Those Certain Songs: ‘For What It’s Worth’ Buffalo Springfield (1966)

There are certain songs that just resonate with you. Whether that song recreates a moment in time or is just one that you really like, these songs are the songs that helped create the person you are and were a constant companion in the journey called life.

Today we continue exploring those songs in my life and what they mean to me. This is Those Certain Songs.

Today’s Certain Song is For What It’s Worth by Buffalo Springfield

The Song:

Title: For What It’s Worth

Artist: Buffalo Springfield

Album: Buffalo Springfield

Label: Atco Records (Columbia Records) 1966

The 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’ve got to beware

Think it’s time we stop

Hey what’s that sound?
Everybody look what’s going down

There’s battle lines being drawn
Nobody’s right, if everybody’s wrong
People speaking their minds
Getting so much resistance from behind

Think it’s time we stop

Hey what’s that sound?
Everybody look what’s going down

What a field day for the heat

A thousand people in the street

Singing songs and carrying signs

Mostly say ‘hooray for our side’

Think it’s time we stop!

Hey what’s that sound?

Everybody look what’s going down

Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you’re always afraid
Step out of line the Man come and take you away.

We better stop

Hey what’s that sound?
Look what’s going down.

What it means to me:

Originally inspired by the Sunset Strip curfew riots of 1966, the Stephen Stills penned song quickly became an anthem for those protesting the Vietnam war. Since then, this tune has become synonymous with anti-war protests the world over bringing about depictions of unrest and concern that the world is far from right.

Ironically, and with great sorrow, this tune seems as poignant today as it did over fifty years ago when it first hit the airwaves. To me, it’s a constant reminder of the fearful symmetry that exists between our classes, our governments, our citizenry. It is a testament telling us to keep vigilant in even the most peaceful times reminding us that if we should stop watching, stop paying attention, everything could come crashing down in a moments notice.

It is sad that this half century old song still has so much weight in our world today. Maybe in time we can learn to accept that everyone has a place in the world, maybe 50 years from now this song will be the relic of a bygone age it should already be. Only time will tell.

Late to the Game 4/25/2020

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed Those Certain Songs. If you would like to read more about music you can find my Music Reviews Here.

Additionally, I have a weekly series called Key Movies Of My Life that comes out every Thursday and also check out some retro tv goodness with the ongoing series Retro TV Reviews.

As always, please feel free to comment below and share your experiences with these movies as well. If you just happened by, tell me what you think! Don’t Forget To Follow us if you like the blog!