He began recording in 1970 with the LP Small Talk at 125th and Lenox with the assistance of Bob Thiele Flying Dutchman Records, co-writer Brian Jackson, Hubert Laws, Bernard Purdie (who later recorded "Delights of the Garden" with The Last Poets), Charlie Saunders, Eddie Knowles, Ron Carter and Bert Jones, all jazz musicians (see 1970 in music). The album included the aggressive diatribe against white-owned corporate media and middle-class America's ignorance of the problems of inner cities in songs such as Whitey On The Moon.
The 1971 Pieces of a Man used more conventional song structures than the loose, spoken word feel of his first, though he didn't reach the charts until 1975 with "Johannesburg". His biggest hit was 1978's "The Bottle", produced by Heron and longtime partner Brian Jackson, which peaked at #15 on the R&B charts (see 1978 in music).
In 2001, Gil Scott-Heron was sentenced to one to three years' imprisonment in New York State for possession of cocaine. While out of jail in 2002, he appeared on the Blazing Arrow album by Blackalicious. He was released on parole in 2003. On July 5, 2006, Scott-Heron was sentenced to two to four years in a New York State prison for violating a plea deal on a drug-possession charge by leaving a drug rehabilitation center. Scott-Heron's sentence was to run until July 13, 2009. He was paroled on May 23, 2007. The reason given for the violation of his plea was that the clinic refused to supply Scott-Heron with HIV medication. This story led to the presumption that the artist is HIV positive.
After his release, Scott-Heron began performing live again, starting with a show at SOBs in New York on September 13, 2007. On stage, he stated that he and his musicians were working on a new album and that he had resumed writing a book titled The Last Holiday, previously on long-term hiatus, about Stevie Wonder and his successful attempt to have the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. declared a federally recognized holiday in the United States.
He was arrested October 10, 2007, the day before a scheduled (but ultimately cancelled) second SOBs performance, on felony possession of cocaine charges. However, he has continued to make live appearances at various US venues during the course of 2008 and 2009, including further appearances at SOBs in New York. He has also stated in interviews that work is continuing on his new album, which will consist mainly of new versions of some of his classic songs plus some cover versions of other artists' work.
Having originally planned to publish The Last Holiday in 2003, before it was put on hold, Canongate Books now tentatively intend to issue it in January, 2011. The book was due to be previewed via a website set to be launched on April 1, 2009, but this did not appear.
Mark T. Watson, a student of Scott-Heron's work, dedicated a collection of poetry to Gil titled Ordinary Guy that contained a foreword by Jalal Mansur Nuriddin of The Last Poets. The book was published in the UK in 2004 by Fore-Word Press Ltd. Scott-Heron recorded one of the poems in Watson's book Black & Blue due for release in 2008 as part of the album Rhythms of the Diaspora by Malik & the OG's on the record label CPR Recordings.
Gil Scott-Heron released his new album I'm New Here on independent label XL Recordings on February 9, 2010. Produced by XL label owner Richard Russell, 'I'm New Here' is Scott-Heron's first album in thirteen years.The pair started recording the album in 2007, with the majority of the record being recorded over the last twelve months with engineer Lawson White at Clinton Studios in New York. In 2009, a new Gil Scott-Heron website, www.gilscottheron.net , was launched with a brand new track 'Where Did The Night Go' made available as a free download from the site.
In 2011, Scott-Heron released "We're New Here" a remix album which was a collaboration with Jamie xx, a member of the British indie band The xx. Scott-Heron died in New York City on May 27, 2011.
"B" Movie
Gil Scott-Heron Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Because it seems as though we've been convinced that 26% of the registered voters, not even 26% of the American people, but 26% of the registered voters form a mandate ? or a landslide. 21% voted for Skippy and 3, 4% voted for somebody else who might have been running.
But, oh yeah, I remember. In this year that we have now declared the year from Shogun to Reagan, I remember what I said about Reagan?meant it. Acted like an actor?Hollyweird. Acted like a liberal. Acted like General Franco when he acted like governor of California, then he acted like a republican. Then he acted like somebody was going to vote for him for president. And now we act like 26% of the registered voters is actually a mandate. We're all actors in this I suppose.
