Things Goin' On was written in 1973 by Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington, the lead vocalist and guitarist from Lynyrd Skynyrd. It appeared on the band's first album (pronounced 'lĕh-'nérd 'skin-'nérd) and expressed concerns about social and environmental issues, with especial criticism of politicians' role in such issues. The song was distinct from other contemporary protest-songs in that it utilized the sound of Muscle Shoals, Alabama blues licks made popular by both Eric Clapton and Duane Allman's honky tonk melodies, though this was in keeping with Lynyrd Skynyrd's country-rock image.
Composition
The first verse, which expressed concern about life in the ghetto is repeated at the end of the song, thereby placing emphasis on this particular issue. It also contains the line that gives the song its title:
The first line of the song is particularly pertinent in that it asks the listener whether he has ever lived down in the ghetto; support for segregation was still widespread in the southern United States at the time and Lynyrd Skynyrd risked alienating a large number of potential fans before the group became an established act.
Lynyrd Skynyrd (pronounced /ˌlɛnərdˈskɪnərd/LEN-ərd-SKIN-ərd) is an American rock band best known for popularizing the southern rock genre during the 1970s. Originally formed in 1964 as My Backyard in Jacksonville, Florida, the band used various names such as The Noble Five and One Percent, before coming up with Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1969. The band rose to worldwide recognition on the basis of its live performances and signature tunes "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird". At the peak of their success, three members died in an airplane crash in 1977, putting an abrupt end to the band's most popular incarnation.
The surviving band members re-formed in 1987 for a reunion tour with lead vocalist Johnny Van Zant, the younger brother of lead singer and founder Ronnie Van Zant. The re-formed band continues to tour and record with co-founding member Gary Rossington and core members Johnny Van Zant, along with guitarist Rickey Medlocke, who recorded with the band for a short time in the early 1970s. Drummer Michael Cartellone has recorded and toured with the band since 1999. Lynyrd Skynyrd was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 13, 2006.
Bassist Leon Wilkeson left the band during the album's early recording sessions only playing on two tracks. Strawberry Alarm Clock guitarist Ed King was asked to fill in for Wilkeson on bass during the remaining sessions, as Wilkeson already wrote many of the bass parts. This left Skynyrd with only six official members at the time of the album's release. Not long after, King remained with the band, and was made a member, so that they could replicate the triple-guitar lead during live performances. Wilkeson returned to the band when it was time to take the photo for the album cover and embark on the tour for the album. It was certified gold on December 18, 1974, platinum and 2x platinum on July 21, 1987, by the RIAA. The album also peaked at 27 in the Billboard 200 in 1975.
Lynyrd Skynyrd (Box Set) is the first box set released by Lynyrd Skynyrd. It features out-takes, demos and live versions of songs released on their first six albums. It was certified
Gold on 11/18/1997 by the RIAA.
Official Audio for Things Goin' On performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd
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published: 16 Dec 2022
Things Goin' On (Original Version)
Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group
Things Goin' On (Original Version) · Lynyrd Skynyrd
Skynyrd's First: The Complete Muscle Shoals Album
℗ 1978 UMG Recordings, Inc.
Released on: 1998-01-01
Producer: Jimmy Johnson
Producer: Tim Smith
Composer Lyricist: Gary Rossington
Composer Lyricist: Ronnie Van Zant
Auto-generated by YouTube.
published: 31 Jul 2018
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Things Goin' On (Live)
Live From The Florida Theatre, Jacksonville, 2016.
published: 25 Mar 2016
LYNYRD SKYNYRD - Things Goin' On (Lyric Video)
I do not own the copyright to the music in this video...
published: 02 Jul 2023
Things Goin' On
Provided to YouTube by Volcano
Things Goin' On · Lynyrd Skynyrd
Endangered Species
℗ 1994 Volcano Entertainment III LLC
Released on: 1994-11-13
Composer, Lyricist: Ronald Van Zant
Guitar, Composer, Lyricist: Gary Rossington
Acoustic Guitar: Ed King
Producer: Barry Beckett
Recording Engineer: Csaba Petocz
Recording Engineer: Pete Green
Mixing Engineer: Wally Buck
Mastering Engineer: Hank Williams
Auto-generated by YouTube.
