“Things Goin' On” is a sinister sounding song about the reclusive and secretive nature of the American elite, specifically politicians. It focuses on the ghetto; downtrodden, and poverty-ridden sects of cities throughout the entire country.
[Chorus]
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
Because there's things going on that you don't know
[Verse 1]
Too many lives they've spent across the ocean
Too much money been spent upon 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 to it
[Instrumental break]
[Verse 2]
Well they're going ruin the air that we breathe
Lord have mercy
They're gonna ruin us all, by and by
I'm telling all you beware
I don't think they really care
I think they just sit up there
And just get high
[Chorus]
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 going 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 going on that you don't know
[Outro]
Tell it
Tell it, tell it
Things going on
Things Goin’ On was written by Ronnie Van Zant & Gary Rossington.
Things Goin’ On was produced by Al Kooper.
Lynyrd Skynyrd released Things Goin’ On on Mon Aug 13 1973.