The key phrase is: "So stupid minded.." I once asked an alcoholic advice on quiting smoking and he said "Don't start." That can apply for any toxic substance and yes the 60's were different and we'll never get them back and things like that shit should stay in the past. Peace
This song speaks to me deeply, being that I'm struggling with an addiction to oxycodone and heroin. Unless you've experienced it first hand, it's hard to comprehend the intensity and soul crushing power of opiate addiction. Truly, I'm hooked my friend, to the boy that makes slaves of men.
thank you for posting this....this song makes me think of my uncle mr. ricky stewart aka bo dick ...the coolest slickest uncle that ever lived...he could beat everything but herion....he was cooler than alaska in the winter time....he was just that cold, this is my song for him;-) thanks a million for the post...
"I'm hooked my friend, to the boy that makes slaves of men". Deep. It's strange...many genius artist deal with chemical imbalances...that contribute to their genius. They know something is 'off' and drugs and drink are a sad attempt at self-medicating. They are trying to find that balance that so eludes them. How many greats have we lost to this crap. Wow...sad for them...sad for us.
i mysefl never used drugs, but we all know someone who has, i allway say to people that are addicted, ' any man could fall, but it takes a bigger man to pick himsefl up'. say strong MrCalculus999 and try to surround yousefl with positive loveones. long live the oldies kenny sr. from sw philly
i use to make fun of people that were addicted to drugs. now i'am having these anti depressant withdrawals and they are kicking my ass. so much so i had to go and find some of the drugs and start talking them again just so i wouldnt feel sick. my god i treated people that use drugs like shit.
@MrCalculus999 I too suffer from sever depression but I refused their drugs for that same reason. They push that shit on you and then you suffer even more. Stay strong get help and move forward. It's important that you talk about your struggle and it will get better, then you can fly high in a friendly ski.
Hopefully we can all learn from those who have gone before us and have had the gift to express those addictions that are self-destructive...and more importantly, to recognize the government agencies that have found it necessary to bring these drugs into our neighborhoods so that we can feed upon each other and remain at the mud-sill of society! Thank you Marvin.
This song is so deep & only Marvin can sing this. He's telling you his story and his fight with the "drug". So profound. So sad. But, genius. He's taking us on own pesonal journey . . . . .
I don't think too many musicians were making that kind of music before that. And the sound is soooo clear. It sounds so fresh. I know that some years prior to this, they were using so much reverb that it was too much.
i heard marvin sr took alot of beatings from marvin gaye cause he was a fag. and he was a preacher who preached the word of god, and we dont need any word to know man and woman is right. but he shot him, he got tired of those beatings, plus you gotta feel like a real herb, well nyc slang or buster west coast slang, to get beat down by your own son.
When i listen to this song, i think of all of the times my father and I would drive through his old neighborhoods in brooklyn. Seeing so many of those older addicts then was pretty depressing. I can remember those trips and insert it into those memories. Family members who couldn't get over it. After seeing those people for so many years, this song just seems more brilliant.
Once the introduction of heroin into the black community by the goverment to quell the black power movement was over and the black community started to become prosperous during the 80's ..The goverment scientist went back to work in the labs and created a more incedious monster. All the CIA had to do was to find mules to introduce it to the community and use the thug and gangster media to glorify it. Althrough alot of middle-class america used it undercover
@bigreed43 I had no idea about drugs until the 80's like herion or cocaine...I knew about pot because everyone smoked it...it was harmless...right...I use to hear my mother play this album on Saturdays when she was cleaning...I could never understand what he was talking about until 2 years ago when I decided to do a research on Marvin because I love him so much. It breaks my heart to hear this song and to know that so many people was addicted to that drug back in the 70's. Thanks for posting.
I was listening to a radiodocumentary about Isaac Hayes last night. He was telling alot of storys about his life and career and a really funny one had Marvin Gaye in it.
Isaac had performed at Apollo I think it was early seventies and had hooked up with a smokin hot woman and was about to get it on. They went over to her place and to set the right mood she put on a record......
.......That was the first time Isaac heard "Whats going on". According to him he never did make love to that woman, he just kept listening to the record all through the night totally blown away.
Being a recovering addict myself I identify the words being used and the depths of his emotions. But interpetation is for the individual. Crack changed everything. Freebasing is a thing of the past now although it still exists but finding powered cocaine is rare. After cooking it there is nothing to smoke. So thus comes crack the demise of a multitude of ppl.
It was considered a rich man high cause u had to have money to continue to get high off it cause it was expensive at the time. Now if u know anything about the drug game then u would know the history of why it made it to the poor man...Its called CRACK something totally different. Listen to the song. If he is talking about vets coming home addicted how can he describe the details so real. Our brother Marvin was addicted to HEROIN at the time. He pretty much spells it out for us.
We live in a truly dangerous World... the battle line between GOOD and EVIL was drawn many ages ago, the "choice path" we take lies solely within each of US
4 people disliked this?? Anyways.. what a revolutionary... Music's reflection of the soul, personified by Gaye's music. I am thankful to have heard this.....
Marvin was a gifted man from the day he was born with a father that chose not to celebrate his gift but to become jealous of his gift and decided to kill his dreams by any means necessary to the point of death. But his father's hate for his son came from the pain he received from his dad.
