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Marvin Gaye — Inner City Blues
Album: What's Going On
Avg rating:
8.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3173









Released: 1971
Length: 5:23
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Dah, dah, dah, dah
dah, dah, dah, dah, dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah, dah, dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah
Rockets, moon shots
Spend it on the have nots
Money, we make it
Fore we see it you take it
Oh, make you wanna holler
The way they do my life
Make me wanna holler
The way they do my life
This ain't livin', This ain't livin'
No, no baby, this ain't livin'
No, no, no
Inflation no chance
To increase finance
Bills pile up sky high
Send that boy off to die
Make me wanna holler
The way they do my life
Make me wanna holler
The way they do my life
Dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah
Hang ups, let downs
Bad breaks, set backs
Natural fact is
I can't pay my taxes
Oh, make me wanna holler
And throw up both my hands
Yea, it makes me wanna holler
And throw up both my hands
Crime is increasing
Trigger happy policing
Panic is spreading
God know where we're heading
Oh, make me wanna holler
They don't understand
Dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah

Mother, mother
Everybody thinks we're wrong
Who are they to judge us
Simply cause we wear our hair long
Comments (266)add comment
 nightdrive wrote:

I had no problem giving it a 1.


You and ten other people can stand in the corner while the majority of us groove...
Posted 4 months ago by TC1    [ Reply ]
I grew up in Detroit in the 50's and 60's.  What it has become in comparison to what it was makes me wanna holler.  They're trying hard to make a come back now.  Godspeed.

Posted 6 months ago by szasz9595    [ Reply ]
What a talent!
Posted 7 months ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
 coloradojohn wrote:

I always loved Mr. Gaye's super-groovy music when I was a kid, and as an adult, it continues to rock my soul and blow my mind. Vital, immortal social commentary!


I  Agree totally!  
Posted 11 months ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 nightdrive wrote:

I had no problem giving it a 1.


Wow! What do you like?
Posted 11 months ago by everettwa    [ Reply ]
I always loved Mr. Gaye's super-groovy music when I was a kid, and as an adult, it continues to rock my soul and blow my mind. Vital, immortal social commentary!
Posted 11 months ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 nightdrive wrote:

I had no problem giving it a 1.



If you don't like it, hit the "Skip Button"! ...problem solved!  A lot of RP listeners, including me, think it is a GREAT TUNE!  Thanx RP!   
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 skf1062 wrote:

You can play this whole album. it's a masterpiece from start to finish




I Agree completely!   Thanx RP!   
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
You can play this whole album. it's a masterpiece from start to finish
Posted 1 year ago by skf1062    [ Reply ]
To be followed by The Temptations' Ball of Confusion and then the Mothers of Inventions' Trouble Every Day closing with Bruce Hornsby's Thats The Way It Is. 
Posted 1 year ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
 nightdrive wrote:

I had no problem giving it a 1.



I gave it a TEN!   Thanx RP!   
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 clwguy wrote:

Can this be rated anything other than a ten?


I had no problem giving it a 1.
Posted 1 year ago by nightdrive    [ Reply ]
might be fun to hear stevie's living for the city next...i think that's what it's called?
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
Can this be rated anything other than a ten?
Posted 1 year ago by clwguy    [ Reply ]
 Steely_D wrote:

I play the What's Going On album every week, and it never fails to impress upon me how this tune, written many decades ago, is still a commentary on our current society.

What happened to the generation of the 60s-70s that fought for social change? (This includes me)
They sold out or gave up. 


I ask that question often, as I am also one of them.  

My guess is that as they (we?) slowly evolved into adults, they began to realize the comfort and advantages of living in the upper-middle class and above.  

No incentive to shout "Down with The Man!" if you actually are The Man.
Posted 1 year ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Is Motown still a thing? Love it.
Posted 1 year ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
 Easyrider wrote:

Eternal masterpiece ❤️




I Agree! Completely!  Thanx RP!   
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
This is the mood!
Great!
Posted 1 year ago by sashaly1968    [ Reply ]
Eternal masterpiece ❤️
Posted 2 years ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]
An absolute masterpiece!
Posted 2 years ago by amcostigan88    [ Reply ]
What’s Going On,,,indeed.  Masterpiece then; masterpiece now.   IMHO, may be the best album ever recorded
Posted 2 years ago by chimaross61    [ Reply ]
 frandoms wrote:

The lyrics are like they're written yesterday


Some conditions seem to be constants.
Posted 2 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 Mike6334 wrote:

20+ years later the message still rings true. Much has changed but much has not.



