Marvin Gaye's album "What's Going On" is a popular concept album with it's main concept being humans need to stop screwing up the earth. As a black man, Marvin Gaye finally spoke his mind through his album and used what was happening in his life as the topics of his songs. He used these songs to reflect on the Vietnam War which was going on, the civil unrest, riots, drug abuse, and abandoned children which were all occurring around him. "What's Going On" is a lyrical sequence because the songs address the 1970s problems and helps express the things people may be afraid to speak up about. A lyrical part of the song "What's Going On" that stood out to me were the lines: "Father, father/We don't need to escalate, You see, war is not the answer/For only love can conquer hate." Gaye is trying to send out the message that war is not the answer and should not be used to settle disputes, as well as the message that all men and women, no matter their color, should be treated equally.
You thought about the assignment in a different way than I did. I think it's really awesome you used this album!
ReplyDeleteI also thought mostly about love song albums, but this was an interesting choice. And a great album!
ReplyDeleteJessica, like Jennah and Steve have already mentioned, I too thought of the assignment in terms of love. I think your choice is unique and really shows how you thought out of the box. This is such a classic song and has so much value. Great post! :)
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