published: 13 Nov 2015
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Things goin' on {acoustic}
rare acoustic performance live in Atlanta, GA
published: 19 Mar 2008
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Things Goin On
published: 08 Sep 2011
Lynyrd Skynyrd Things Goin' On with Lyrics in Description
Track 5 from their debut album “Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd” released in 1973 copyright MCA Records and recorded at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia. One of the greatest debuts ever, it's filled with stellar songs that have become classics. It reached No. 17 on the Billboard chart in 1975 and achieved Gold status in 1974, eventually being certified Double Platinum in 1987.Written by Gary Rossington & Ronnie Van Zant and produced by Al Kooper. RIP Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins, Billy Powell, Robert Nix, Bob Burns, Ed King & Gary Rossington. Featuring:
Ronnie Van Zant – Lead vocals
Gary Rossington – Lead, slide & rhythm guitars
Allen Collins – Lead & rhythm guitars
Ed King – Bass, lead guitar on “Mississippi Kid”
Billy Powell – Keyboards
Bob Burns – Drums
Special Guests:
Al Kooper –...
published: 12 Jun 2018
Southern Flavor! | Lynyrd Skynyrd - Things Goin' On | REACTION/REVIEW
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Things Goin' On | REACTION/REVIEW
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published: 16 Nov 2023
Lynyrd Skynyrd Things Goin On' (Original Version) on Vinyl with Lyrics in Description
Track 9 from the posthumous album “Skynyrd’s First and… Last” released in 1978 copyright MCA Records. The album consists of early recordings from 1971 & ‘72 that were initially intended to make up the band’s debut album until they were shelved. This was the first album to include them. Rickey Medlocke of “Blackfoot” was an early member of the band as their drummer. He wrote a couple of these songs and sings lead vocals on two. He left to rejoin “Blackfoot” in 1972. The album was recorded at Muscle Shoals in Alabama. It achieved Gold status three days after its release and went Platinum two months later. Recorded from the original vinyl. Written by Gary Rossington & Ronnie Van Zant and produced by Jimmy Johnson & Tim Smith. RIP Ronnie Van Zant, Cassie Gaines, Allen Collins, Billy Powell, L...
Official Audio for Things Goin' On performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Follow Lynyrd Skynyrd:
Facebook:https://facebook.com/LynyrdSkynyrd
Instagram:https://instagram....
Official Audio for Things Goin' On performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Follow Lynyrd Skynyrd:
Facebook:https://facebook.com/LynyrdSkynyrd
Instagram:https://instagram.com/skynyrd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/skynyrd
Website:https://lynyrdskynyrd.com
#LynyrdSkynyrd #ThingsGoinOn
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Official Audio for Things Goin' On performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Follow Lynyrd Skynyrd:
Facebook:https://facebook.com/LynyrdSkynyrd
Instagram:https://instagram.com/skynyrd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/skynyrd
Website:https://lynyrdskynyrd.com
#LynyrdSkynyrd #ThingsGoinOn
http://vevo.ly/MQZlv9
Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group
Things Goin' On (Original Version) · Lynyrd Skynyrd
Skynyrd's First: The Complete Muscle Shoals Album
℗ 1978 UMG...
Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group
Things Goin' On (Original Version) · Lynyrd Skynyrd
Skynyrd's First: The Complete Muscle Shoals Album
℗ 1978 UMG Recordings, Inc.
Released on: 1998-01-01
Producer: Jimmy Johnson
Producer: Tim Smith
Composer Lyricist: Gary Rossington
Composer Lyricist: Ronnie Van Zant
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group
Things Goin' On (Original Version) · Lynyrd Skynyrd
Skynyrd's First: The Complete Muscle Shoals Album
℗ 1978 UMG Recordings, Inc.
Released on: 1998-01-01
Producer: Jimmy Johnson
Producer: Tim Smith
Composer Lyricist: Gary Rossington
Composer Lyricist: Ronnie Van Zant
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by Volcano
Things Goin' On · Lynyrd Skynyrd
Endangered Species
℗ 1994 Volcano Entertainment III LLC
Released on: 1994-11-13
Composer, L...