...and 20 years further down the line nothing has changed.
Posted 2 years ago by csumby    [ Reply ]
A terrific song from a terrific artist.  Great voice great lyrics.
Posted 2 years ago by bachbeet    [ Reply ]
 2Hawks wrote:

Flight of the Concords did not exist in 1971...



Whooosh <- the sound that the joke made when it flew over your head
Posted 2 years ago by Sofa_King    [ Reply ]
God knows where we’re headed indeed. USA (no longer united) is in trouble.
Posted 2 years ago by Dahlia_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
 whatsupdude wrote:

In 1971 he sang "triggerhappy policing".... what would he say today?



That it was ironically his father who shot him to death.
Posted 2 years ago by Kaw    [ Reply ]
So outstanding,love it 10✌️
Posted 2 years ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]
its that bass....brother

and the bongos
Posted 2 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Some things never change...
Posted 2 years ago by mjbaumann    [ Reply ]
One of many qualities in this song  nice, simple and effective bass line.
Posted 2 years ago by jasko    [ Reply ]
 tobstar wrote:

Once my plan for World Domination is completed, there are 86 people I'll be visiting. Actually I think I'll just send round Marvin's Dad instead.



I'd laugh but as a society we've gotten a little too comfortable with making jokes implying casual violence.
Posted 2 years ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]
pure genius 
Posted 2 years ago by victory806    [ Reply ]
Masterpiece!
Posted 2 years ago by xc.farmer.antoine486    [ Reply ]
 BillG wrote:


Fixed.


Nice.  I did not know this version.
Posted 2 years ago by stevesaw    [ Reply ]
Marvellous Marvin,solid 10✌️
Posted 2 years ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]
 BillG wrote:


Fixed.


Just need the "Detroit mix" now. ;-)
Posted 2 years ago by Jonathon    [ Reply ]
 Soopertimes wrote:

Total rip off of Inner City Pressure by the most socially conscious band of their time 'Flight of the Conchords'


Pet Shop Boys also ripped them off with "West End Girls". Or is it an "homage"?
Posted 3 years ago by jkamm14    [ Reply ]
 Kaw wrote:


Probably the same. For me it feels like the USA is in an arms race with its citizens. As long this is true I guess the police will be trigger happy. Especially if you don't feel a cultural or racial connection with your suspect. (Not saying this is okay!)


Yep - the "patriots" with the guns rule the streets. 
Posted 3 years ago by reallylost    [ Reply ]
 whatsupdude wrote:

In 1971 he sang "triggerhappy policing".... what would he say today?



Probably the same. For me it feels like the USA is in an arms race with its citizens. As long this is true I guess the police will be trigger happy. Especially if you don't feel a cultural or racial connection with your suspect. (Not saying this is okay!)
Posted 3 years ago by Kaw    [ Reply ]
In 1971 he sang "triggerhappy policing".... what would he say today?
Posted 3 years ago by whatsupdude    [ Reply ]
 Sam_Hill wrote:

A perfect 10. But Bill, there is a five-minute edit you should be playing.



Fixed.
Posted 3 years ago by William    [ Reply ]
 jelgator wrote:

This.  The Deltron album is phenomenal.  Would be awesome to hear some of that on RP...I know heads would explode but over time I think most listeners who hate rap would start to dig it.  Great comment!

... this album takes the listener on a paranoid journey set in a dystopian year 3030 dealing with viruses, the apocalypse, an oppressive government, and a war waged against a huge company called the Corporate Bank of Time that rules the universe ...

Uh...
c.

Posted 3 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Just been learning about this on Apple’s 1971 music documentary. Very interesting and eye opening. I was only one year old at the time !!
Posted 3 years ago by Pioneer_Sing    [ Reply ]
The magic of RP juxtaposition:
Jason Isbell "White Man's World" to Marvin Gaye "Inner City Blues."

I hope we can effect enough CHANGE so that when the next generation hears these songs, they're not saying "still so true."
Posted 3 years ago by UUMike    [ Reply ]
Enough cowbell for ya, Bruce?

