A Member of the Four Tops Helped Write ‘What’s Going On’ — And Most Fans Have No Idea
When people think of What’s Going On, they usually think of the unforgettable voice of Marvin Gaye.
The song is widely regarded as one of the greatest recordings ever made — a masterpiece that transformed soul music and challenged artists to address real-world issues through their work. But hidden within the story of this legendary hit is a fascinating fact that many fans never learn:
One of its co-writers was a member of Four Tops. 🎙️✨
Background
That songwriter was Obie Benson, a founding member of the Four Tops and one of Motown’s most underappreciated creative voices.
The inspiration came after Benson witnessed a disturbing incident involving police and anti-war demonstrators in California. Deeply affected by what he saw, he began reflecting on the growing tensions, violence, and divisions affecting America during the late 1960s. Unlike most popular songs of the era, this idea wasn’t about romance or heartbreak. It was about society itself.
The question that kept returning to him was simple:
“What’s going on?”
Introduction
Benson brought the concept to songwriter Al Cleveland, and together they began developing the lyrics. Later, Marvin Gaye added his own experiences, perspectives, and emotional depth to the project, helping shape the song into the powerful statement the world would come to know.
At first, Motown executives were hesitant.
The label had built its reputation on hit songs about love, relationships, and universal emotions. A socially conscious song discussing war, poverty, police-community relations, and national division seemed risky. Some executives reportedly believed it would fail commercially.
They couldn’t have been more wrong.
Released in 1971, “What’s Going On” became both a critical and commercial triumph. The song reached the top of the charts and became the centerpiece of an album now considered one of the greatest ever recorded. More importantly, it demonstrated that popular music could tackle serious social issues without sacrificing beauty, emotion, or accessibility.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Mother, motherThere’s too many of you cryingBrother, brother, brotherThere’s far too many of you dyingYou know we’ve got to find a wayTo bring some lovin’ here today, yeahFather, fatherWe don’t need to escalateYou see, war is not the answerFor only love can conquer hateYou know we’ve got to find a wayTo bring some lovin’ here todayPicket lines and picket signsDon’t punish me with brutalityTalk to meSo you can seeOh, what’s going on (What’s going on)What’s going on (What’s going on)What’s going on (What’s going on)What’s going on (What’s going on)Right on, babyRight on, babyRight onMother, motherEverybody thinks we’re wrongOh, but who are they to judge usSimply ’cause our hair is longOh, you know we’ve got to find a wayTo bring some understanding here todayPicket lines and picket signsDon’t punish me with brutalityCome on talk to meSo you can seeWhat’s going on (What’s going on)Yeah, what’s going on (What’s going on)Tell me what’s going on (What’s going on)I’ll tell you, what’s going on (What’s going on)Right on, baby, right onRight on, babyRight on, baby, right on