About the song
Buffalo Springfield’s medley of “For What It’s Worth” and “Mr. Soul” stands as a powerful testament to the band’s influential role in 1960s rock and their impact on the countercultural movement of the time. Buffalo Springfield, formed in 1966, was a supergroup composed of Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Richie Furay, Bruce Palmer, and Dewey Martin. Their unique blend of folk, rock, and country music helped shape the sound of an era and left an indelible mark on the history of popular music.
“For What It’s Worth,” written by Stephen Stills and released in 1966, became an anthem for the protest movements of the 1960s. Originally penned in response to the Sunset Strip curfew riots in Los Angeles, the song quickly transcended its initial context to become a broader commentary on social unrest and the generational divide. Its memorable opening line, “There’s something happening here, what it is ain’t exactly clear,” captured the zeitgeist of a generation grappling with political and social upheaval. The song’s reflective lyrics, coupled with its haunting melody and Stills’ poignant vocal delivery, struck a chord with listeners and cemented its place in the annals of protest music.
In contrast, “Mr. Soul,” written by Neil Young and released in 1967, delves into a more introspective and personal realm. With its distinctive guitar riff and introspective lyrics, the song reflects Young’s complex views on fame, identity, and the pressures of the music industry. The track’s rich, layered instrumentation and Young’s distinctive vocal style contribute to its unique sound, making it a standout piece in the Buffalo Springfield catalog.
The medley of these two iconic songs not only showcases the band’s versatility but also highlights their ability to blend political commentary with personal introspection. Performing these songs together creates a dynamic musical experience, capturing both the broader societal issues of the time and the intimate struggles of the individual. The juxtaposition of “For What It’s Worth” and “Mr. Soul” within the same medley illustrates Buffalo Springfield’s range as musicians and their ability to address multiple facets of the human experience through their art.
In summary, the medley of “For What It’s Worth” and “Mr. Soul” by Buffalo Springfield is a significant musical piece that encapsulates the essence of a transformative era. It represents a powerful confluence of social commentary and personal reflection, embodying the band’s legacy as pioneers of rock music and as voices of a generation seeking change and understanding.
Video
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 beware
I think it’s time we stop, children
What’s that sound
Everybody look what’s going down
Battle lines being drawn
Nobody’s right if everyone’s wrong
People speaking their minds
Getting so much resistance from behind
Yeah, stop children, what’s that sound
Everybody look what’s going down
What a field day for the heat
Ten thousand people in the street
Singing songs and carrying signs
Mostly say, hooray for our side
I think it’s time we stop, children
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
Stop, children, what’s that sound
Everybody look what’s going down
Stop, hey what’s that sound
Everybody look what’s going down
You better stop! Stop
You better stop! Stop
You better stop!
Oh, hello Mr soul
I dropped by to pick up a reason
For the thought that I caught that my
Head is the event of the season
Why in crowds just a trace of
My face could seem so pleasin’
I’ll cop out to the change
But a stranger is putting the tease on
I was down on a frown when
The messenger brought me a letter
I was raised by the praise of a
Fan who said I upset her
Any girl in the world could
Have easily known me better
She said, You’re strange, but don’t change
And I let her
In a while will the smile on
My face turn to plaster?
Stick around while the clown who is
Sick does the trick of disaster
For the race of my head and
My face is moving much faster
Is it strange I should change? I don’t know
Why don’t you ask her?