Posted 3 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
What a great song to play any time, but especially during "tax season!"
Posted 3 years ago by dandueck07    [ Reply ]
Timeless. Trouble Man.
Posted 3 years ago by dkwalika    [ Reply ]
 ziggytrix wrote:


I should have probably given an example of something I feel comes close to this song from that genre.

Now if you hate all rap as a rule, you'll hate this, so don't bother, but if you think some rap is OK, check out Madness by Deltron 3030 off their self titled album. It's on a concept album (all the songs are set in the year 3030) but it is (IMO) a masterpiece of hip hop and evokes many of the same feelings as Gaye's Inner City Blues.
 
This.  The Deltron album is phenomenal.  Would be awesome to hear some of that on RP...I know heads would explode but over time I think most listeners who hate rap would start to dig it.  Great comment!
Posted 3 years ago by jelgator    [ Reply ]
 cc_rider wrote:
 Soopertimes wrote:
Total rip off of Inner City Pressure by the most socially conscious band of their time 'Flight of the Conchords'
 I sure hope you're joking...
c.

 
Flight of the Concords did not exist in 1971...
Posted 3 years ago by 2Hawks    [ Reply ]
timely choice Bill
Posted 4 years ago by billybob123    [ Reply ]
 Soopertimes wrote:
Total rip off of Inner City Pressure by the most socially conscious band of their time 'Flight of the Conchords'
 I sure hope you're joking...
c.

Posted 4 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Sad that this song, after nearly 50 years is still so relevant.
Posted 4 years ago by pigtail    [ Reply ]
Its that bass. Its quite hypnotic while being provocative.

Hey...I just described my girl friend.   
Posted 4 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Total rip off of Inner City Pressure by the most socially conscious band of their time 'Flight of the Conchords'
Posted 4 years ago by Soopertimes    [ Reply ]
Genius. Timeless. Just as apt, if not more so, than when it came out. Can I bump to 11?
Posted 4 years ago by milleronic    [ Reply ]
 ziggytrix wrote:

Wrong. Comparing the absolute best of one genre to the worst of another? That's disingenuous at best. 


 

I should have probably given an example of something I feel comes close to this song from that genre.

Now if you hate all rap as a rule, you'll hate this, so don't bother, but if you think some rap is OK, check out Madness by Deltron 3030 off their self titled album. It's on a concept album (all the songs are set in the year 3030) but it is (IMO) a masterpiece of hip hop and evokes many of the same feelings as Gaye's Inner City Blues.
Posted 5 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
Ahhh for the Love of Marvin!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 5 years ago by spacemanspiff    [ Reply ]
its the bass. 
Posted 5 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
A perfect 10. But Bill, there is a five-minute edit you should be playing.
Posted 5 years ago by Sam_Hill    [ Reply ]
One of the best songs ever made!
Posted 6 years ago by Elvis78    [ Reply ]
Musical Magic!
Posted 6 years ago by Rockit9    [ Reply ]
 flyboy50 wrote:

Right...?

 
Wrong. Comparing the absolute best of one genre to the worst of another? That's disingenuous at best. 


Posted 6 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
And to think that his record company didn't want him to record this album. Unbelievable!
Posted 6 years ago by ScottD    [ Reply ]

Yea, it makes me wanna holler
And throw up both my hands
Crime is increasing
Trigger happy policing
Panic is spreading
God know where we're heading

Yowza!

 

Posted 6 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 Shmelo wrote:
 old_shep wrote:
Hard to believe this kind of stuff has been replaced by Rap, Thug music, and Hip Hop.

"Replaced"? "Thug music"?  

 

"You kids and your hippity hop thug raps,  get off my lawn!"   *shaking cane*

 



 
I know a guy who can handle 'em.  In his spare time he talks to chairs.
Posted 6 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
 maryte wrote:
Out of 1164 votes, 86 people have rated this a 6 or lower.

There's having an opinion, and then there's just pure stupidity.

 
6 is "Pretty Good". Just saying.
Posted 7 years ago by wyrd    [ Reply ]
 maryte wrote:
Out of 1164 votes, 86 people have rated this a 6 or lower.

There's having an opinion, and then there's just pure stupidity.

 
Once my plan for World Domination is completed, there are 86 people I'll be visiting. Actually I think I'll just send round Marvin's Dad instead.
Posted 7 years ago by tobstar    [ Reply ]
Out of 1164 votes, 86 people have rated this a 6 or lower.

