Released on the 1965 album Rubber Soul, "What Goes On" stands as a quintessential example of the Beatles' transition from pop to folk-rock. Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, the track features a distinctive acoustic guitar intro and a driving rhythm section that defines the band's evolving sound during the mid-1960s. The song explores themes of relationship uncertainty and the passage of time, utilizing a simple yet effective structure that allowed the vocal harmonies to shine. As a staple of the Rubber Soul era, it reflects the group's growing sophistication and their move away from the polished production of their earlier work toward a more organic, guitar-driven approach that would influence countless artists in the British Invasion and beyond.