Buffalo Springfield Speaks To 60’s Youth In “For What It’s Worth” And It’s Life Changing

Singing For Peace

Mistakenly fans think that Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth” was directed toward the war, however, Stills, Crosby and Neil were actually writing this for the peace- protesting teenagers against the war in the mid 60’s. Another influence behind the song was the abrupt closing of LA nightclub Pandora’s Box due to curfew issues, which initiated a massive protest of 1,000 youthful residents including Frank Zappa, Sonny and Cher, Jack Nicholson and Peter Fonda.

“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…”

As their youth dazzles on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, Stills joins in perfect harmony with Neil (very) Young, Richie Furray, and drummer Dewey Martin for their cause. Dressed in their cowboy-esque attire, the iconic band calmly and beautifully delivers the heartfelt and caring message to those risking their lives to protest the war and be heard.

Interesting Fact: Songwriting powerhouses Jim Messina and Neil Young were also in Buffalo Springfield, but Stills wrote this song himself. Young has never allowed his songs to be used in commercials, and wrote a song bashing those who do called “This Note’s For You.”

With a little bit of comedic relief from Tommy Smothers with silly and sarcastic signs fills the crowd’s laughter in the air- mixed with Stephen’s incredible vocals, we would have to say that this one of the greatest live performances we have ever seen. If only we could relive it again… Enjoy!

+ For What It’s Worth Lyrics +

There’s something happening here
But 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

There’s battle lines being drawn
And nobody’s right if everybody’s wrong
Young people speaking their minds
Getting so much resistance from behind

I think it’s time we stop, hey, what’s that sound?
Everybody look what’s going down

What a field day for the heat
A thousand people in the street
Singing songs and carrying signs
Mostly say ‘Hooray’ for our side

It’s time we stop, hey, 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, you step out of line
The man come and take you away

We better stop, hey, what’s that sound?
Everybody look what’s going down

Stop, hey, what’s that sound?
Everybody look what’s going down (We better)

Stop, now, what’s that sound?
Everybody look what’s going down (We better)

Stop, children, what’s that sound?
Everybody look what’s going down