..Still protesting the war..
Absolutely the best! There will never be another Marvin Gaye. This fantastic song, like BJ said, it captures the time in our history perfectly! Thus song was on one of the top 5 best albums ever recorded....at least that's how I see it. I think others would agree.
This song should play in every school in the U.S. every morning. It has such a powerful message, that I do not understand today, how there can be someone who does not feel anything when listening to it, much less having heard it. From a distance (I'm from Spain), every day I would remember this song, and its message in favor of Civil Rights, because the regression in rights that is observed in the U.S. compared to citizens of other countries (in my case from the European Union) it is alarming. The best of wishes for you, for minorities (which are not so many, and will not be for sure), and for all those who fight for equal Rights and Equality, and of course Progress.
Got to see him in concert in Seattle, he sang for 4 hours lol!!!! Best concert ever!!! We had driven for 4 hrs. From Vancouver Canada and it was well worth it!
When I first heard this song in 1971, I was serving on a U.S. Navy Destroyer. I'm white, but one of the brother's was playing this song on his cassette player. I had to know who this was. I immediately walked over to listen along with him. I got goose bumps. I absolutely loved the music and the lyrics. The opening alone with the solo Saxaphone, is incredible. I'm 70 years old now, and after enjoying this Marvin Gaye song (among others) after so many years I still get goose bumps.
Thank you for sharing this - such a great way to discover this song
Thank you for your service, first. Second, I pictured this as I read it.
I had the same type of reaction when I heard this song.
Marvin is A Motown God!! He wrote this Song after his Brother came back from Vietnam! He was sadden about the current world situation in 71
Being prior NAVY myself - had same experiences , with different songs .
Right, Marvin wasn’t really talking to us but it’s almost impossible not to listen if you have a brain and a heart.
I was in the Marines in Viet Nan in 68-69, and cried my eyes out listening to 'Whats Going On', after being home 2 years. Marvin is still the greatest.
This is history
One of the most important albums of all time.
I KNEW in my teens that this album was Prophetic! It is straight from GOD ( I think).
Absolutely 💯!!!
I completely agree ❤❤
Can't hear this song without tearing up. It's sweet, yet melancholy. And it's got a powerful message. Incidentally, Marvin died at the hands of his own father in 1984.
A sacrifice. Father spent no time in jail.
@@jackiegoodspeed1849 Word? Didn't know that.
Wow. 😥
Marvin had alot of problems with substance abuse I always felt he just couldn't deal with all the pain in the world.
Taken away way too early. His smooth as silk voice with perfect lyrics and music....
I tear up everytime I hear this song...great man....
This song is a monumental cultural classic. It speaks volumes of the time. Marvin Gaye was a great R&B artist of his time, trying to bring the world together through his music, while his own life was a tumultuous battle of its own. He died a tragic death far too early. RIP
So angry with his dad who was really jealous of his son instead of proud, what a heartbreak.
@@bkm2797 The most unimaginable act of a parent. Such a pity.
@@conrad98gtp So True!
@@bkm2797His dad COULD OR MAY PROBABLY BE ACCUSED OF BEING EITHER JEALOUS, DISAPPOINTED IN MARVIN'S DIRECTION WITH HIS GOD GIFTED TALENTS OR AN EXTREMELY HEAVY HANDED RELIGIOUS ZEALOT WHO TAUGHT IT NECESSARY TO "ERADICATE THE SNAKE" THAT HE BELIEVED WAS ATTEMPTING "TO INFILTRATE" HIS FAMILY LINES AND SPIRITUAL LEGACY LIKE SATAN "EVENTUALLY DID" LIKE HE DID SOOO MANY OTHERS IN BIBLICAL TEACHINGS. IN SHORT. IN HIS EXTREME RIGHTEOUS JUDGEMENT HE MIMICKED SEVERAL ERRANT FATHERS AND LEADERS FROM SCRIPTURE AS WELL AS EVERYDAY LIFE. DISAPPOINTED FOR GOING CONTRARY TO YOUR PARENTS WISHES FOR YOU AND YOUR LIFE COULD AND MAYBE SHOULD BE A FREAKING PRESCHOOL COLORING BOOK-ISH.
