What's Goin’ on in There? — An adult neighbor peers into a bright Merced garage where adult musicians, mechanics, dancers and an enormous flowering plant create a joyful mystery

The songbook

What's Goin’ on in There?

Words by Douglas Heyes Jr. Listen to the recorded versions and follow the lyric below.

Original Doug Heyes lyrics · AI-generated music & vocals

A noisy encounter behind a closed door sets off a bawdy night of gossip, jealousy and exaggerated bravado. The narrator moves between an overheard commotion and his own hopes for dancing and romance downtown. Repeated questions turn the surrounding spectacle into a restless invitation, with curiosity never quite giving way to a clear answer.

Listen

Recorded versions

3 recordings. Different voices and arrangements bring another side of the song into the light.

Lyrics

What's Goin’ on in There?

Words by Douglas Heyes Jr

Save Lyrics as Text
WHAT'S GOIN’ ON IN THERE?

Hey, What’s Goin’ On In There?
I heard you makin’ noises
From the bottom of the stairs
If you made some better choices
You maybe wouldn't be up there
Running around in circles
Looking for your underwear
Man, oh, man, What’s Goin’ On In There?

Someone said you’re dancin’ with Jolene
Some guy decided to get in between
You were having none of this, never interrupt a Kiss
Time they broke it up, he was chewing on your fist
Don't get a Redneck pissed
If you know what's good for you
He'll beat you up and break you down
And then he'll cut you right in two

CHORUS:
Hey now, knock, knock, knock
Hey, What’s Going On In There?
Last time I had a look around the block
You were tied up in her underwear
A-fussin’ and a-cussin’ and a lotta fisticuffin’
You got your pastry in the oven
A li’l  somethin’ for your lovin’

I smell a lot of Cinnamon
And a whole lot of spice
We are burnin’ incense
In the early mornin’ light
I hope there ain't no accidents
No way we'll set ‘em right
When we come together
In the middle of the night

Come on down to the dance Downtown
Bring a Honey, or come on down alone
The money's down in the whole damn town
And It's time to roll dem bones
I don't know where I'm goin’ Home
But, I sure get around
Tomorrow, come the morning
I'll be gone without a sound

I hope it's with somebody
Who wants to fall in love
It could be anybody
Maybe one who likes it rough
Man, I hope she's a little bit wild
I mean kinda like a little woman-child
And baby, if you think that I am smitten
I'm goy to have you purrin’ like a Kitten

Hey now, knock, knock, knock
Hey, What’s Goin’ On In There
Now she's got you rockin’
Upside down with your derriere
No one wants to look at that
So wrap it on up and put it on back
It's just about time to go and hit the rack
And spend the whole night here, flat on my back

Hey, you, What’s Goin’ On In There?
Yeah, that's right, I'm talkin’ to you
Do you think you maybe just a little bit to share?
 A little bit of Honeydew
All of the tourists and the passersby
Take a look at me and you and they start to cry
One by one, they just stop and stare
Hey, What’s Goin’ On In There?
*********

© Douglas Heyes Jr. All rights reserved.