What has happened is that in the last 20 years, America has changed from a producer to a consumer. And all consumers know that when the producer names the tune?the consumer has got to dance. That's the way it is. We used to be a producer ? very inflexible at that, and now we are consumers and, finding it difficult to understand. Natural resources and minerals will change your world. The Arabs used to be in the 3rd World. They have bought the 2nd World and put a firm down payment on the 1st one. Controlling your resources we'll control your world. This country has been surprised by the way the world looks now. They don't know if they want to be Matt Dillon or Bob Dylan. They don't know if they want to be diplomats or continue the same policy - of nuclear nightmare diplomacy. John Foster Dulles ain't nothing but the name of an airport now.
Come with us back to those inglorious days when heroes weren't zeros. Before fair was square. When the cavalry came straight away and all-American men were like Hemingway to the days of the wondrous ?B? movie. The producer underwritten by all the millionaires necessary will be Casper ?The Defensive? Weinberger ? no more animated choice is available. The director will be Attila the Haig, running around frantically declaring himself in control and in charge. The ultimate realization of the inmates taking over at the asylum. The screenplay will be adapted from the book called ?Voodoo Economics? by George ?Papa Doc? Bush. Music by the ?Village People? the very military "Macho Man."
?Company!!!?
?Macho, macho man!?
? Two-three-four.?
? He likes to be ? well, you get the point.?
?Huuut! Your left! Your left! Your left?right, left, right, left, right?!?
A theme song for saber-rallying and selling wars door-to-door. Remember, we're looking for the closest thing we can find to John Wayne. Clichés abound like kangaroos ? courtesy of some spaced out Marlin Perkins, a Reagan contemporary. Clichés like, ?itchy trigger finger? and ?tall in the saddle? and ?riding off or on into the sunset.? Clichés like, ?Get off of my planet by sundown!? More so than clichés like, ?he died with his boots on.? Marine tough the man is. Bogart tough the man is. Cagney tough the man is. Hollywood tough the man is. Cheap stick tough. And Bonzo's substantial. The ultimate in synthetic selling: A Madison Avenue masterpiece ? a miracle ? a cotton-candy politician?Presto! Macho!
?Macho, macho man!?
Put your orders in America. And quick as Kodak your leaders duplicate with the accent being on the nukes - cause all of a sudden we have fallen prey to selective amnesia - remembering what we want to remember and forgetting what we choose to forget. All of a sudden, the man who called for a blood bath on our college campuses is supposed to be Dudley ?God-damn? Do-Right?
?You go give them liberals hell Ronnie.? That was the mandate. To the new ?Captain Bly? on the new ship of fools. It was doubtlessly based on his chameleon performance of the past - as a liberal democrat ? as the head of the Studio Actor's Guild. When other celluloid saviors were cringing in terror from McCarthy ? Ron stood tall. It goes all the way back from Hollywood to hillbilly. From liberal to libelous, from ?Bonzo? to Birch idol?born again. Civil rights, women's rights, gay rights?it's all wrong. Call in the cavalry to disrupt this perception of freedom gone wild. God damn it?first one wants freedom, then the whole damn world wants freedom.
Nostalgia, that's what we want?the good ol' days?when we gave'em hell. When the buck stopped somewhere and you could still buy something with it. To a time when movies were in black and white ? and so was everything else. Even if we go back to the campaign trail, before six-gun Ron shot off his face and developed hoof-in-mouth. Before the free press went down before full-court press. And were reluctant to review the menu because they knew the only thing available was ? Crow.
Lon Chaney, our man of a thousand faces - no match for Ron. Doug Henning does the make-up - special effects from Grecian Formula 16 and Crazy Glue. Transportation furnished by the David Rockefeller of Remote Control Company. Their slogan is, ?Why wait for 1984? You can panic now...and avoid the rush.?
So much for the good news?
As Wall Street goes, so goes the nation. And here's a look at the closing numbers ? racism's up, human rights are down, peace is shaky, war items are hot - the House claims all ties. Jobs are down, money is scarce ? and common sense is at an all-time low on heavy trading. Movies were looking better than ever and now no one is looking because, we're starring in a ?B? movie. And we would rather had John Wayne?we would rather had John Wayne.
"You don't need to be in no hurry.
You ain't never really got to worry.
