See that black boy over there, runnin’ scared
his ol’ man’s in a bottle.
He done quit his 9 to 5 he drink full time
so now he’s livin’ in the bottle.
See that black boy over there, runnin’ scared
his ol’ man got a problem and it’s a bad one
Pawned off damn near everything, his ol’
woman’s weddin’ ring for a bottle.
And don’t you think it’s a crime
when time after time, people in the bottle.
I was introduced to Gil Scott-Heron in my mid twenties and the song The Bottle was the first song I ever heard from him. The lyrics above are quite powerful and telling of child and alcohol abuse. It’s a very dark song but the bass is steady and grooving the entire time, the flue is clean and then his voice comes to life.
Check it out…
Gil Scott-Heron was a Singer, spoken-word, activist and author of Jamaican descent. Born April 1, 1949 he was a native of Chicago, IL best known for his poem “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”. The song’s title was originally a popular slogan among the 1960’s Black Power movements in the United States. Its lyrics either mention or allude to several television series, advertising slogans and icons of entertainment and news coverage that serve as examples of what “the revolution will not” be or do.
Gil Scott-Heron’s work has influenced writers, academics and musicians, from independent rockers to rappers. He has been called the “godfather of rap” because his work during the 1970’s influenced and helped give rise to subsequent African-American music genres, such as hip hop and neo soul.
Gil Scott-Heron released over 20 albums including studio, live compilations, and collaboration albums between 1970 and 2011. On the afternoon of May 27, 2011, at St. Luke’s Hospital, New York City, Gil Scott-Heron died. In 2008 he had confirmed previous press speculation about his health, when he disclosed in a New York Magazine interview that he had been HIV-positive for several years.
Many talented creative genius have been taken from us to soon due to drug abuse and not fully being understood by those around him. My prayers go out to this new generation of musicians.