Parents carry a great deal of power over their children. How we raise, love, and treat them will affect them for the rest of their lives.
@Psalms11817 "True" Marvin came from his father and his father bless us with a beautiful sound great lyric and vocal smooths dynamic. His father was spirtual as well so that help in his lyrics. So the death that just life domestic. Don't produce that lie. Marvin father didn't hate him. Now that propaganda of hate!!! Marvin and His father are one.Marvin time comes and goes but his music live on. The Father The Son The Holy Ghost!-FMH
@TheRestlesswind God gave us cannabis for a reason. All natural things in moderation. I wish Marvin was sitting with me right now, to share a bowl. LOVE & RESPECT to the best R&B singer ever!!!!
who ever those three dislikes were need to be slapped in the head, they don't understand how deep this song is, and how deep this brotha was, they probably some souljah boy type fans and that's cool, just have respect for the ones that paved the way for the souljah boy's
marvin's father shoot him but cocaine really did him in. killed his voice made him paronoid and crazy. there is a pbs documentary on youtube about marvin
funking marvin he had everything going for him why did he turn to crack wtf???? should have just smoked herb..........you know he is going threw hell.....
@mjjcng8958 That's exactly right, and it's a good thing that smoking blow was not out back then, cause Marvin would have done his own self in instead of his father killing him.
@rocknroll773 ya but he did do crack eventually....and im sure hes talking about coke anyhows what the difference one goes in your nose the other goes in your lungs same shit to me
@KuteyKristy Well, I've never read anywhere that he smoked cocaine, but just that he snorted a whole lot as he said in an interview. And it's not the same effect either.
@KuteyKristy Smoking it effects the nervous system so much more differently then snorting it as Richard Pryor attested to. I agree with you, neither way is good but smoking takes you under so much more quicker.
Almost 40yrs old & still sounds as fresh as it did its 1st day on the radio/8track/soultrain. This brother was light years ahead of his time....all of marvins albums have @ least 2 or 3 tunes that still hit home 2day. It could be a love trax or a political tune..his music is still gaining speed. Marvin R.I.P. bru..u r missed big time!
@port2344chester Wow, that's deep, cause I have for a long time now thought the same thing. That Marvin's stuff was way ahead of it's time in all the aspects that you said. His music sometimes gives me the chills listening to it. And, because I am a deep thinking soul myself, I have not known or heard anyone else speak or relate his music the way I be feeling it and relating to it.
@rocknroll773 Its a gr8 feeling to see that others like yourself understand & really LISTEN to this LEGENDS words.... like STEVIE WONDER... the lord blessed only a few with DEEP MUSICAL/LIFE VISUALS & Marvin was/is one SPECIAL brother his music has always touched me from my sand box days.... keep true old school soul alive! Peace!
Well I know I'm hooked my friend-to the boy, (out of habit) who makes slaves of men. You know who he's talking about. The pale horse or pale one or one who speaks with fork tonque. Tell me if you can what's the different between the time he wrote this Master Piece and the year 2010. 30 plus years, he knew what was really going on then and now. If you've ever been hooked on the pale man poison you know what he's talking about. Thanks RevolverOcelot07 for posting. Peace & Blessing for Bro. Marvin
"To the boy who makes slaves out of men". Pure lyrical genius! "What's Going On", the greatest album ever!!! Forty years later it still has its musical integrity; and lyrically, if I didn't know better, I would think he was singing about the world in 2010.
MARVIN GAYE REALLY DID NOT CARE WHAT PPL HAD TO SAY ABOUT HIM MAVIN DID SHIT MOST PPL CANT DO HE WAS FLYING HIGH WITOUT EVER LEAVING THE GROUND. TRY IT YOU JUST MIGHT LIKE IT...... I LOVE YOU ALWAYS MARVIN IS,WAS, AND WILL ALLLLWWWAAAYYYSSS BE NO.1
He was soooooo Fine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....Such a tragedy, it sounds like he was quite conflicted. But damn did he have such a beautiful sultry voice and touching lyrics. Love it to death!!!!!!!!!
In my opinion this song is from the greatest album ever made. However, it is one that has been most ruined by the itunes revolution. Itunes puts spaces inbetween the first 6 songs, but the first 6 songs on the album are supposed to blend together as one song! Itunes completely ruins the flow and the point of the album. Also, itunes allows you to pick random songs, but the songs on the album are all greatly enhanced by their context and the other songs around them. Buy it on vinyl or CD kids!!!
He's saying it plain, openly and honestly, these are powerful lyrics. Stay alert my friend....A warning to those who are wise....srewop ni hgih secalp.
hes the best intertainer in the world was that is , to me we don't have music in the likes of him one of the greatest or the greatest in my book. miss you marvin its just not the same in the music industry anymore. you gave life to music never knowing what you would bring out which normally master pieces. miss you so much.
Does anybody remember "Hitchhike" and we did the dance as if we were hitchhiking. That was in the early 60's, I wonder what he would be singing about now? He excelled so fast until he was no more-gone. RIP But I know they jamming in heaven!