And you don't need to check on how you feel.
Just keep repeating that none of this is real.
And if you're sensing, that something's wrong,
Well just remember, that it won't be too long
Before the director cuts the scene?yea."
?This ain't really your life,
Ain't really your life,
Ain't really ain't nothing but a movie.?
[Refrain repeated about 25 times or more in an apocalyptic crescendo with a military cadence.]
?This ain't really your life,
Ain't really your life,
Ain't really ain't nothing but a movie.?
The lyrics to B Movie are a commentary on the state of American politics and society in the early 1980s. The singer starts by questioning the validity of Reagan’s presidential mandate, arguing that a president elected by only a fraction of the population should not be considered to have a mandate. In the rest of the song, the singer discusses how America has changed from a producer to a consumer, finding it harder to understand the world as they become more dependent on foreign resources. The singer criticizes the way America looks to its past to deal with present problems, hoping for a hero to come and save the day. This ultimately leads to the election of Reagan and the dangerous situation America finds itself in.
The song highlights the way in which Reagan was seen as a figure that could save America from its problems, even though his past as an actor and Governor of California with conservative views suggested a lack of coherent policy. Gil Scott-Heron critiques America’s need for nostalgia and the ideal of a hero coming to the rescue, arguing that this idea was ultimately misguided and led to poor policy decisions. The song ends on a chaotic note, with the singer repeating that “this ain't really your life, ain't really ain't nothing but a movie”, suggesting that the problems facing America are far more serious than people realize.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, the first thing I want to say is??Mandate my ass!?
I want to express my disbelief and disregard for the notion that a mere 26% of registered voters, not even 26% of the American population, can be considered a mandate or a landslide.
Because it seems as though we've been convinced that 26% of the registered voters, not even 26% of the American people, but 26% of the registered voters form a mandate or a landslide. 21% voted for Skippy and 3, 4% voted for somebody else who might have been running.
We have been misled into believing that a small fraction of registered voters, which doesn't even represent the majority of the American people, can be portrayed as a significant mandate or a sweeping victory. Only 21% voted for one candidate, and the remaining percentage voted for alternative options.
But, oh yeah, I remember. In this year that we have now declared the year from Shogun to Reagan, I remember what I said about Reagan?meant it. Acted like an actor?Hollyweird. Acted like a liberal. Acted like General Franco when he acted like governor of California, then he acted like a republican. Then he acted like somebody was going to vote for him for president. And now we act like 26% of the registered voters is actually a mandate. We're all actors in this I suppose.
I recall my previous statements about Reagan and those still hold true. He presented himself as an actor, mired in the strangeness of Hollywood. He shifted between liberal and conservative stances, emulating both General Franco and a republican. Despite the lack of popular support, we now pretend that this small fraction of registered voters constitutes a mandate. It seems we are all playing roles and putting on a performance.
What has happened is that in the last 20 years, America has changed from a producer to a consumer. And all consumers know that when the producer names the tune?the consumer has got to dance. That's the way it is. We used to be a producer ? very inflexible at that, and now we are consumers and, finding it difficult to understand. Natural resources and minerals will change your world. The Arabs used to be in the 3rd World. They have bought the 2nd World and put a firm down payment on the 1st one. Controlling your resources we'll control your world. This country has been surprised by the way the world looks now. They don't know if they want to be Matt Dillon or Bob Dylan. They don't know if they want to be diplomats or continue the same policy - of nuclear nightmare diplomacy. John Foster Dulles ain't nothing but the name of an airport now.
Over the past two decades, America has shifted from being a producer to being a consumer. As consumers, we are aware that when producers dictate the terms, consumers must comply. It's the way things work. Previously, we were rigid producers, but as consumers, we struggle to adapt. The control of natural resources and minerals can reshape the world. The Arab nations have progressed from the third world to the second world by acquiring substantial resources, influencing the first world in turn. When someone controls your resources, they control your world. The current state of the world has caught this country by surprise. People are uncertain whether they want to emulate Matt Dillon or Bob Dylan, whether they should pursue diplomatic paths or continue with a policy of nuclear brinkmanship. John Foster Dulles, once an influential figure, is now only remembered as the name of an airport.
