The alt-rock band 4 Non Blondes lasted five years, and their first (and only) album “Bigger, Better, Faster, More!” was on the charts for almost a year. Still, the group qualifies as a one-hit wonder because they were known almost solely for the song “What’s Up?”
In all fairness, it’s a memorable tune in which lead singer Linda Perry demands to know “what’s going on?” and calls for revolution.
FYI, the term “what’s up?” isn’t in the song, but Marvin Gaye laid claim to “What’s Going On?” in 1971, so the Blondes had to compromise.
There is some debate about what, exactly, is going on. Some say the song reflects the frustrations of a woman making her way in a man’s world. Also, the song is widely considered a “gay anthem,” inasmuch as Perry is openly lesbian, so there’s that angle. Beyond that, society has plenty more ills to scream about at the top of one’s lungs.
After the group disbanded late in 1994, Perry began a career as a songwriter and record producer that is still going strong. She has produced and written songs for Alicia Keys, Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera, Pink, KT Tunstall, Brandi Carlile, Celine Dion, Courtney Love, and Cheap Trick.
She has co-written songs with Adele, Pat Benetar, and Dolly Parton. Plus, she founded two record labels. Perry was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015. Quite a career.
What’s Up?
By 4 Non Blondes, 1992
Written by Linda Perry
25 years, and my life is still
Tryin’ 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 feelin’ 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, yay, yay,
Hey, yay, yay,
I said “Hey — what’s going on?”
And I say, hey, yay, yay,
Hey, yay, yay,
I said “Hey — what’s going on?”
Ooh, ooh,
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh.
Ooh, ooh,
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh.
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 for things all day.
For 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, yay, yay,
Hey, yay, yay,
I said “Hey — what’s going on?”
And I say, hey, yay, yay,
Hey, yay, yay,
I said “Hey — what’s going on?”
And I say, hey, yay, yay,
(Wake in the morning and step outside)
Hey, yay, yay,
(Take a deep breath, and I get real high, and I scream)
I said “Hey — what’s going on?”
And I say, hey, yay, yay,
(Wake in the morning and step outside)
Hey, yay, yay,
(Take a deep breath, and I get real high, and I scream)
I said “Hey — what’s going on?”
Ooh, ooh,
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh.
25 years and my life is still
Tryin’ to get up that great big hill of hope
For a destination, mmm.
Mr. Write's Page 
Leave a Reply