This is truly a deep song...and it just shows that you can have all the money and fame in the world but it's still not going to make you whole as a person unless you truly find peace within yourself!! This song hits home real hard..so sad!! It just makes me want to cry!!!
please understand also on the other side of the coin that is the dealers also becomes, in midst of everything addicted the highs and lows of that lifestyle so both are tortured souls. dissagree if like but believe me.
everyone who listens to this song and the album has their opinion and so do I.
my take is that this song is a piece of the fabric of the album. it is personal obviously yet Marvin was at this moment in time was also and most foremost speaking of an entire nation and its faults. the album speaks of war, our war, the ecology and its issues, our issues, drug abuse, here to our abuse...
Love this song. I have the album from which it comes from, and all the songs are beautiful, as are all of Marvin Gayes songs... I usually start singing his songs and they get stuck on my mind.....
@harlemmoney excuse me i'm not trying to be rude, but Marvin is still doing his job, we have to wake up and pay attention to the message, then mabe we can do ours.
Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, John Lennon - politics and music ALL Stateside, any more connections? Beautiful man, beautiful music,,,,,take my hat off to ya!
@awmaw67 i think its more about the heroin addicted soldiers in vietnam. also at the time marvin was happily married to anna, and didn't divorce her until 73. marvin was into grass at the time of recording but i am doubtful he was on harder stuff.
@koolfraser marvin was a heavy coke user from the late sixties onward. source: Divided Soul, David Ritz, Marvin Gaye (Marvin's "official" biography) He didn't start freebasing until the early 80's. His daily routine was to wake up to a large joint, a big line of coke and a shot or two of cognac, and repeat the process throughout the day.
@MzKat0517 if it was a rich mans high then how did it get to the poor man? marvin gaye was a pothead and this song is about vets who came back from the war hooked on heroin
@mjjcng8958 Marvin Gaye sang about his life in several songs... listen to the song "Time" from the "Here my dear LP!!! He sings about his drug use in that song too!!!
this song has haunted me as well struggling with my addiction to opiates. The words are deep who make slaves out of men. Its flying high everything he went through alot of us now are in the same war self distruction in our hands
I dont understand how someone could mark your comment down, the point is all drugs are very good to begin with. That is why people take them, but for all the highs there are equally dire lows to come and possibly a life lived as a slave to your addiction. When Drug Education ignores the initial highs, it is totally discredited in the User's mind as their first experience is so totally at odds with what they have been taught.
So well said...Marvin did not die of an drug over dose but maybe given time he would of. By him not being in his right mind to evaluate the situation he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and his life was taken but he was very high when he got shot be his father.
I always thought this song was sad but now I understand the meaning of the song...ow them damned drugs make me so angry. It's only the grace of God that was not an addict, so many celeberties lose their lives to drugs...Billy, Elvis, Marvin, Michael.
This song reminds of me of my own father........Although he was a very brilliant medical professional, he was also a heroin user. The torment of his soul comes so much to light when I hear this song. Like Marvin, he also died a very violent and unfortunate death.
My father as well. My father and Marvin went to school together her in DC. My father was a beautiful man but was a product of that time. He died very young and was a herion user. He looked like Marvin. I was a child with this album came out and we played this in my house over and over again. My father was a troubled man.
this make u think about all da troubles going on
toyaflax 4 days ago
The key phrase is: "So stupid minded.." I once asked an alcoholic advice on quiting smoking and he said "Don't start." That can apply for any toxic substance and yes the 60's were different and we'll never get them back and things like that shit should stay in the past. Peace
01SweetJay 6 days ago
This song just make me sad because people in the pain of drug addiction that's not living, And there is nothing friendly about those skies.
christy50 1 week ago in playlist YouTube Mix for Marvin Gaye 3
This song speaks to me deeply, being that I'm struggling with an addiction to oxycodone and heroin. Unless you've experienced it first hand, it's hard to comprehend the intensity and soul crushing power of opiate addiction. Truly, I'm hooked my friend, to the boy that makes slaves of men.
SuperMokaOnly 2 weeks ago
Comment removed
Maggio20th 1 month ago
I OVERSTAND !!!!
kinstube 2 months ago
thank you for posting this....this song makes me think of my uncle mr. ricky stewart aka bo dick ...the coolest slickest uncle that ever lived...he could beat everything but herion....he was cooler than alaska in the winter time....he was just that cold, this is my song for him;-) thanks a million for the post...
gregorydixoninc1 2 months ago
sounds sweet........................
ROCKNROLLFAN 2 months ago
sad song, but a true, honest song
BoiToy08 3 months ago
"I'm hooked my friend, to the boy that makes slaves of men". Deep. It's strange...many genius artist deal with chemical imbalances...that contribute to their genius. They know something is 'off' and drugs and drink are a sad attempt at self-medicating. They are trying to find that balance that so eludes them. How many greats have we lost to this crap. Wow...sad for them...sad for us.
daToinado 3 months ago
@daToinado .Well said.Your post is very valid and honest.Michael,Marvin and Billy Preston just to name a few are gone because of drugs.Very very sad.
vlovesrafa 1 month ago
i mysefl never used drugs, but we all know someone who has, i allway say to people that are addicted, ' any man could fall, but it takes a bigger man to pick himsefl up'. say strong MrCalculus999 and try to surround yousefl with positive loveones. long live the oldies kenny sr. from sw philly
estasman 3 months ago
i use to make fun of people that were addicted to drugs. now i'am having these anti depressant withdrawals and they are kicking my ass. so much so i had to go and find some of the drugs and start talking them again just so i wouldnt feel sick. my god i treated people that use drugs like shit.
