Logos of "For What it's Worth

The arts are best known for appealing to pathos.  However, logos can be extremely effective in song lyrics.  In “For What it’s Worth,” Buffalo Springfield argues against the curfew set on the Sunset Strip.  The introduction of “paranoia” is the basis of his logical approach.  The pervading fear created by the increased presence of law enforcement (the “man with a gun over there”) creates a harmful sense of insecurity.  Springfield further emphasizes this point by the repetitive line, “what’s that sound? Everybody look-what’s going down?”  This musical phrase represents uncertainty and fear.  In the third verse, Springfield brings attention to the difficulty the young protesters were having gaining support “from behind.”  Just like the civil rights movement in the 1960s, when the young people of the Sunset Strip were denied their rights, they turned to protest.

Chris Rother