The idea concerns the fact that this country wants nostalgia. They want to go back as far as they can ? even if it's only as far as last week. Not to face now or tomorrow, but to face backwards. And yesterday was the day of our cinema heroes riding to the rescue at the last possible moment. The day of the man in the white hat or the man on the white horse - or the man who always came to save America at the last moment ? someone always came to save America at the last moment ? especially in ?B? movies. And when America found itself having a hard time facing the future, they looked for people like John Wayne. But since John Wayne was no longer available, they settled for Ronald Reagan ? and it has placed us in a situation that we can only look at ? like a ?B? movie.
The prevailing desire in this country revolves around nostalgia. People long to go back in time, even if it's just to the recent past. They prefer to avoid dealing with the present or the future and instead choose to dwell on the past. Yesterday symbolized the era when cinematic heroes always came to the rescue at the very last moment. They were the men in the white hat or on the white horse, ensuring America's salvation when needed, just like in 'B' movies. When America struggled to face the uncertainties of the future, they sought figures resembling John Wayne. However, since John Wayne was unavailable, they settled for Ronald Reagan, which has resulted in a situation that can only be likened to a 'B' movie.
Come with us back to those inglorious days when heroes weren't zeros. Before fair was square. When the cavalry came straight away and all-American men were like Hemingway to the days of the wondrous ?B? movie. The producer underwritten by all the millionaires necessary will be Casper ?The Defensive? Weinberger ? no more animated choice is available. The director will be Attila the Haig, running around frantically declaring himself in control and in charge. The ultimate realization of the inmates taking over at the asylum. The screenplay will be adapted from the book called ?Voodoo Economics? by George ?Papa Doc? Bush. Music by the ?Village People? the very military 'Macho Man.'
Let's journey back to those infamous days when heroes were admired, and there were no failures. A time before integrity was compromised. When the cavalry swiftly intervened, and all-American men were like Ernest Hemingway, exemplifying bravery and masculinity, akin to the wondrous 'B' movie era. The wealthy elites will fund the production, with Casper Weinberger, known for his defensive stance, as the key backer. The director will be portrayed as Attila the Haig, frantically asserting control and dominance. This scenario represents the inmates taking over the asylum. The screenplay will be based on George Bush's book called 'Voodoo Economics.' The music will be provided by the 'Village People,' who epitomize military machismo.
?Company!!!?
Attention, everyone!
?Macho, macho man!?
Embodying the ideal of masculinity.
? Two-three-four.?
A call to continue marching and maintain the rhythm.
? He likes to be ? well, you get the point.?
He enjoys engaging in certain activities, which I'm sure you understand.
?Huuut! Your left! Your left! Your left?right, left, right, left, right?!?
Mimicking the military drill commands to march properly and in sync.
A theme song for saber-rallying and selling wars door-to-door. Remember, we're looking for the closest thing we can find to John Wayne. Clichés abound like kangaroos ? courtesy of some spaced out Marlin Perkins, a Reagan contemporary. Clichés like, ?itchy trigger finger? and ?tall in the saddle? and ?riding off or on into the sunset.? Clichés like, ?Get off of my planet by sundown!? More so than clichés like, ?he died with his boots on.? Marine tough the man is. Bogart tough the man is. Cagney tough the man is. Hollywood tough the man is. Cheap stick tough. And Bonzo's substantial. The ultimate in synthetic selling: A Madison Avenue masterpiece ? a miracle ? a cotton-candy politician?Presto! Macho!
This song serves as an anthem to rally support for wars and promote them like products. We are seeking someone who resembles John Wayne the most. There is a proliferation of clichés, similar to kangaroos hopping around, attributed to individuals like Marlin Perkins, who shares Ronald Reagan's ideology. These clichés include phrases like 'itchy trigger finger,' 'tall in the saddle,' and 'riding off or on into the sunset.' They are accompanied by clichés like 'Get off of my planet by sundown!' that hold more weight than phrases like 'he died with his boots on.' The man is tough as a Marine, tough like Bogart, Cagney, and the manufactured image of Hollywood tough. They possess a superficial strength. Even Bonzo (a reference to Reagan's film 'Bedtime for Bonzo') seems substantial in comparison. It represents the pinnacle of synthetic marketing, a masterpiece crafted by Madison Avenue, a political illusion akin to cotton candy, quickly conjured and appealingly masculine.
