What's Going On by 4 Non Blondes: Lyrics & TikTok Trend Explained

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Pop culture commentator Corey Andrew explains the song’s timeless appeal

Co-authored by Corey Andrew and Bertha Isabel Crombet, PhD

Last Updated: November 16, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Meaning
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• Lyric Analysis
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• TikTok Trend
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• History & Making
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• In Pop Culture
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• Video

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You may have recently heard the song “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes trending all over TikTok. The song is more commonly known as “What's Going On?” since that question is repeated in the chorus, but—what does it actually mean? Is it an anthem or a cry for help? If your interest in 90s rock has been piqued, keep reading for a full breakdown of this hit single, from the meaning of the lyrics to why it’s trending on TikTok, plus analysis from pop culture commentator Corey Andrew.

Meaning of “What's Going On” Lyrics By 4 Non Blondes

Pop culture commentator Corey Andrew says this song describes the frustrations of trying to figure out life. Themes include social justice, change, and the hope of a brighter future. The song is trending on TikTok as part of a mashup with Nicki Minaj's song, "Beez in the Trap."

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Section 1 of 5:

What is “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes about?

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1. 
   The song is about personal frustrations, seeking answers, and wanting change in the world. “‘What’s Up?’ is a timeless masterpiece in pop music,” says Andrew. “It’s a big, soulful, slightly raspy sing-along where Linda Perry belts out questions about frustration, confusion, and the search for meaning in life. It’s a rare, perfect blend of a solid song structure, universal message of vulnerability, and powerful vocal delivery."

   • This song was the second single on 4 Non Blondes’ studio album, Bigger, Better, Faster, More! Released in 1993, the song was written by frontwoman Linda Perry and meant to reflect the frustrations of the time.
   • “What’s Up?” is considered a one-hit wonder from 4 Non Blondes. The band was only active from 1989 to 1994 and released one studio album.
   • The song is known for taking a political stance without directly mentioning any politics, adding to the timeless quality of longing for change.
   • Although the song’s title is often misremembered as “What’s Going On?” instead of “What’s Up?”, the words “what’s up” don’t appear in any of the lyrics.

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Corey Andrew is a pop culture commentator who co-hosts the celebrity gossip podcast “Naughty but Nice.” Corey is also a stand-up comic and songwriter.
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Section 2 of 5:

“What’s Up?” Lyric Analysis

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   In the first verse, the speaker sets the tone of self-doubt and the desperation of youth. The lyrics begin, "25 years and my life is still / Tryin' to get up that great big hill of hope/ For a destination.” The speaker reveals her age and implies that she’s still not sure what direction to take in life or if there’s any hope for a brighter future. The verse continues: “I realized quickly when I knew I should/That the world was made up of this brotherhood of man/ For whatever that means.”

   • The speaker mentions a “brotherhood of man,” hinting at issues surrounding sexism, inequality, and social awareness.
   • This verse paints a young person who is trying desperately to understand injustices, society’s demands, and why the world is the way it is.
   • The first verse repeats at the end of the song, restating the speaker’s aimlessness and disillusionment, bringing everything full circle.
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   In the chorus, the speaker explains how they cope with these struggles. The iconic chorus begins with the lyrics, “And so I cry sometimes when I’m lying in bed/ Just to get it all out, what’s in my head/.” This describes a person who is fed up with the status quo and yearns for change, making them cry. The lyrics continue: “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?’”

   • “What’s going on?” is a question repeated throughout the chorus, reiterating the confusing, conflicting, and depressing nature of navigating life in uncertain times.
   • This part of the song is considered by some to be a literal cry for help, while others view these lyrics as therapeutic.
     • Shouting into the void for answers is a common motif in writing.
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   The song’s final verse invokes faith and a clear desire for change. The speaker sings, “And I try, oh, my God, do I try?/ I try all the time, in this institution.” While listeners may have originally thought this line referred to a mental institution, it’s most likely referring to political, economic, or social institutions. The speaker then sings, “And I pray, oh, my God, do I pray?/ I pray every single day for a revolution.” This line represents the most direct cry for change in the song.