There's having an opinion, and then there's just pure stupidity.
Posted 7 years ago by maryte    [ Reply ]
As far a music History goes one of the top albums produced do to its music,lyrics and recording technical quality. Each song lead to one another and told a story and made a statement of the times. Yes a 10 ! 
Posted 7 years ago by kh808    [ Reply ]
 old_shep wrote:
Hard to believe this kind of stuff has been replaced by Rap, Thug music, and Hip Hop.

 
Right...?
Posted 7 years ago by flyboy50    [ Reply ]
 old_shep wrote:
Hard to believe this kind of stuff has been replaced by Rap, Thug music, and Hip Hop.

"Replaced"? "Thug music"?  

 

"You kids and your hippity hop thug raps,  get off my lawn!"   *shaking cane*

 


Posted 8 years ago by Shmelo    [ Reply ]
WHY IS THERE NO WAY TO RATE THIS AN 11!?
Posted 8 years ago by Shmelo    [ Reply ]
 vesta0424 wrote:
It really does not get much better than this, does it?

 
No...
Posted 8 years ago by tulfan    [ Reply ]
The definition of SOUL....unbelievable stuff.
Posted 8 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 old_shep wrote:
Hard to believe this kind of stuff has been replaced by Rap, Thug music, and Hip Hop.

 
First of all,  Rap is an element of the Hip Hop genre and not a distinct genre unto itself. Secondly, thug music is also just a term for a style of hip hop music originated by the late, great rapper Tupac Shakur. Thirdly, the sub genre of hip hop that you're probably aiming your critical finger at is "gangster rap."

In any event, hip hop didn't replaced 70s R&B or Funk any more than 80s college music replaced new wave or punk. Genres don't kill others genres,  they simply make them feel less relevant to new audiences. Also,  a nasty coke problem and an ornery father sped up Marvin Gaye's death, not hip hop. 

 
Posted 8 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
If anyone is guilty of rating this any less than a "10"....well....whatever! {#Bounce}
Posted 8 years ago by molson    [ Reply ]
love Marvin's work, awesome 
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
It really does not get much better than this, does it?
Posted 8 years ago by vesta0424    [ Reply ]
Amazing how timeless this (and other) tunes are today as the day they were written and recorded.
Posted 9 years ago by Isabeau    [ Reply ]
 old_shep wrote:
Hard to believe this kind of stuff has been replaced by Rap, Thug music, and Hip Hop.

  True that. He used the universal and timeless language of jazz. He insisted on some of the best jazz musicians and had a very chill atmosphere in the studio. Wonder what he'd sound like today?


Posted 9 years ago by Fergs    [ Reply ]
I play the What's Going On album every week, and it never fails to impress upon me how this tune, written many decades ago, is still a commentary on our current society.

What happened to the generation of the 60s-70s that fought for social change? (This includes me)
They sold out or gave up. 
Posted 9 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
Groovy days
Posted 9 years ago by tmscahill    [ Reply ]
 frandoms wrote:
The lyrics are like they're written yesterday
 
Written 44 years ago . . .

"Trigger-happy policemen"

. . . Hmmm, sadly, it would appear that some things never change.
Posted 9 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
The lyrics are like they're written yesterday
Posted 9 years ago by frandoms    [ Reply ]
glad i caught this—sends me…ahhh marvin
later gonna put the old vinyl on 
thanks! 
Posted 10 years ago by Djoy    [ Reply ]
Hard to believe this kind of stuff has been replaced by Rap, Thug music, and Hip Hop.
Posted 10 years ago by old_shep    [ Reply ]
this sounded fantastic following the track by TOR----sometimes you guys hit the right spot! what a beautiful set of songs!
Posted 10 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
 Bleyfusz wrote:
Seems like the previous track sharpened my ear for this song. Have heard it a thousand times already, but now it seems the very first time to me.

 
I was just thinking similarly. Every time I hear this is it seems fresh, timeless, and unfortunately, relevant.  Eventually we have to stop attributing it to coincidence.
Posted 10 years ago by tulfan    [ Reply ]
{#Bananajam}{#Fire}{#Clap}{#Fire}
Posted 10 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
 old_shep wrote:
Sorta like Smoky Robinson, only good.

 
How old are you shep?

