[Verse 1: Bettye LaVette]
Hey baby, what you know good?
I'm just getting back, but you knew damn well I would
War is hell, tell me, when will it end?
When will folks start getting together again?
Are things really getting better, like the newspaper said?
What else is new, my friend, besides all this stuff I read?
I can't find me no work, can't find me no job, my friend
Money is tighter than it's ever been
Oh, I just don't understand what's going on across this land

[Refrain: Bettye LaVette]
What's happening, my brother?
Oh, what's going on, my brother?

[Verse 2: Bettye LaVette]
Do they still get down where we used to dance?
Will the Tigers win the pennant? Do you think they even got a chance?
And by the way, my friend, how in the world have you been?
Tell me what's out, I wanna know what's in

[Refrain: Bettye LaVette]
What's the deal, brother?
What's happening? What's happening, my brother?
What's going on? What's going on, my brother?
What's happening, my brother?
[Outro: Bettye LaVette]
What's been shaking up and down the line?
I wanna know 'cause I'm a little behind in the time
What's happening, brother?
What's happening, my brother?