What’s Up? by 4 Non Blondes Lyrics Meaning – Decoding the Anthem of Existential Seekers
Lyrics
Trying to get up that great big hill of hope
For a destination
I realized quickly when I knew I should
That the world was made up of this brotherhood of man
For whatever that means
And so I cry sometimes
When I’m lying in bed just to get it all out
What’s in my head
And I, I am feeling a little peculiar
And so I wake in the morning and I step outside
And I take a deep breath and I get real high
And I scream from the top of my lungs
“What’s going on?”
And I say, “Hey-ey-ey-ey-ey
Hey-ey-ey”
I said, “Hey, what’s going on?”
And I say, “Hey-ey-ey-ey-ey
Hey-ey-ey”
I said, “Hey, what’s going on?”
Ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, uh-huh
Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, uh-huh
And I try, oh my God, do I try
I try all the time
In this institution
And I pray, oh my God, do I pray
I pray every single day
For a revolution
And so I cry sometimes
When I’m lying in bed
Just to get it all out
What’s in my head
And I, I am feeling a little peculiar
And so I wake in the morning
And I step outside
And I take a deep breath and I get real high
And I scream from the top of my lungs
“What’s going on?”
And I say, “Hey-ey-ey-ey-ey
Hey-ey-ey”
I said, “Hey, what’s going on?”
And I say, “Hey-ey-ey-ey-ey
Hey-ey-ey”
I said, “Hey, what’s going on?”
And I say, “Hey-ey-ey-ey-ey (wake in the morning and step outside)
Hey-ey-ey” (take a deep breath and I get real high)
I said, “Hey, what’s going on?” (And I scream, what’s going on?)
And I say, “Hey-ey-ey-ey-eh (wake in the morning and step outside)
Hey-ey-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah” (take a deep breath and I get real high)
I said, “Hey, hey, what’s going on?” (And I scream, what’s going on?)
Ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, uh-huh
Twenty-five years and my life is still
Trying to get up that great big hill of hope
For a destination
One cannot traverse the annals of ’90s music without stumbling upon the raw, emotive power that is ‘What’s Up?’ by 4 Non Blondes. Over time, it has become more than just a song; it’s an echo of a generation’s collective conscience, a rousing call that stirs the depths of existential angst and the perennial quest for meaning in an ever-complex world.
The track, known for its iconic opening riff and Linda Perry’s soaring vocal performance, cuts deeper than a simple discography entry in the tome of pop culture. It offers layers of introspection encapsulated in the quandaries of self-discovery and spiritual seeking—the universal narrative of human life endeavoring to grasp the ephemeral ‘destination’ we all ultimately yearn for.
Climbing the Metaphorical Hill: A Quest for Understanding
‘Twenty-five years and my life is still, trying to get up that great big hill of hope, for a destination.’ These aren’t just lyrics. They are the cri de coeur of every individual who has found themselves on the relentless climb of personal development and self-realization.
The ‘great big hill of hope’ represents our individual and collective aspirations, the formidable journey fraught with setbacks and the seemingly Sisyphean task of finding our purpose amidst the chaos of existence. It’s a reminder that life isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon punctuated by moments of clarity and confusion alike.
The Brotherhood of Man: A Reflection on Unity and Division
Linda Perry’s early revelation that ‘the world was made up of this brotherhood of man’ is both a wistful musing on unity and a critical lens on the divisions that undermine it. In these lyrics, we find an acknowledgment of a shared humanity, but also a tacit nod to the fact that this ‘brotherhood’ often falls short of its ideals.
In these words, there lies a call for introspection and improvement, a challenge to redefine ‘whatever that means’ to us individually and societally. It pushes listeners to reflect on the concept of human connectedness, examining the bridges we’ve built and the gaps we’ve yet to close.
An Anthemic Chorus: The Cry for Clarity
The heart-stirring battle cry of ‘What’s going on?’ is arguably one of the most memorable hooks in music history. It resonates as a plea for understanding, a soul’s yearning for answers amidst the cacophony of daily life.
Wrapped within these four simple words is the universal confusion and desire for truth that underscores human existence. Every repeated chant becomes a rallying call for those seeking to break through the façade of the ordinary, to pierce the veil of superficiality that clouds our clarity.
The Hidden Meaning: An Unspoken Dialogue with the Divine
‘And I pray, oh my God, do I pray, I pray every single day, for a revolution.’ Here lies the urgent whisper for transformative change, the spiritual depth that transcends the song from an earthly narrative into one of divine discourse.
It’s less of a prayer in the conventional sense and more of a deep-seated invocation for the revolution of the soul, a metamorphosis of the inner self that aligns with the universe’s boundless rhythm. It’s no mere coincidence that such profound spirituality is interwoven with the fabric of a song that has touched millions.
Enduring Legacy: Why ‘What’s Up?’ Still Resonates Decades Later
Decades have passed since the release of ‘What’s Up?’, and yet its raw emotional core continues to resonate across generations. The enduring appeal of this haunting melody lies in its honest portrayal of the human condition—imperfect, searching, ever-ambitious.
The timelessness of ‘What’s Up?’ is a testament to the incessant longing for understanding that defines us. It’s a song that captures the collective heartbeat of dreamers, thinkers, and rebels. The ‘destination’ might remain elusive, but this song makes the journey a shared, cathartic experience.