This Marvin Gaye time capsule is just as relevant today as it was in the early 1970s when it was recorded.
You can't possibly be more right.
Or maybe even more so.
Yes and that’s sad very sad
Probably more relevant.
This entire album will stand for all time. Especially the title track.
This *album* is anti-war, anti-racism, anti-poverty, anti-pollution, anti-politics. Please listen to the entire album on continuous play to truly appreciate how the end leads back almost seamlessly to the beginning - I think the message is about the endless cycles of poverty, violence and government BS.✌🏻🤟🏻🤘🏻
"Only Love can conquer hate!"
One of my most loved lines...
Man, what a writer
Unfortunately, only war can conquer evil.
@@gaildevaney6074 The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing - Edwin Burke It starts at home, locally, across the world. It doesn't have to be war. Cooperation, not competition is the best problem solver.
What a fantastic singer I remember in my teens listening to Marvin Gaye. I'm old now and he still touches my heart. 💛
im 75 just home from Vietnam when i first heard this. it describes perfectly where were as a society both black and white.
Rest in peace Marvin.
My dad was drafted and served as a United States Marine radio field operator in the Vietnam War. They had a life expectancy of about 5 minutes in combat .He was lucky to come home. He was just a country white guy from West Virginia ,but he always loved this song.. He hated war. RIP my old man .
Thank you for sharing this. It is amazing how music can capture these feelings in a way nothing else can. Still so sad Marvin died way too young
This song changed Motown Records.Marvin Gaye made Berry Gordy realize how important it was for artists to confront what was happening to people of color. This song is a big part of the Making of Motown documentary.
The street corner background conversations behind the singing was and is a brilliant touch! This song has been a favorite for me for over 40 years!
The background voices were Detroit Lions football players Lem Barney and Mel Farr.
The finger naps, claps and jive talking were performed by a few members of the Detroit Lions football team, who were friends of Marvin.
He, actually, died in the '80s! I believe in '84. His father had dementia and a contencious relationship with Marvin for years. Marvin, also had his own demons,, drugs.. These facts I think, contributed to his death!!!
One of the best albums of the last century. I’m still amazed at how relevant this still is
This man helped raise the awareness of social injustice in this country with phenomenal songs like this. We lost him way to soon, may he rest in peace!
That whole album is a masterpiece! Many people only knew Marvin for his baby-making songs, but this one shows that he had a deep social consciousness. We lost him far too early.
And Barry White
Well said about Marvin…
Marvin was a genius! My favorite singer in the whole world. His message and music is timeless.
A song released in 1971, whose lyrics are just as relevant NOW as they were then. Possibly even more so.
Truer words spoken
The Heavenly Father truly touched Marvin's pen when he made this album. Every song on that album is relevant today and all throughout history. I'm glad y'all too listened to this song. I hope y'all to get a chance to listen to the entire What's Going On Album if you haven't. To me, this album is the greatest R&B album of all time. GOD BLESS Y'ALL BOTH.
It never ceases to amaze me how much fantastic music came out of Motown in such a short time. Definitely the greatest American record company of all time. Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, The Supremes, Aretha Franklin, Martha and the Vandellas, Tammy Tyrell; the list is endless.
Aretha Franklin(even though she's from Detroit)wasn't on the Motown Records Label -She Started Her Career With Columbia Records and Later Atlantic Records and Other Record Labels, Too-But Never Motown
@kjchicago1 👍
Damn Marvin is sooo missed, definitely in a class of his own. Thanks Asia and BJ!
I ran right out and bought this 78 vinyl album the day it was released. I still have the album and many more from late 50's to the early 80's, of course this along with Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson and Elvis are among my most played and treasured.
So glad the younger generation appreciated this mans talents!
Marvin is another phenomenal talent gone far too soon. Always and forever in my rotation.