   • The speaker shares that they’re turned to God for answers, underscoring the desperation and dissatisfaction she’s experiencing in her life.
   • While the song is written from a first-person perspective, it’s meant to echo the grievances of an entire generation, all of them hoping that a “revolution” will change the toxic way society operates.
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Section 3 of 5:

Why is this song trending on TikTok?

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1. 
   “What’s Up?” is trending due to a music mashup with Nicki Minaj’s “Beez in the Trap.” This music mashup was first created in August 2025, and the sound clip has since been used 1.5 million times on TikTok. The mashup begins with the chorus of “What’s Up?”, slowly mixing in Minaj’s rap vocals from “Beez in the Trap” until both songs overlap to create a fun and funky sound.

   • This TikTok trend begins with two people standing back to back. Then, they each take turns lip-syncing the words to “What’s Up?” and “Beez in the Trap” while the camera pans around them for cinematic effect.
   • Lots of celebrities have hopped on this viral trend, including Jimmy Fallon, Sabrina Carpenter, and Jennifer Lopez.

Section 4 of 5:

The History & Making of “What’s Up?”

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   The single was released in 1993 and became an international success. The song was written and produced by lead singer Linda Perry, after some disagreements with the original producer, David Tickle. Perry allegedly wrote this song while she was working as a waitress in a diner. The band’s album, Bigger, Better, Faster, More!, spent 59 weeks on the Billboard 200 and sold over 1 million copies from 1992-1994 in the U.S. alone.

   • A music video for the song was also released in 1993. It featured the band dressed as punk-rockers playing the song in an artfully decorated living room.
   • In 2002, "What's Up?" was ranked number 94 on VH1's "100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders.” In 2024, it appeared as #47 on the Forbes list of "The 50 Best Songs of the 1990s."
   • “What’s Up?” is also considered an LGBTQ+ anthem, coming in at #36 on Billboard’s “100 Greatest LGBTQ+ Anthems of All Time.” Both lead singer Linda Perry and bassist Christa Hillhouse were members of the LGBTQ+ community.
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   The song was an instant hit with fans. Andrew explains the song’s popular appeal, saying it “struck a nerve in society, making it a mantra for anyone who’s ever felt stuck or misunderstood. It’s relatable, raw, and oddly comforting—like someone just got all your thoughts out in song form, making you feel less alone and more seen.”

   • The song was generally received well by critics, with AllMusic editor Tom Demalon calling it a "massive, neo-hippie anthem.”
     • However, not everyone felt the same, with songwriters Carl Barât and Stuart Braithwaite claiming that “What’s Up?” is “as bad as music gets.”
   • Andrew says that the song “caught the attention of the music world, and Linda Perry became the songwriter to watch. Her knack for crafting raw, heartfelt lyrics and memorable hooks opened doors to writing for massive names like Pink, Christina Aguilera, and Gwen Stefani.”
   • Andrew continues: “Essentially, a single hit about existential confusion ended up turning Perry into a behind-the-scenes powerhouse on the masterclass level of Dianne Warren, [proving] that a song that connects emotionally can not only impact lives but launch a whole career.”
   • Andrew shares his own experience with the song, saying, "I can still remember when this song came out." He was working at a fast food restaurant when the song blared through the PA system. He says, "I was mopping the floor, miserable, pondering life and what I was going to do with mine." That's what makes the song so timeless, he explains, "it's basically the ultimate ‘I’m trying to figure life out’ anthem."
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Section 5 of 5:

“What’s Up?” In Pop Culture

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1. 
   The song has been featured in TV shows and covered by several popular artists. This hit single’s cultural contributions have not let up in the 30+ years since its release. Not only is “What’s Up?” a favorite among karaoke enthusiasts, but it’s made appearances on notable TV shows, like Sense8, Young Sheldon, and The Handmaid’s Tale. The song has also been covered by a number of musical artists, including Pink and Dolly Parton.

   • As of October 2025, the original track on the album has been played over 1 billion times. The single track has an additional 35 million listens.
   • 4 Non Blondes recently announced a mini reunion tour planned for late 2025 and early 2026, rekindling excitement and interest among fans.

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