“What’s Going On” is a vibrant, synth-pop reimagining of Marvin Gaye’s iconic protest anthem, released by Cyndi Lauper in 1986 on her hit album True Colors. Lauper strips away the traditional Motown soul arrangement, replacing it with a dramatic, atmospheric 1980s pop production layered with shimmering synthesizers, eco-conscious sound effects, and a steady, marching drum beat. The track features a prominent guest vocal appearance by a young, pre-fame Mariah Carey providing soaring background ad-libs.

Lyrically, the song retains its profound, timeless plea for peace, social justice, and understanding in a world torn apart by war, political division, and systemic inequality. Lauper delivers the vocals with an unique, emotionally raw, and deeply earnest vulnerability, utilizing her impressive vocal range to convey a sense of modern urgency. By filtering Gaye’s historic message through an 80s pop lens, she introduced a crucial anthem of compassion to a brand-new generation of listeners.