MrCalculus999 4 months ago
@MrCalculus999 I too suffer from sever depression but I refused their drugs for that same reason. They push that shit on you and then you suffer even more. Stay strong get help and move forward. It's important that you talk about your struggle and it will get better, then you can fly high in a friendly ski.
screwface1011 3 months ago
TEARS COME TO MY EYES STILL THIS IS REAL LYRICS!!
shine865 5 months ago 2
THANK MY PARENTS FOR LETTING LISTEN TO THERE ALBUMS BACK THEN THIS IS ONE OF FAVORITE!
shine865 5 months ago
Alchemist sent me here...BUMMD
BumDavisCT3 5 months ago
Hopefully we can all learn from those who have gone before us and have had the gift to express those addictions that are self-destructive...and more importantly, to recognize the government agencies that have found it necessary to bring these drugs into our neighborhoods so that we can feed upon each other and remain at the mud-sill of society! Thank you Marvin.
TheBronrocks 5 months ago
This song is so deep & only Marvin can sing this. He's telling you his story and his fight with the "drug". So profound. So sad. But, genius. He's taking us on own pesonal journey . . . . .
sdwalm 6 months ago
I NEVER GROW TIRED OF THIS SONG
royaltyhasarrived 6 months ago in playlist Ayalam - My daughter
I don't think too many musicians were making that kind of music before that. And the sound is soooo clear. It sounds so fresh. I know that some years prior to this, they were using so much reverb that it was too much.
Gentilseulement 6 months ago
I purchased whats going on and I want you album.
This is music at its finest.
0Moreno0 6 months ago
i heard marvin sr took alot of beatings from marvin gaye cause he was a fag. and he was a preacher who preached the word of god, and we dont need any word to know man and woman is right. but he shot him, he got tired of those beatings, plus you gotta feel like a real herb, well nyc slang or buster west coast slang, to get beat down by your own son.
abyss1ner 6 months ago
'But i go crazy when i cant find it'....smh...dangerously powerful and prophetic lyrics for Most of All of Us.
martyrmane 6 months ago
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Get this song on mediaoutletonline. Simplly find it with Gooogle :P
LonaiAkers 6 months ago
My friend and I love MediaOutletOnline for getting f*r ee m..uzzic like this! You can search it on Bing.
RonnyiBartels 6 months ago
When i listen to this song, i think of all of the times my father and I would drive through his old neighborhoods in brooklyn. Seeing so many of those older addicts then was pretty depressing. I can remember those trips and insert it into those memories. Family members who couldn't get over it. After seeing those people for so many years, this song just seems more brilliant.
IeatyellowSNO 6 months ago
Hauntingly beautiful is correct...reminds me of my dad. God bless his soul.
A beautiful man he was...just a horrible addiction.
royaltyhasarrived 7 months ago
Hauntingly beautiful! Not many can sing a song about drugs and being high and make it so beautiful!
jnl30 7 months ago
i like "sad tomorrows" just a lil bit more, but i love all of this great man's work.
DOWN2DIE 7 months ago
amazing.... simply amazing... speechless. Cat was that nice with it...
captainmisterio 8 months ago
3:14 Wario?
abcdefh1992 9 months ago
Once the introduction of heroin into the black community by the goverment to quell the black power movement was over and the black community started to become prosperous during the 80's ..The goverment scientist went back to work in the labs and created a more incedious monster. All the CIA had to do was to find mules to introduce it to the community and use the thug and gangster media to glorify it. Althrough alot of middle-class america used it undercover
frstwonder 9 months ago 5
@frstwonder You're a very wise man Sir!!!
dfancyman 8 months ago
He says " I know I'm hooked my friend... to the boy who makes slaves out of men" Back in the day they called heroin "boy" and cocaine "girl"!!!
bigreed43 9 months ago
@bigreed43 I had no idea about drugs until the 80's like herion or cocaine...I knew about pot because everyone smoked it...it was harmless...right...I use to hear my mother play this album on Saturdays when she was cleaning...I could never understand what he was talking about until 2 years ago when I decided to do a research on Marvin because I love him so much. It breaks my heart to hear this song and to know that so many people was addicted to that drug back in the 70's. Thanks for posting.
newme09able 8 months ago
its sad this kind of music is not being produced anymore
dboi1606 9 months ago
Comment removed
omarqure 9 months ago
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I was listening to a radiodocumentary about Isaac Hayes last night. He was telling alot of storys about his life and career and a really funny one had Marvin Gaye in it.
Isaac had performed at Apollo I think it was early seventies and had hooked up with a smokin hot woman and was about to get it on. They went over to her place and to set the right mood she put on a record......
omarqure 9 months ago
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omarqure 9 months ago
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.......That was the first time Isaac heard "Whats going on". According to him he never did make love to that woman, he just kept listening to the record all through the night totally blown away.
omarqure 9 months ago
Being a recovering addict myself I identify the words being used and the depths of his emotions. But interpetation is for the individual. Crack changed everything. Freebasing is a thing of the past now although it still exists but finding powered cocaine is rare. After cooking it there is nothing to smoke. So thus comes crack the demise of a multitude of ppl.
