Hey There, Music Lovers!
Greetings to all my fellow music enthusiasts, guitar aficionados, and lyrical connoisseurs! I’m thrilled to dive into the world of Stevie Wonder’s iconic masterpiece, "I Say Hey What’s Going On." So sit back, grab your guitars, and let’s embark on a journey through the lyrics, chords, and fascinating facts behind this timeless anthem.
About the Song
"I Say Hey What’s Going On" is a groundbreaking song penned and performed by the legendary Stevie Wonder. Released in 1971 as the title track of his 11th studio album, it became an instant classic and has sold over 5 million copies worldwide.
The song’s poignant lyrics address pressing social issues such as war, poverty, and racial injustice, resonating deeply with listeners during a tumultuous period in American history. It has since been hailed as one of the most important and influential songs of all time.
Lyrics and Guitar Chords
Verse 1
C G7 C
I say hey, what’s going on?
F C
People waking up to a world
G7 C
Where everything is wrong
Dm7 G7
And nobody seems to care
Chorus
F C
I say hey, what’s going on?
G7 C
What’s going on?
Dm7 G7
I can’t see people drowning
Verse 2
C G7 C
I say hey, what’s going on?
F C
There’s a war going on and
G7 C
People are dying
Dm7 G7
And nobody seems to mind
Chorus
F C
I say hey, what’s going on?
G7 C
What’s going on?
Dm7 G7
I can’t see people drowning
Bridge
Am G7 C
There must be some way to stop this madness
F C
There must be some way
G7 C
To make this world a better place
Dm7 G7
For all of us to live in
Chorus
F C
I say hey, what’s going on?
G7 C
What’s going on?
Dm7 G7
I can’t see people drowning
How to Play the Guitar Chords
- C Major: 032010
- G7: 320001
- F Major: 133211
- Dm7: xx0211
- Am: x02210
Tips for Playing
- Use a light touch on the strings.
- Strum down on all chords except Dm7, where you strum up.
- Focus on transitioning smoothly between chords.
- Practice slowly and gradually increase your tempo.
FAQs
Who wrote "I Say Hey What’s Going On"?
Stevie WonderWhat year was the song released?
1971What album is the song on?
I Say Hey What’s Going OnHow many Grammy Awards did "I Say Hey What’s Going On" win?
TwoWhat is the song’s main message?
Social consciousness and activismHas the song been covered by other artists?
Yes, by numerous artists including The Temptations, Michael Jackson, and Aretha FranklinWhere did Stevie Wonder get the inspiration for the song?
From the events surrounding the Kent State University shootingsWhat is the time signature of the song?
4/4What key is the song in?
C majorWhat was Stevie Wonder’s age when the song was released?
21
Conclusion
"I Say Hey What’s Going On" is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and resonate with generations of music lovers. Its powerful lyrics, infectious melody, and enduring message of hope and change make it a true anthem for our times.
Thank you for joining me on this musical journey. I hope you’ve enjoyed this review and found it informative and inspiring. Please share this article with your friends and fellow musicians. Together, we can keep the spirit of this iconic song alive for years to come.