“You will not be able to stay home brotha, You will not be able to plug in, turn on and cop out.”

These are the words of a revolutionary named Gil-Scott Heron. Witness lyrics that emanate from a revelation entitled “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.”

Gil Scott Heron was born in Tennessee and came up in the Boogie Down Bronx. He sharpened his poetical prowess while attending Lincoln University, a Historically Black College in Chester, Pa. Subsequently, 1970 was the year he began recording Small Talk at 125th and Lenox. This LP had something which targeted the American couch-potato preoccupation with TV and the inactive elements that desensitize people to political proactivity. The name of the song was “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.”

With the assistance of a flute, congas and bongo drums, Heron provides a marvelous musical lecture. His witty satire incorporates the many nuances of television to create a profound message with powerful presentation. What we have here is a man with a potent message, you best listen!

One thing this song understands is that many people live vicariously through T.V. Gil Scott Heron suggests that we are wasting away watching TV. The changes of society will come through consciousness and action, not through “channel surfing.” Understand, TV has nothing to do with reality; we simply watch T.V. to escape from the stress reality causes. Feel me?!?

The message of “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” is self-evident. Furthermore, this piece has more relevance today than it did when it came out. You and I are a nation of lazy, ignorant, self-centered, idealist and over-weight individuals. The solution to this is to cut off the TV, go exercise(or go to Jenny Craig), and get a life. In the thunderous words of Gil Scott Heron:

“The Revolution will not go better with coke, the revolution will not fight germs that cause bad breath, the revolution will put you in the driver’s seat.”

The rest is up to you, but please, make your decision a conscious one.

Thursdays says:

P ositive,
E nergy
A lways
C orrects
E rrors

One Response to “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised!”

1. Chris Says:
   March 5th, 2006 at 3:52 pm

   I’m so glad you reviewed this song, it’s definitely a classic. It should also be noted that Gil Scott is recognized, by many, as one of the first emcees, making him an unofficial pioneer in hiphop. Great write-up, and I love the signiture accronym at the end!

   Peace,
   Chris

Give the Author Some Feedback!