MzKat0517 9 months ago
It was considered a rich man high cause u had to have money to continue to get high off it cause it was expensive at the time. Now if u know anything about the drug game then u would know the history of why it made it to the poor man...Its called CRACK something totally different. Listen to the song. If he is talking about vets coming home addicted how can he describe the details so real. Our brother Marvin was addicted to HEROIN at the time. He pretty much spells it out for us.
MzKat0517 9 months ago
We live in a truly dangerous World... the battle line between GOOD and EVIL was drawn many ages ago, the "choice path" we take lies solely within each of US
william52648 9 months ago
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Happy Birthday Marvin! Musically you are missed but the essence of your words and spirit in your lyrics still live on 2Day!
Ediva75 10 months ago
Happy Birthday Marvin! Musically you are missed but the essence of your words and spirits in your lyrics still live on 2Day!
Ediva75 10 months ago
The boy who made slaves out of men!!! Wow!
dastony1969 10 months ago 3
4 people disliked this?? Anyways.. what a revolutionary... Music's reflection of the soul, personified by Gaye's music. I am thankful to have heard this.....
captainmisterio 11 months ago 2
Click like if you can relate to this, anybody that truly knows me knows I love vintage music and this is soul for real
stepdaddy81 11 months ago
"so stupid minded"....... love this song......
patsystone 11 months ago
15 TO 30 GENERATIONS WEVE BEEN IN A SLAVE THINKING. GOOD THING OUR PEOPLE WAS THERE TO AT LEAST SHO ANOTHER OPTION
TheRebelabyss 1 year ago
Best Marvin song by a mile
muddyworms 1 year ago
Marvin was a gifted man from the day he was born with a father that chose not to celebrate his gift but to become jealous of his gift and decided to kill his dreams by any means necessary to the point of death. But his father's hate for his son came from the pain he received from his dad.
Parents carry a great deal of power over their children. How we raise, love, and treat them will affect them for the rest of their lives.
Psalms11817 1 year ago 49
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@Psalms11817
JUST FASCINATING!!!
Some build nuclear bombs, armies & wage endless wars trying for centuries to conquer a "country".
And some conquer the hearts, minds & souls of the WHOLE WORLD with the sound of music expressing love for mankind, in their just short life.
Half century later, their voices still resonates in the hearts, minds & souls of those they left behind.
Thanks Marvin, you are still living in our hearts & minds.
The God of heaven bless your soul, Marvin!!!
BahreNeGash 11 months ago
@Psalms11817 preach Psalms.... preach...
captainmisterio 5 months ago in playlist Chants
@Psalms11817 "True" Marvin came from his father and his father bless us with a beautiful sound great lyric and vocal smooths dynamic. His father was spirtual as well so that help in his lyrics. So the death that just life domestic. Don't produce that lie. Marvin father didn't hate him. Now that propaganda of hate!!! Marvin and His father are one.Marvin time comes and goes but his music live on. The Father The Son The Holy Ghost!-FMH
EFILMZ 1 month ago
@Psalms11817 Amen!
GABYCONSTANZA 1 month ago
@Psalms11817 I agree one hundred percent!
Echoclategirl52 1 day ago
wow!! this is deeply beautiful and sad!
SIRGAGA123 1 year ago
this man truly had some connection to the other side. just unreal
itchcity 1 year ago
@itchcity he had a deep spirituality and he had such an understanding that he felt very deeply
SIRGAGA123 1 year ago
@TheRestlesswind God gave us cannabis for a reason. All natural things in moderation. I wish Marvin was sitting with me right now, to share a bowl. LOVE & RESPECT to the best R&B singer ever!!!!
NickCave13 1 year ago
HE WAS ON THAT SHIT! THAT BOY AINT NO JOKE!
keltonkng 1 year ago
ON THAT SHIT!
keltonkng 1 year ago
man, i wish he would have gotten help. self distruction
briljay12 1 year ago
@briljay12 me too. but it was dad that haunted him the most and unfortunately took his life
msraymond 1 year ago
who ever those three dislikes were need to be slapped in the head, they don't understand how deep this song is, and how deep this brotha was, they probably some souljah boy type fans and that's cool, just have respect for the ones that paved the way for the souljah boy's
mzluvlee30 1 year ago
@mzluvlee30 You know what if you notice mostly every black song on YouTube has dislikes by them i'm so glad you noticed it too.
zeezee804 1 year ago
Marvin referenced this song to HERION
MzKat0517 1 year ago
Anybody knows what album this is on?
chillydotjeff 1 year ago
@chillydotjeff - This song appears on WHAT'S GOING ON, as do many of his best songs. Definately an album every music fan should own.
marchky 1 year ago 16
@marchky My favorite album of ALL. I didn't think he could ever match the genius and feeling of What's going On.
cdjblue52 1 year ago
@marchky you are so right. If you have a love for music you will have this album
lovely01me 9 months ago
marvin's father shoot him but cocaine really did him in. killed his voice made him paronoid and crazy. there is a pbs documentary on youtube about marvin
mjjcng8958 1 year ago
9th sampled
johnnydico 1 year ago
I can't wait until I'm older so I could start sampling. This song just takes your heart and twist it. So sad. *Sigh*
Black992724 1 year ago
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He sounds so pained... damn, it's like something is tugging at my heart but I can't stop listening!