Provided to YouTube by Volcano
Things Goin' On · Lynyrd Skynyrd
Endangered Species
℗ 1994 Volcano Entertainment III LLC
Released on: 1994-11-13
Composer, Lyricist: Ronald Van Zant
Guitar, Composer, Lyricist: Gary Rossington
Acoustic Guitar: Ed King
Producer: Barry Beckett
Recording Engineer: Csaba Petocz
Recording Engineer: Pete Green
Mixing Engineer: Wally Buck
Mastering Engineer: Hank Williams
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by Volcano
Things Goin' On · Lynyrd Skynyrd
Endangered Species
℗ 1994 Volcano Entertainment III LLC
Released on: 1994-11-13
Composer, Lyricist: Ronald Van Zant
Guitar, Composer, Lyricist: Gary Rossington
Acoustic Guitar: Ed King
Producer: Barry Beckett
Recording Engineer: Csaba Petocz
Recording Engineer: Pete Green
Mixing Engineer: Wally Buck
Mastering Engineer: Hank Williams
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Track 5 from their debut album “Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd” released in 1973 copyright MCA Records and recorded at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia. One ...
Track 5 from their debut album “Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd” released in 1973 copyright MCA Records and recorded at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia. One of the greatest debuts ever, it's filled with stellar songs that have become classics. It reached No. 17 on the Billboard chart in 1975 and achieved Gold status in 1974, eventually being certified Double Platinum in 1987.Written by Gary Rossington & Ronnie Van Zant and produced by Al Kooper. RIP Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins, Billy Powell, Robert Nix, Bob Burns, Ed King & Gary Rossington. Featuring:
Ronnie Van Zant – Lead vocals
Gary Rossington – Lead, slide & rhythm guitars
Allen Collins – Lead & rhythm guitars
Ed King – Bass, lead guitar on “Mississippi Kid”
Billy Powell – Keyboards
Bob Burns – Drums
Special Guests:
Al Kooper – Organ, mellotron, mandolin, bass, bass drum & background vocals
Robert Nix – Drums on “Tuesday’s Gone”
Bobbye Hall – Percussion
Steve Katz – Harmonica on “Mississippi Kid”
Well, have you ever lived down in the ghetto, have you ever felt that cold wind blow?
Well, if you don't know what I mean, won't you stand up and scream?
'Cause there's things goin' on that you don't know
Let it roll
Too many lives they've spent 'cross the ocean
Too much money been spent up on the moon
Well, until they make it right, I hope they never sleep at night
They better make some changes and do it soon
Do it now, do it good
Well, they're gonna ruin the air that we breathe, Lord, have mercy
They're gonna ruin us all, by and by
I'm tellin' all you beware, I don't think they really care
Think they just sit up there and just get high
Take it to ya
Well, have you ever lived down in that ghetto and have you ever felt that cold wind blow?
Well, if you don't know what I mean, won't you stand up and scream?
'Cause there's things goin' on that you don't know
Well, if you don't know what I mean, won't you stand up and scream?
'Cause there's things goin' on you don't know
Tell it, tell it, tell it
Things goin' on
Track 5 from their debut album “Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd” released in 1973 copyright MCA Records and recorded at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia. One of the greatest debuts ever, it's filled with stellar songs that have become classics. It reached No. 17 on the Billboard chart in 1975 and achieved Gold status in 1974, eventually being certified Double Platinum in 1987.Written by Gary Rossington & Ronnie Van Zant and produced by Al Kooper. RIP Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins, Billy Powell, Robert Nix, Bob Burns, Ed King & Gary Rossington. Featuring:
Ronnie Van Zant – Lead vocals
Gary Rossington – Lead, slide & rhythm guitars
Allen Collins – Lead & rhythm guitars
Ed King – Bass, lead guitar on “Mississippi Kid”
Billy Powell – Keyboards
Bob Burns – Drums
Special Guests:
Al Kooper – Organ, mellotron, mandolin, bass, bass drum & background vocals
Robert Nix – Drums on “Tuesday’s Gone”
Bobbye Hall – Percussion
Steve Katz – Harmonica on “Mississippi Kid”
Well, have you ever lived down in the ghetto, have you ever felt that cold wind blow?
Well, if you don't know what I mean, won't you stand up and scream?
'Cause there's things goin' on that you don't know
Let it roll
Too many lives they've spent 'cross the ocean
Too much money been spent up on the moon
Well, until they make it right, I hope they never sleep at night
They better make some changes and do it soon
Do it now, do it good
Well, they're gonna ruin the air that we breathe, Lord, have mercy
They're gonna ruin us all, by and by
I'm tellin' all you beware, I don't think they really care
Think they just sit up there and just get high
Take it to ya
Well, have you ever lived down in that ghetto and have you ever felt that cold wind blow?