Opinions are like.....holes, and everyone is entitled to one, but a rip of freakin' Smokey Robinson - the genius who gave us, in no particular order:
You've Really Got a Hold on MeThe Way You Do the Things You DoThe Tracks of My TearsThe Tears of a ClownMy Girl I Second That EmotionGet ReadyAin't That Peculiar 
Posted 10 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
Seems like the previous track sharpened my ear for this song. Have heard it a thousand times already, but now it seems the very first time to me.
Posted 10 years ago by Bleyfusz    [ Reply ]
My favorite MG song... Timely.  Relevant.
Posted 10 years ago by shellbella    [ Reply ]
Sorta like Smoky Robinson, only good.
Posted 10 years ago by old_shep    [ Reply ]
As good a theme track as there is for the urban '70s. I see almost every movie of the time flash before my eyes.
Posted 11 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
 LizK wrote:
Drugs.  
 
Firearms. 

Easy 10, this one, tho.  
Posted 11 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
One of the best basslines of all time!
Posted 11 years ago by frank_eindhoven    [ Reply ]
{#Fire}...{#Fire}...{#Fire}...!
Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
What's going on?  Still a very relevant question.
Posted 11 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]

beautiful and profound song from a truly great album...  love it...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Lowers my blood pressure so nice and organically
Posted 11 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
Nice way to start my work day.  My fav MG song!!   {#Cheers}
Posted 11 years ago by shellbella    [ Reply ]
"Make me wanna holler - throw up both my hands"  RIP Marvin {#Notworthy} 10
Posted 11 years ago by Pedro1874    [ Reply ]

that's mood music right there...makes you ache with ectasy


Posted 11 years ago by jazzface78    [ Reply ]
fine work mixmaster, these are above effective tunes you have brought to us this evening, oh my and now the Stones! Many bows
Posted 11 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Smooooth brotha
Posted 11 years ago by Desimia    [ Reply ]
Favorite Marvin Gaye song...
Posted 11 years ago by shellbella    [ Reply ]
Brilliant. That's all there is to say.
Posted 12 years ago by FuryQuaker    [ Reply ]
The best album from the best soul singer of them all...the opening chords of this song still give me goosebumps after all these years...
Posted 12 years ago by avatar71    [ Reply ]
Wow ... very nice segue after Gotye—Smoke and Mirrors—yeah! {#Sunny}
Posted 12 years ago by 4merdj    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:

While it's true that for a time, had a severe cocaine addiction, that isn't what killed him. He was shot to death by his father.
 
Check out the Wikipedia entry on Marvin. His father did a number on Marvin and the family that spanned decades. The gunshot was just the final insult. 
Posted 12 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
was a fucked up day until the beginning of this song comes through the speakers, and  then I have to raise the volumn, listen and revere this special contribution to our musical history

really love it, thank you RP
Posted 12 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 ziakut wrote:
Marvin Gaye is pristine with soul and musicality. I only wish he didn't live such a short life. Such is a shame. 
 
LizK wrote:
Drugs.  
 
While it's true that for a time, had a severe cocaine addiction, that isn't what killed him. He was shot to death by his father.
Posted 12 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 ziakut wrote:
Marvin Gaye is pristine with soul and musicality. I only wish he didn't live such a short life. Such is a shame. 
 
Drugs.  
Posted 12 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
 BigIslandBlues wrote:

Who is Martin....and why do you hate him?  {#Ask}
 
Yeah....do you mean marvin, i think he is pretty good
Posted 12 years ago by Snoopy2    [ Reply ]
 sandyclaws wrote:
 

 {#Yes}  One of the best albums ever recorded, IMHO.  {#Notworthy}
 
Well put. I totally agree with this!
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Marvin Gaye is pristine with soul and musicality. I only wish he didn't live such a short life. Such is a shame. 
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
 DoctorHooey wrote:
As much as Marvin and this album are untouchable to me, I just can't resist posting this...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLEK0UZH4cs 
 
Hoot! Make me wanna hollah!!

 
Posted 12 years ago by meinthecorner    [ Reply ]
 Axelito wrote:

Hate Martin

 
Who is Martin....and why do you hate him?  {#Ask}


Posted 13 years ago by BigIslandBlues    [ Reply ]
 Axelito wrote:

Hate Martin
 
Too much hate in the world today, enjoy life instead.
Posted 13 years ago by nalle    [ Reply ]