MsGlamzilla 1 year ago
He sounds so pianed... damn, it's like something is tugging at my heart but I can't stop listening!
MsGlamzilla 1 year ago
Namaste thank you Awesome ((( MARVIN ))) Namaste # & thank you 4 the upload :)
nightgrooveruk 1 year ago
funking marvin he had everything going for him why did he turn to crack wtf???? should have just smoked herb..........you know he is going threw hell.....
KuteyKristy 1 year ago
@KuteyKristy crack? you do know he got shot by his pops
opidig25gange 1 year ago
@opidig25gange ya i do know that..but i also know he had a crack addiction thats what this song is about
<3
KuteyKristy 1 year ago
@KuteyKristy free basing didnt exist during this time, he was a pot head and a cocaine addict
mjjcng8958 1 year ago
@mjjcng8958 That's exactly right, and it's a good thing that smoking blow was not out back then, cause Marvin would have done his own self in instead of his father killing him.
rocknroll773 1 year ago
@mjjcng8958 it did exist but Marvin's addiction at this time was herion.
MzKat0517 9 months ago
@KuteyKristy Crack was not even on the seen then.
rocknroll773 1 year ago
@rocknroll773 ya but he did do crack eventually....and im sure hes talking about coke anyhows what the difference one goes in your nose the other goes in your lungs same shit to me
KuteyKristy 1 year ago
@KuteyKristy Well, I've never read anywhere that he smoked cocaine, but just that he snorted a whole lot as he said in an interview. And it's not the same effect either.
rocknroll773 1 year ago
@KuteyKristy Smoking it effects the nervous system so much more differently then snorting it as Richard Pryor attested to. I agree with you, neither way is good but smoking takes you under so much more quicker.
rocknroll773 1 year ago
i wanna sample this
bujudread 1 year ago
@bujudread KANYE DID. LISTEN TO WARREN BALLENTINE, HE USES IT AS A BREAK TO THE COMMERCIALS
bartdogggy 1 year ago
@bujudread pleasse dont. take marvin's lead and play an instrument. sampling is cool but everybody is doing it. it is getting old
mjjcng8958 1 year ago
Almost 40yrs old & still sounds as fresh as it did its 1st day on the radio/8track/soultrain. This brother was light years ahead of his time....all of marvins albums have @ least 2 or 3 tunes that still hit home 2day. It could be a love trax or a political tune..his music is still gaining speed. Marvin R.I.P. bru..u r missed big time!
port2344chester 1 year ago 3
@port2344chester Wow, that's deep, cause I have for a long time now thought the same thing. That Marvin's stuff was way ahead of it's time in all the aspects that you said. His music sometimes gives me the chills listening to it. And, because I am a deep thinking soul myself, I have not known or heard anyone else speak or relate his music the way I be feeling it and relating to it.
rocknroll773 1 year ago
@rocknroll773 Its a gr8 feeling to see that others like yourself understand & really LISTEN to this LEGENDS words.... like STEVIE WONDER... the lord blessed only a few with DEEP MUSICAL/LIFE VISUALS & Marvin was/is one SPECIAL brother his music has always touched me from my sand box days.... keep true old school soul alive! Peace!
port2344chester 1 year ago
@port2344chester Thank you. will do.
rocknroll773 1 year ago
Well I know I'm hooked my friend-to the boy, (out of habit) who makes slaves of men. You know who he's talking about. The pale horse or pale one or one who speaks with fork tonque. Tell me if you can what's the different between the time he wrote this Master Piece and the year 2010. 30 plus years, he knew what was really going on then and now. If you've ever been hooked on the pale man poison you know what he's talking about. Thanks RevolverOcelot07 for posting. Peace & Blessing for Bro. Marvin
pzoe1 1 year ago
he created this all himself what a incredible magnificent brain. God Love You Marvin. Peace Unto You My Brother.
Sneekyboyz 1 year ago
@TheRestlesswind Peace is a difficult thing to attain in a world of insanity death and angst
Intheflesh92 1 year ago
"To the boy who makes slaves out of men". Pure lyrical genius! "What's Going On", the greatest album ever!!! Forty years later it still has its musical integrity; and lyrically, if I didn't know better, I would think he was singing about the world in 2010.
lakerherb 1 year ago
MARVIN GAYE REALLY DID NOT CARE WHAT PPL HAD TO SAY ABOUT HIM MAVIN DID SHIT MOST PPL CANT DO HE WAS FLYING HIGH WITOUT EVER LEAVING THE GROUND. TRY IT YOU JUST MIGHT LIKE IT...... I LOVE YOU ALWAYS MARVIN IS,WAS, AND WILL ALLLLWWWAAAYYYSSS BE NO.1
drsthurman 1 year ago
great music
Hanef100 1 year ago
He was soooooo Fine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....Such a tragedy, it sounds like he was quite conflicted. But damn did he have such a beautiful sultry voice and touching lyrics. Love it to death!!!!!!!!!
lasexzchika 1 year ago 2
flying
kenyattaakins 1 year ago
GENIUS!
teshaun78 1 year ago
You said a mouth full here. Yes he was prophecying his demise. Shame nobody heard it.
ministermaria1 1 year ago
@ministermaria1 I still got that CD. It sounded like he was crying for help, but unfortunately, nobody was listening.