Well, if you don't know what I mean, won't you stand up and scream?
'Cause there's things goin' on that you don't know
Well, if you don't know what I mean, won't you stand up and scream?
'Cause there's things goin' on you don't know
Tell it, tell it, tell it
Things goin' on
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Things Goin' On | REACTION/REVIEW
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Track 9 from the posthumous album “Skynyrd’s First and… Last” released in 1978 copyright MCA Records. The album consists of early recordings from 1971 & ‘72 tha...
Track 9 from the posthumous album “Skynyrd’s First and… Last” released in 1978 copyright MCA Records. The album consists of early recordings from 1971 & ‘72 that were initially intended to make up the band’s debut album until they were shelved. This was the first album to include them. Rickey Medlocke of “Blackfoot” was an early member of the band as their drummer. He wrote a couple of these songs and sings lead vocals on two. He left to rejoin “Blackfoot” in 1972. The album was recorded at Muscle Shoals in Alabama. It achieved Gold status three days after its release and went Platinum two months later. Recorded from the original vinyl. Written by Gary Rossington & Ronnie Van Zant and produced by Jimmy Johnson & Tim Smith. RIP Ronnie Van Zant, Cassie Gaines, Allen Collins, Billy Powell, Leon Wilkeson, Bob Burns, Ed King & Gary Rossington. Featuring:
Ronnie Van Zant – Lead vocals
Gary Rossington – Lead, slide & rhythm guitars
Allen Collins – Lead & rhythm guitars
Ed King – Lead & rhythm guitars & bass
Billy Powell – Piano
Greg T. Walker – Bass
Leon Wilkeson – Bass
Rickey Medlocke – Lead vocals & drums
Bob Burns – Drums
Special Guests:
JoJo Billingsley, Cassie Gaines & Leslie Hawkins – Background vocals on “Down South Jukin’” & “Was I Right Or Wrong”
Randy McCormick – Mellotron
Gimmer Nichols – Acoustic Guitar
Ronnie Eades – Sax
Jimmy Johnson – Guitar
Wayne Perkins – Guitar
Tim Smith – Background vocals on “Comin’ Home”
Have you ever lived down in the ghetto?
Have you ever felt the cold wind blow?
If you don't know what I mean won't you stand up and scream?
'Cause there's things goin' on that you don't know
Ask 'em why they spent lives 'cross the ocean
Ask 'em why they spent millions on the moon
Well, until they make things right it's hard for some people to believe they tried
They better make some changes and do it soon
They're goin' ruin the air that we breathe, y'all
They're gonna ruin us all by and by
I'm tellin' all you beware, I don't think they really care
Think they just sit up there and just get high
Have you ever lived down in the ghetto?
Have you ever felt the cold wind blow?
If you don't know what I mean won't you stand up and scream?
'Cause there's things goin' on that you don't know
If you don't know what I mean won't you stand up and scream?
'Cause there's things goin' on that you don't know
Track 9 from the posthumous album “Skynyrd’s First and… Last” released in 1978 copyright MCA Records. The album consists of early recordings from 1971 & ‘72 that were initially intended to make up the band’s debut album until they were shelved. This was the first album to include them. Rickey Medlocke of “Blackfoot” was an early member of the band as their drummer. He wrote a couple of these songs and sings lead vocals on two. He left to rejoin “Blackfoot” in 1972. The album was recorded at Muscle Shoals in Alabama. It achieved Gold status three days after its release and went Platinum two months later. Recorded from the original vinyl. Written by Gary Rossington & Ronnie Van Zant and produced by Jimmy Johnson & Tim Smith. RIP Ronnie Van Zant, Cassie Gaines, Allen Collins, Billy Powell, Leon Wilkeson, Bob Burns, Ed King & Gary Rossington. Featuring:
Ronnie Van Zant – Lead vocals
Gary Rossington – Lead, slide & rhythm guitars
Allen Collins – Lead & rhythm guitars
Ed King – Lead & rhythm guitars & bass
Billy Powell – Piano
Greg T. Walker – Bass
Leon Wilkeson – Bass
Rickey Medlocke – Lead vocals & drums
Bob Burns – Drums
Special Guests:
JoJo Billingsley, Cassie Gaines & Leslie Hawkins – Background vocals on “Down South Jukin’” & “Was I Right Or Wrong”
Randy McCormick – Mellotron
Gimmer Nichols – Acoustic Guitar
Ronnie Eades – Sax
Jimmy Johnson – Guitar
Wayne Perkins – Guitar
Tim Smith – Background vocals on “Comin’ Home”
Have you ever lived down in the ghetto?