Hello again Asia & BJ, Marvin Gaye had many hits, but IMHO this is his "staple-song," this song is so iconic & classic that it has become synonymous with Marvin Gaye!!! Several artists have covered this song, but the moment you hear it, you can't help but think about the late, great Marvin Gaye!!! Shout out to you guys for this reaction, it is much appreciated!!!
This entire album is a masterpiece a 60-year-old white boy i was raised by my momma Hattie Down in new orleans my grandmother.She was black, she loved Marvin Gaye.Oh, she love Marvin gay.It's probably one of my favorite albums in the world.Listen to the entire album from start to finish.It is a masterpiece
The whole album is really one piece of work, and what a work it is! From one of the most important albums of all time.
How has anyone in America not heard this song?
So glad y'all did this one. This one changed Motown. Changed R & B. After this album, Stevie Wonder started his string of albums that had something to say. Still as meaningful today as it ever was.
I was 11 when I first heard this. I Didn't understand, and couldn't explain, why it brought me to tears. 50 years later it still brings me to tears, only now I understand better; the more things change the more they stay the same.
There was so much going on back then troubles with his father and music , the world , war, Marvin was it back then great music RIP
My mom raised me on this album. It came out three years before I was born but I grew up listening to it. Truly one of the best of all time.
Wow, tears running down my face as this song brings back memories. But I smile as I see Asia and BJ realizing their dream on this channel, something that their fathers and grandfathers wouldn't have been able to do. I pray Asia and BJ are always safe and warm and happy in this country that we share. 2023 is nothing like the 1960 and 1970s and that is because of people like Marvin Gaye who chose to shine a light on a problem.
Wow!! Your words has put a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. Only someone whose heart is pure would say what you have said.
This song gives me goosebumps every time. And the string arrangements are so beautiful.
Loved your reactions!!! I was a teenager when this song came out. At that time, 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 every day. According to some news media, the turning point for the 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.
It was the national guard that killed those kids.
THOSE NFL PLAYERS WERE MEL FARR AND LEM BARNEY(DETROIT LIONS)
Marvin’s Gaye landmark 1971 album is generally considered the greatest (or one of the greatest) albums in the history of R&B. I was in the 1st or 2nd grade when it was released. I like what I heard but did not fully understand the lyrics until many years later. My early childhood memories include my grandmother teaching me to write by sending letters to my uncle in Vietnam with the Marine Corp, my other uncles being randomly arrested by the police and being beaten or threaten with death for no reason. Coming from a blue color family I remember going to a grocery store and turning away to not cross a picket line. Most of my family members belonged to unions and respected pickets. Other great singles on the album are Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) and Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology). All the albums tracks are great. In the 1960’s long hair was considered rebellious. It was associated with hippie culture. For Black people it was the Afro. The famous Broadway musical “Hair” dealt with the subject as did the Five Man Electric Band in their song “Signs” in the line, “And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply”. This notion continues to this day. There have been highly publicized incidents where high school athletes were forced to cut their braids or dreads in recent years to compete or banned if they did not. I remember working for a top 500 company in the 90’s that would not hire people with dreads.
Sad that in 50 years… nothing has changed. Marvin could alive today putting out this “new” song in 2022 and it would go platinum.
One of the best & most Important messages ever! I think all humans need to really listen & really hear what the message is about! We must carry this home to our hearts, always!💖
Truly one of the greatest songs of the 20th Century...The chord changes in that first bridge are just genius...
If you truly want to experience Marvin Gaye, watch/listen to him sing the National Anthem at the 1983 NBA All-Star game. If raised the bar on the NA and is my favorite version even to this day.
The song is still relevant today as it was then!! His voice and music is amazing. Gone too soon!
Mr Marvin Gaye the Prince of Soul...His music never gets old...it's healing
I absolutely love this song. It’s in my personal Top 10. It’s a classic of soul, R & B, and just the real compassion of the lyrics and the way he sings them.