GoneBallistik 1 year ago
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Markgr122 1 year ago
Marvin Gaye , man wat a life, truly one o the best performers , timeless
donbigus 1 year ago
can you say sample?
kangshit25 1 year ago
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pHfamily 1 year ago
In my opinion this song is from the greatest album ever made. However, it is one that has been most ruined by the itunes revolution. Itunes puts spaces inbetween the first 6 songs, but the first 6 songs on the album are supposed to blend together as one song! Itunes completely ruins the flow and the point of the album. Also, itunes allows you to pick random songs, but the songs on the album are all greatly enhanced by their context and the other songs around them. Buy it on vinyl or CD kids!!!
pHfamily 1 year ago 3
@pHfamily "let me say to you right on"
lakerherb 1 year ago
He's saying it plain, openly and honestly, these are powerful lyrics. Stay alert my friend....A warning to those who are wise....srewop ni hgih secalp.
susej1able 1 year ago
The lament of a tortured brilliant poetic and musical genius.
blewis9505 1 year ago 2
He speaks for me thank you Mr. Gaye.
hapzap13 1 year ago 2
what a wonderful singer, thats god in a voice like that, so sing for the almighty father and his angles and R. I. P.
vince3811 1 year ago
hes the best intertainer in the world was that is , to me we don't have music in the likes of him one of the greatest or the greatest in my book. miss you marvin its just not the same in the music industry anymore. you gave life to music never knowing what you would bring out which normally master pieces. miss you so much.
Winter412 1 year ago
Unfortunately I can relate to this Song.
martyrmane 1 year ago
I go back when Marvin became. My favorite song is 'Ain't that peculiar."
lotty506 1 year ago
Does anybody remember "Hitchhike" and we did the dance as if we were hitchhiking. That was in the early 60's, I wonder what he would be singing about now? He excelled so fast until he was no more-gone. RIP But I know they jamming in heaven!
54cookie1 1 year ago
This is Rythm and Blues!!!!!!!
meccavillain 1 year ago 8
This is truly a deep song...and it just shows that you can have all the money and fame in the world but it's still not going to make you whole as a person unless you truly find peace within yourself!! This song hits home real hard..so sad!! It just makes me want to cry!!!
johnsonkids3 1 year ago 3
please understand also on the other side of the coin that is the dealers also becomes, in midst of everything addicted the highs and lows of that lifestyle so both are tortured souls. dissagree if like but believe me.
pressure1982 1 year ago 4
everyone who listens to this song and the album has their opinion and so do I.
my take is that this song is a piece of the fabric of the album. it is personal obviously yet Marvin was at this moment in time was also and most foremost speaking of an entire nation and its faults. the album speaks of war, our war, the ecology and its issues, our issues, drug abuse, here to our abuse...
ladytandsirc 1 year ago 2
@ladytandsirc I agree but the scary part is that it is even more relevant today 2010. what have we achieved.
54cookie1 1 year ago
there has never been....nor will there ever be another....beautiful words by a beautiful man
randaddy247 1 year ago
@randaddy247 I agree!!
VanessaT207 1 year ago 2
You know, you can almost feel Marvin's spirit, when you listen to this song!!!
I have always loved this song, i listen to it alot!
JanelleRiana 1 year ago 2
@JanelleRiana I can definitely feel it, I loved this man and I miss him RIP
barbaracain 1 year ago
Love this song. I have the album from which it comes from, and all the songs are beautiful, as are all of Marvin Gayes songs... I usually start singing his songs and they get stuck on my mind.....
XplicitVocalz 1 year ago
This album ranks in the top-10 as one of the greatest albums of ANY form in music history!
coolymac 1 year ago 2
I just love this song my mind goes to it each time some one pass from drugs or get busted
ONEFAT 1 year ago
i've been looking for this song,since 1970-my brother "lefty" had it.rip--thank you-bless you
nomochaos88 1 year ago 2
Love this song....love the bassline in this.
swtsakey 1 year ago 2
ME 2, THIS BASSLINE IS WICKED!
coolymac 1 year ago
why did his father had to fricking kill Marvin? he has the most beautiful music we will not forget!!
candyrnld 2 years ago 4
it had to happen Marvin did has job and he had to return to God.
harlemmoney 1 year ago 4
@harlemmoney excuse me i'm not trying to be rude, but Marvin is still doing his job, we have to wake up and pay attention to the message, then mabe we can do ours.
54cookie1 1 year ago
@54cookie1 I love Marvin Gaye He was and is the Best Ever.
harlemmoney 1 year ago
His contribution was one of the greatest artist of all time.
sly821 2 years ago 2
This album stands the test of time. Pure genius. It is as revelant today as it was 30plus years ago.
mariah1257 2 years ago
Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, John Lennon - politics and music ALL Stateside, any more connections? Beautiful man, beautiful music,,,,,take my hat off to ya!
kennyjbatt 2 years ago 9
@kennyjbatt
amen.