Have you ever felt the cold wind blow?
If you don't know what I mean won't you stand up and scream?
'Cause there's things goin' on that you don't know
Ask 'em why they spent lives 'cross the ocean
Ask 'em why they spent millions on the moon
Well, until they make things right it's hard for some people to believe they tried
They better make some changes and do it soon
They're goin' ruin the air that we breathe, y'all
They're gonna ruin us all by and by
I'm tellin' all you beware, I don't think they really care
Think they just sit up there and just get high
Have you ever lived down in the ghetto?
Have you ever felt the cold wind blow?
If you don't know what I mean won't you stand up and scream?
'Cause there's things goin' on that you don't know
If you don't know what I mean won't you stand up and scream?
'Cause there's things goin' on that you don't know
Official Audio for Things Goin' On performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Follow Lynyrd Skynyrd:
Facebook:https://facebook.com/LynyrdSkynyrd
Instagram:https://instagram.com/skynyrd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/skynyrd
Website:https://lynyrdskynyrd.com
#LynyrdSkynyrd #ThingsGoinOn
http://vevo.ly/MQZlv9
Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group
Things Goin' On (Original Version) · Lynyrd Skynyrd
Skynyrd's First: The Complete Muscle Shoals Album
℗ 1978 UMG Recordings, Inc.
Released on: 1998-01-01
Producer: Jimmy Johnson
Producer: Tim Smith
Composer Lyricist: Gary Rossington
Composer Lyricist: Ronnie Van Zant
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by Volcano
Things Goin' On · Lynyrd Skynyrd
Endangered Species
℗ 1994 Volcano Entertainment III LLC
Released on: 1994-11-13
Composer, Lyricist: Ronald Van Zant
Guitar, Composer, Lyricist: Gary Rossington
Acoustic Guitar: Ed King
Producer: Barry Beckett
Recording Engineer: Csaba Petocz
Recording Engineer: Pete Green
Mixing Engineer: Wally Buck
Mastering Engineer: Hank Williams
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Track 5 from their debut album “Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd” released in 1973 copyright MCA Records and recorded at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia. One of the greatest debuts ever, it's filled with stellar songs that have become classics. It reached No. 17 on the Billboard chart in 1975 and achieved Gold status in 1974, eventually being certified Double Platinum in 1987.Written by Gary Rossington & Ronnie Van Zant and produced by Al Kooper. RIP Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins, Billy Powell, Robert Nix, Bob Burns, Ed King & Gary Rossington. Featuring:
Ronnie Van Zant – Lead vocals
Gary Rossington – Lead, slide & rhythm guitars
Allen Collins – Lead & rhythm guitars
Ed King – Bass, lead guitar on “Mississippi Kid”
Billy Powell – Keyboards
Bob Burns – Drums
Special Guests:
Al Kooper – Organ, mellotron, mandolin, bass, bass drum & background vocals
Robert Nix – Drums on “Tuesday’s Gone”
Bobbye Hall – Percussion
Steve Katz – Harmonica on “Mississippi Kid”
Well, have you ever lived down in the ghetto, have you ever felt that cold wind blow?
Well, if you don't know what I mean, won't you stand up and scream?
'Cause there's things goin' on that you don't know
Let it roll
Too many lives they've spent 'cross the ocean
Too much money been spent up on the moon
Well, until they make it right, I hope they never sleep at night
They better make some changes and do it soon
Do it now, do it good
Well, they're gonna ruin the air that we breathe, Lord, have mercy
They're gonna ruin us all, by and by
I'm tellin' all you beware, I don't think they really care
Think they just sit up there and just get high
Take it to ya
Well, have you ever lived down in that ghetto and have you ever felt that cold wind blow?
Well, if you don't know what I mean, won't you stand up and scream?
'Cause there's things goin' on that you don't know
Well, if you don't know what I mean, won't you stand up and scream?