One of the best song ever written
A brilliant album, a definite landmark masterpiece of music, instrument vs lyric vs voice.
I put him up there with John Lennon in the "What could have been" conversation.
Such an important song. Loved it when it was first released and love it even more now. This message is as important today.
The 70's were such a great time to be alive. Songs like this just made it better. Even in the early 80's you could feel the difference from today. I miss when people just tried to spread love and not divide with hate. Keep sharing this great music guys :)
Another brilliant song both contemporary and ahead of it's time
Vietnam war protest song in the most gentle, peaceful way.... beautiful.... so sad the way he left us.. R.I.P.
Awww he don't even need to sing🔥 the music has already got me!!!💃💞💃 And then he sings... 😍❤️ Aaahhh I'm soooo gone!!! Major love from me to you both for these classic songs 🎵💜🎶
I remember when I first heard this song I thought WOW, just wow. Marvin Gay was not only a great singer but a great storyteller. I sure do miss him.
This was and is not just a black song,Mr. Gaye was talking about the hippies with the long hair also that were marching and carrying protest signs right along with, Spanish, Asian, brown and red people, this song is still an American song, more so till this day, I can't believe I am still going through the same things at 66 that I went through at 16. Lord give us strength to carry on, prayers, blessings, peace and joy to you both
No, not a picket fence. Gaye is referring to the picket signs of the anti-war protesters, who, at times, seemed to be everywhere. The year was '68, when the controversy as to whether to escalate and increase the war effort-or to scale down the war as the protesters, derided as "peace-nicks," were demanding-was raging. The painfully passionate frustration felt on both sides can scarcely be imagined today. I remember those summer nights in August '68 at impromptu block parties in Atlantic City when D-Jays would play this epochal song on a loop, continually throughout the night. Marvin Gaye's humane and compassionate musical message led the way toward the emergence of non-violent protest while chaos and conflict raged all around...
He captured the essence of the 1970s . Loved his music 🎶
One of my all time favorites.....nice to see it reviewed. Still on my regular play list. The message is as needed as it was back then.
The music and his voice is like a warm blanket.
One of the finest singing voice
One of the greatest songs of all time!
Can't listen to this song without really feeling it. The album is a classic. 👍👍👍
PLEASE PLEASE Marvin singing "DISTANT LOVER" live in Oakland YOU"LL GO CRAZY!!!!
There was no one like Mr. Gaye and he is still missed so very much. RIP.
One of my all-time favorite songs, from any genre, ever! Love it
One album. One Marvin Gaye. The music industry was changed by this massive giant album. Marvin’s legacy remains superior soul even today.
One of the greatest protest songs (or even songs in general) of all time~
During the Civil Rights Era, MLK, and integration, etc. It was a very violent and political climate. Marvin Gaye was an inspiration to many. Thanx for bringing this to light
This tune is 50 years old and in that long time what have we learned? Very little I say. We are still fighting the same battles today.
Talk to me so you can see............. what's going on?
Peace!
It is actually sad that these lyrics from the 70s are so relevant today. Back in the 70s we thought these problems would be solved. But here we are in 2023 still dealing with hate and racism and violence and poverty. This song is pure Marvin and he put his heart and soul into it. And how did Marvin die? From violence instigated by a family member. We all need to do better. ❤️
This song is so touching, Marvin was the Man....thanks BJ....Asia you're beautiful....continued success....
This song was really effective, it made this young teenager (at the time), look around with fresh eyes. Your Dad was absolutely right BJ, they did capture what was going on.
One of my favorite songs of all absolute time. And honestly one of the best albums. Best full albums of all time. Absolutely incredible.
The entire album gives me chills because he was able to put into lyrics what we all were feeling in the 70s. Fyi, big hair was considered anti-establishment. Vietnam, the draft, cities on fire, MLK assassination, etc. It took so much effort just trying to survive. Looking back, frankly I'm surprised that I was able to focus and complete college with undergraduate and graduate degrees.
His voice, lyrics, production.... first rate.