KaraIsKool 2 years ago 2
One of the GREATEST albums of all time. Any genre. Peace.
lowriderbandfan 2 years ago 4
AMEN !!!!!! Marvin Gaye was love and a broken soul. May he rest in peace and finally lay his burden down. I miss him.
hapzap13 2 years ago 9
great song even better album
mriceman4u 2 years ago 5
this song is crazy(in a good way)
jaydeeforever1 2 years ago 5
This song is so haunting. He was struggling with drugs to escape the inner demons with conflict with his father, divorce, and the music industry.
awmaw67 2 years ago 30
@awmaw67 oh yeah i heard about his struggles...but i think thats what made his song so strong...its the pain...
ways87 1 year ago
@awmaw67 i think its more about the heroin addicted soldiers in vietnam. also at the time marvin was happily married to anna, and didn't divorce her until 73. marvin was into grass at the time of recording but i am doubtful he was on harder stuff.
koolfraser 1 year ago
@koolfraser marvin was a heavy coke user from the late sixties onward. source: Divided Soul, David Ritz, Marvin Gaye (Marvin's "official" biography) He didn't start freebasing until the early 80's. His daily routine was to wake up to a large joint, a big line of coke and a shot or two of cognac, and repeat the process throughout the day.
ck187alldayfool 1 year ago
@ck187alldayfool whats freebasing? and wow i knew marvin was a coke addict but never knew about the morning part. really need to get that book
southensmokin 1 year ago
@southensmokin freebasing is smoking cocaine (powder) it was mostly done before crack hit in the 80's (an easier form to smoke)
ck187alldayfool 10 months ago
@southensmokin free basing is powdered cocaine cooked and smoked out of a pipe. Was called a rich mans high.
MzKat0517 9 months ago
@MzKat0517 if it was a rich mans high then how did it get to the poor man? marvin gaye was a pothead and this song is about vets who came back from the war hooked on heroin
mjjcng8958 9 months ago
@mjjcng8958 Marvin Gaye sang about his life in several songs... listen to the song "Time" from the "Here my dear LP!!! He sings about his drug use in that song too!!!
bigreed43 9 months ago
@awmaw67
Lol, demons. You mean depression?
jadojinsu 1 year ago
@awmaw67 to no mention coping with the death of his dear friend Tammi Terrell
SIRGAGA123 1 year ago
@awmaw67... talking bout a recipe for disaster ?????....
shuggaman1 1 year ago
pure genius......what more can i say??
driak1984 2 years ago 7
Haunting, yet beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
zulunurse2009 2 years ago 3
Mos Def sampled this song on his New Danger Album.
"rest of the folks are tired and weary and have laid there bodies down."
R.I.P. Grandma 4/11/09 - We miss u.
IPrinceMajestic 2 years ago 5
this song has haunted me as well struggling with my addiction to opiates. The words are deep who make slaves out of men. Its flying high everything he went through alot of us now are in the same war self distruction in our hands
kolbeckcody 2 years ago 2
@kolbeckcody there is a way out. Find a 12 step program and keep comming back no matter what. I have been free for 17 years one day at a time.
zphare1 2 years ago
true autobiographical song 2 marvins life.........he was truly singin/cryin out about his self
VANGOGH220 2 years ago 6
thx for sharing that beautiful song.........i love Marvin Gaye......... R I P
DeathRowWarrenG 2 years ago 5
The Biggest problem is that Cocaine is to good at the beggining, but if you're not cautious and know when to stop you're gone....
dbrandao07 2 years ago
I dont understand how someone could mark your comment down, the point is all drugs are very good to begin with. That is why people take them, but for all the highs there are equally dire lows to come and possibly a life lived as a slave to your addiction. When Drug Education ignores the initial highs, it is totally discredited in the User's mind as their first experience is so totally at odds with what they have been taught.
sicodaddy 2 years ago
So well said...Marvin did not die of an drug over dose but maybe given time he would of. By him not being in his right mind to evaluate the situation he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and his life was taken but he was very high when he got shot be his father.
newme09able 2 years ago
I always thought this song was sad but now I understand the meaning of the song...ow them damned drugs make me so angry. It's only the grace of God that was not an addict, so many celeberties lose their lives to drugs...Billy, Elvis, Marvin, Michael.
newme09able 2 years ago 5
marvin gaye wuz shot by hiz dad april 1st
Lilpimp545777 2 years ago
Knowing what eventually happened to Marvin, this song is Prophetic, in my opinion.
affiliated1 2 years ago
Do you have the other version of the song? You know when it sounds a little faster
ShadowSayain1 2 years ago
This song reminds of me of my own father........Although he was a very brilliant medical professional, he was also a heroin user. The torment of his soul comes so much to light when I hear this song. Like Marvin, he also died a very violent and unfortunate death.
palmares77 2 years ago 3
My father as well. My father and Marvin went to school together her in DC. My father was a beautiful man but was a product of that time. He died very young and was a herion user. He looked like Marvin. I was a child with this album came out and we played this in my house over and over again. My father was a troubled man.
davidvirgodc 2 years ago 6