About the song
“For What It’s Worth (Stop, Hey What’s That Sound)”—commonly referred to as “For What It’s Worth”—is a song that has transcended its initial context to become a powerful anthem of protest and social awareness. Written by Stephen Stills and performed by the iconic rock band Buffalo Springfield, the track was recorded on December 5, 1966, and released shortly thereafter as a single on Atco Records. It quickly gained traction, peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the spring of 1967, and was later included on the second pressing of Buffalo Springfield’s debut album.
Although often perceived as a protest song against the Vietnam War, “For What It’s Worth” was actually inspired by a series of confrontations that took place on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles in late 1966. These riots were sparked by local curfew laws imposed on the youthful denizens frequenting the area’s music venues. Stills wrote the song as a response to the unrest and the broader implications of civil rights and freedom of expression. The song’s famous line, “Stop, hey, what’s that sound,” captures the essence of these tensions, reflecting both the discontent of the youth and the sense of social upheaval.
The song’s title was added after its creation and does not appear in the lyrics, adding an interesting layer to its legacy. The track’s production was notable for its inclusion of Neil Young’s distinctive guitar harmonics, which became a hallmark of the song’s sound. The title “For What It’s Worth” was reportedly suggested by Stills during a casual conversation with record executive Ahmet Ertegun, who also added the subtitle “Stop, Hey What’s That Sound” to help the song stand out.
Despite its association with the late 1960s counterculture and civil rights movements, the song’s impact has endured far beyond its original context. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2000 and remains a staple of period films and documentaries about the 1960s. The song’s use in various political and social contexts underscores its continued relevance and the timeless nature of its message.
In addition to its success in the United States, where it charted at No. 5 in Canada and No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, “For What It’s Worth” has been covered by a range of artists including Cher, Sergio Mendes, and the hip-hop group Public Enemy. Its ability to resonate across different genres and eras is a testament to its enduring power as a piece of musical and social commentary.
Overall, “For What It’s Worth” stands as a poignant reminder of the power of music to capture and comment on the social issues of its time. Its legacy as a protest anthem is both a reflection of its origins and an enduring symbol of resistance and awareness.
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Lyrics
There’s something happening here
What it is ain’t exactly clear
There’s a man with a gun over there
Telling me I got to bewareI think it’s time we stop, children, what’s that sound
Everybody look what’s going downThere’s battle lines being drawn
Nobody’s right if everybody’s wrong
Young people speaking their minds
Getting so much resistance from behindIt’s time we stop, hey, what’s that sound
Everybody look what’s going downWhat a field-day for the heat
A thousand people in the street
Singing songs and carrying signs
Mostly say, hooray for our sideIt’s s time we stop, hey, what’s that sound
Everybody look what’s going downParanoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you’re always afraid
You step out of line, the man come and take you awayWe better stop, hey, what’s that sound
Everybody look what’s going down
Stop, hey, what’s that sound
Everybody look what’s going down
Stop, now, what’s that sound
Everybody look what’s going down
Stop, children, what’s that sound
Everybody look what’s going down