'Cause there's things goin' on you don't know
Tell it, tell it, tell it
Things goin' on
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Things Goin' On | REACTION/REVIEW
BizMatik Reviews and REacts to Lynyrd Skynyrd - Things Goin' On
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Track 9 from the posthumous album “Skynyrd’s First and… Last” released in 1978 copyright MCA Records. The album consists of early recordings from 1971 & ‘72 that were initially intended to make up the band’s debut album until they were shelved. This was the first album to include them. Rickey Medlocke of “Blackfoot” was an early member of the band as their drummer. He wrote a couple of these songs and sings lead vocals on two. He left to rejoin “Blackfoot” in 1972. The album was recorded at Muscle Shoals in Alabama. It achieved Gold status three days after its release and went Platinum two months later. Recorded from the original vinyl. Written by Gary Rossington & Ronnie Van Zant and produced by Jimmy Johnson & Tim Smith. RIP Ronnie Van Zant, Cassie Gaines, Allen Collins, Billy Powell, Leon Wilkeson, Bob Burns, Ed King & Gary Rossington. Featuring:
Ronnie Van Zant – Lead vocals
Gary Rossington – Lead, slide & rhythm guitars
Allen Collins – Lead & rhythm guitars
Ed King – Lead & rhythm guitars & bass
Billy Powell – Piano
Greg T. Walker – Bass
Leon Wilkeson – Bass
Rickey Medlocke – Lead vocals & drums
Bob Burns – Drums
Special Guests:
JoJo Billingsley, Cassie Gaines & Leslie Hawkins – Background vocals on “Down South Jukin’” & “Was I Right Or Wrong”
Randy McCormick – Mellotron
Gimmer Nichols – Acoustic Guitar
Ronnie Eades – Sax
Jimmy Johnson – Guitar
Wayne Perkins – Guitar
Tim Smith – Background vocals on “Comin’ Home”
Have you ever lived down in the ghetto?
Have you ever felt the cold wind blow?
If you don't know what I mean won't you stand up and scream?
'Cause there's things goin' on that you don't know
Ask 'em why they spent lives 'cross the ocean
Ask 'em why they spent millions on the moon
Well, until they make things right it's hard for some people to believe they tried
They better make some changes and do it soon
They're goin' ruin the air that we breathe, y'all
They're gonna ruin us all by and by
I'm tellin' all you beware, I don't think they really care
Think they just sit up there and just get high
Have you ever lived down in the ghetto?
Have you ever felt the cold wind blow?
If you don't know what I mean won't you stand up and scream?
'Cause there's things goin' on that you don't know
If you don't know what I mean won't you stand up and scream?
'Cause there's things goin' on that you don't know
Things Goin' On was written in 1973 by Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington, the lead vocalist and guitarist from Lynyrd Skynyrd. It appeared on the band's first album (pronounced 'lĕh-'nérd 'skin-'nérd) and expressed concerns about social and environmental issues, with especial criticism of politicians' role in such issues. The song was distinct from other contemporary protest-songs in that it utilized the sound of Muscle Shoals, Alabama blues licks made popular by both Eric Clapton and Duane Allman's honky tonk melodies, though this was in keeping with Lynyrd Skynyrd's country-rock image.
Composition
The first verse, which expressed concern about life in the ghetto is repeated at the end of the song, thereby placing emphasis on this particular issue. It also contains the line that gives the song its title:
The first line of the song is particularly pertinent in that it asks the listener whether he has ever lived down in the ghetto; support for segregation was still widespread in the southern United States at the time and Lynyrd Skynyrd risked alienating a large number of potential fans before the group became an established act.
There’s a gray horse standin’ still As the soldier climbs in the saddle For one last ride As the rain pours off his hat You can see the shadows of the past Written in his eyes Now the canons are silent His friends are all gone Gotta put it all behind him If he ever wants to find his way home He’s the last rebel on the road Just a boy with his old guitar Keeps to himself But everybody takes him wrong But he carries on Got a dream that’ll never die Can’t change him No use in stayin’ where you don’t belong Now he’s rollin’ down the highway Gone too far too fast No one will ever find him He’ll never look back, whoaoh whoaoh ‘Cuz he’s the last rebel He’s all alone ‘Cuz he’s the last rebel His friends are all gone The last rebel on the road There’ll never be another like him He’s the last of a dying breed Ain’t no use in tryin’ to tame him ‘Cuz he’s the last rebel And he’s all alone He’s the last rebel His friends are all gone He’s the last rebel Got to carry on He’s the last rebel The last rebel on the road (He’s the last rebel) He’s the last rebel He’s the last rebel (He’s the last rebel) He’s the last rebel (He’s the last rebel)