I truly am glad I grew up with awesome music & it warms my heart that younger generations are listening & appreciating old skool jams❣️ All genres have beauty. Hope you continue on this magical musical adventure.
This song stood out. A lot of great music but this song spoke to so many of us. Thank you for listening. Please make sure this song continues to be shared. It still speaks to us
If this isn't an American Classic, I don't know what is. Just perfect.
Unfortunately this classic by Marvin Gaye is as timely today as it was back then. 🙏🏽✌🏽🌎🌍🌏♥️
Marvin is a true American hero!!! we need to get back to what's real. ALL WARS ARE WRONG!!!
When looking back , some that died while still a ' star' we mourned them at the time but some like me failed to realize the importance of their music at the time , during that time period you had so many great bands / musicians they slowly took the place of those lost. Radio play and sales kept those that left way to early was and is keeping their memories and music alive . Thank you for keeping this masterpiece alive .
For the first time in 1971 i am 77 years old i heard it .
I'd recommend listening to the whole album...so good & so important
One of the most powerful songs of our era.
Marvin Gaye is one of the great gods of R & B.......Just a Great Artist!!! He wrote the songs on this album including this one......and "Mercy Mercy Me," produced it and did some of the music and background vocals.....Just a great artist. Definitely one of my favorites.....and he and I share the same birthday.
Back in those days, we were rockin' afros, so your interpretation was correct. Marvin's music then was a breath of fresh air, and inspiration for a race of people to this day, is STILL going through 'it' almost 50 yrs later.
Marvin Gay and Sam Cooke are simply genius at bringing soul, message and a lot of time, just good fun in their music.
such an awesome song! as relevant today as when it first came out.
I may be mistaken but I have always thought this was an anti-war song. His record producers didn't want him to release it because it was too "controversial". He released it regardless. His words speak volumes. Only Love can Conquer Hate. Seems to me the Powers that be at this time are doing the exact opposite of the Peace and Love movement of the 60s and 70s and have decided the divide and conquer, hate anyone who doesn't think like you movement is what is best for them, whoever "they" are.
If you watch the video that goes with this song, you will see what he is actually sing about back then..I grew up in the 70's with all the riots going on no how black people were treated and the Vietnam war still going..Still protesting the war..
BTW, this song's message is still relevant today!!! Mic Drop!!! 🎤
You can tell that Marvin Gaye had a beautiful soul just by listening to this song . This song is still so impactful and relevant , decades later …
What a song! What a vibe and voice. Totally emblematic of the early 70s.
What a great song. Marvin Gaye sounded like no one else. There won't come another.
To me one of the greatest songs ever written/performed.
Greatest album ever , loved it since 1971. Marvin was shot in 1984 !!!
Marvin was was ahead of the game when he delivered this message. Great choice.
Absolutely the best! There will never be another Marvin Gaye. This fantastic song, like BJ said, it captures the time in our history perfectly! Thus song was on one of the top 5 best albums ever recorded....at least that's how I see it. I think others would agree.
He is at the top of my 5 all-time favorites, A true Ameican Treasure !!,,, Papa Ray
Wife here..BEAUTIFUL and MONUMENTAL..!!!!...Yes..,BJ Marvin Gaye perfectly captured the feelings of the people..OUTSTANDING
This song should play in every school in the U.S. every morning. It has such a powerful message, that I do not understand today, how there can be someone who does not feel anything when listening to it, much less having heard it. From a distance (I'm from Spain), every day I would remember this song, and its message in favor of Civil Rights, because the regression in rights that is observed in the U.S. compared to citizens of other countries (in my case from the European Union) it is alarming. The best of wishes for you, for minorities (which are not so many, and will not be for sure), and for all those who fight for equal Rights and Equality, and of course Progress.
Got to see him in concert in Seattle, he sang for 4 hours lol!!!! Best concert ever!!! We had driven for 4 hrs. From Vancouver Canada and it was well worth it!
An all time great! Thank you! 81 yrs old and remembering.