"What Goes On" Song Facts and Analyzation

“What Goes On”
Ringo Starr: Vocals, drums
John Lennon: Electric guitar, vocals
Paul McCartney: Bass guitar, vocals
George Harrison: Electric guitar

“What Goes On” was recorded on November 4, 1965. This song is sung by Ringo. However, when asked about Ringo’s contribution to the song writing he said, “About five words.” “What Goes On” was interestingly supposed to be recorded on March 5, 1963, but the band ran out of time and the song was forgotten about. “What Goes On” is a distinctive song as this introduces The Beatles playing in the country and western genre. In addition to Rubber Soul, “What Goes On” was also put on the B-side on the single Nowhere Man, released in February 1966.

I found this song to be very unique. The listener can instantly sense a country feel and a new voice, as Paul and John are more often the lead singers. The lyrics portray an anxious and curious mind. “What goes on in your heart? What goes on in your mind?” It seems as though a girl has hurt Paul or John by leaving a relationship with them to be with another man. I would think that Paul, John, and George found a general overlapping through their feelings and thoughts that wondered why women behave the way they do. This song is about heartbreak and betrayal and dishonesty. “What Goes On” is the question asked of the woman of her disloyalty and deceit towards the man.

“What Goes On”
What goes on in your heart?
What goes on in your mind?
You are tearing me apart
When you treat me so unkind
What goes on in your mind

The other day I saw you
As I walked along the road
But when I saw him with you
I could feel my future fold
It's so easy for a girl like you to lie
Tell me why

What goes on in your heart?
What goes on in your mind?
You are tearing me apart
When you treat me so unkind
What goes on in your mind

I met you in the morning
waiting for the tides of time
But now the tide is turning
I can see that I was blind
It's so easy for a girl like you to lie
Tell me why
What goes on in your heart?

I used to think of no one else
But you were just the same
You didn't even think of me
As someone with a name
Did you mean to break my heart and watch me die
Tell me why

What goes on in your heart?
What goes on in your mind?
You are tearing me apart
When you treat me so unkind
What goes on in your mind