What’s Happening Brother – English Lyrics

• By: Marvin Gaye
• Album: What’s Going On

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the profound storytelling of Marvin Gaye's "What's Happening Brother." This song is a masterclass in conveying deep emotion and social commentary through soul music, offering a powerful lens into the challenges faced by Vietnam veterans and the societal issues of its time. Learning the lyrics and understanding the context will not only enhance your appreciation for its musical artistry but also provide insight into American history and the enduring human quest for connection and peace.

[English]

Hey baby, what you know good

I'm just gettin' back, but you knew I would

War is hell, when will it end?

When will people start gettin' together again?

Are things really gettin' better, like the newspaper said

What else is new my friend, besides what I read

Can't find no work, can't find no job, my friend

Money is tighter than, it's ever been

Say man, I just don't understand

What's going on across this land

Ah, what's happening brother?

Yeah, what's happening? What's happening my man?

Are they still gettin' down

Where we used to go and dance

Will our ball club win the pennant

Do you think, they have a chance?

And tell me friend, how in the world have you been?

Tell me, what's out, and I want to know what's in (what's happening brother?)

What's the deal man (what's happening, what's happening brother?)

Tell me brother (what's happening?)

What's happening brother?

Ah, what's happening brother?

What's happening my man?

Whoo, ah, ah, what's happening brother?

Say man, whoo, what's happening brother?

What's been shaking up and down the line?

I wanna know 'cause, I'm slightly behind the time

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
understand /ˌʌndərˈstænd/ B2	verb - to perceive the intended meaning of words, language, or a speaker.
war /wɔːr/ B1	noun - a state of armed conflict between different countries or groups within a country.
people /ˈpiːpl/ A1	noun - humans in general.
job /dʒɒb/ A2	noun - a paid position of regular employment.
money /ˈmʌni/ A2	noun - a current medium of exchange in the form of coins and banknotes.
friend /frend/ A1	noun - a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection.
land /lænd/ A2	noun - the part of the earth's surface that is not permanently covered by water.
chance /tʃɑːns/ B1	noun - a possibility of something happening.
world /wɜːld/ A2	noun - the earth, together with all of its countries, peoples, and natural features.
deal /diːl/ B1	noun - an agreement or arrangement.
shaking /ˈʃeɪkɪŋ/ B2	verb - move or cause to move with quick, short movements.
behind /bɪˈhaɪnd/ A2	adverb - at or to the back of.
better /ˈbetər/ A2	adjective - of a higher standard, quality, or skill.
club /klʌb/ A2	noun - a social association or organization.
pennant /ˈpenənt/ C1	noun - a long triangular flag.
dance /dɑːns/ A1	verb - move rhythmically to music, typically following a set sequence of steps.