?Macho, macho man!
Emphasizing the embodiment of a macho, masculine persona.
Put your orders in America. And quick as Kodak your leaders duplicate with the accent being on the nukes - cause all of a sudden we have fallen prey to selective amnesia - remembering what we want to remember and forgetting what we choose to forget. All of a sudden, the man who called for a blood bath on our college campuses is supposed to be Dudley ?God-damn? Do-Right?
America, it's time for you to submit your commands. And just like how quickly Kodak develops photographs, your leaders will replicate those requests, with the main focus being on nuclear weapons. Suddenly, we have succumbed to selective amnesia, remembering only what suits our agenda and conveniently forgetting what we desire to ignore. All of a sudden, the individual who advocated violence on our college campuses is expected to be seen as Dudley 'God-damn' Do-Right.
?You go give them liberals hell Ronnie.? That was the mandate. To the new ?Captain Bly? on the new ship of fools. It was doubtlessly based on his chameleon performance of the past - as a liberal democrat ? as the head of the Studio Actor's Guild. When other celluloid saviors were cringing in terror from McCarthy ? Ron stood tall. It goes all the way back from Hollywood to hillbilly. From liberal to libelous, from ?Bonzo? to Birch idol?born again. Civil rights, women's rights, gay rights?it's all wrong. Call in the cavalry to disrupt this perception of freedom gone wild. God damn it?first one wants freedom, then the whole damn world wants freedom.
'You go give those liberals hell Ronnie.' This command was considered the mandate, addressed to the new 'Captain Bly' on the newly misguided ship filled with fools. This mandate was undoubtedly based on Ronald Reagan's ability to adapt his performance, transitioning from being a liberal Democrat to leading the Studio Actor's Guild. While other figures from the entertainment industry were afraid of McCarthy, Ronald Reagan remained steadfast. This transformation extends from his Hollywood days to his rural origins. He shifted from being liberal to embracing libelous tactics, from being associated with 'Bonzo' (his character in a film) to idolizing the Birch Society. He was 'born again' into a conservative ideology. Matters related to civil rights, women's rights, and gay rights are all seen as flawed. The call is made for the cavalry, as an attempt to disrupt the perception of unfettered freedom. The sentiment expressed is frustration because first, one desires freedom, and suddenly the entire world craves freedom.
Nostalgia, that's what we want?the good ol' days?when we gave'em hell. When the buck stopped somewhere and you could still buy something with it. To a time when movies were in black and white ? and so was everything else. Even if we go back to the campaign trail, before six-gun Ron shot off his face and developed hoof-in-mouth. Before the free press went down before full-court press. And were reluctant to review the menu because they knew the only thing available was ? Crow.
Nostalgia is what we yearn for?the bygone days when we fearlessly confronted challenges. A time when there were clear consequences and the money in our pockets had value. It harkens back to an era when movies were in black and white, symbolizing the simplicity of life. Even if we rewind to the campaign trail before Ronald Reagan's notorious gaffes, before he misspoke without considering the impact. A time when the independent press faced extensive scrutiny and hesitated to critique those in power because they knew the only option available was self-censorship.
Lon Chaney, our man of a thousand faces - no match for Ron. Doug Henning does the make-up - special effects from Grecian Formula 16 and Crazy Glue. Transportation furnished by the David Rockefeller of Remote Control Company. Their slogan is, ?Why wait for 1984? You can panic now...and avoid the rush.?
Even Lon Chaney, the famous actor known for his ability to portray various characters, pales in comparison to Ronald Reagan. Doug Henning, a famous magician, handles Reagan's superficial transformation, utilizing special effects reminiscent of Grecian Formula 16 and Crazy Glue. The transportation services are sponsored by the Remote Control Company, represented by David Rockefeller. Their slogan cleverly suggests that instead of waiting for a dystopian future as predicted in George Orwell's novel 1984, one should panic immediately to evade the anticipated rush.
As Wall Street goes, so goes the nation. And here's a look at the closing numbers ? racism's up, human rights are down, peace is shaky, war items are hot - the House claims all ties. Jobs are down, money is scarce ? and common sense is at an all-time low on heavy trading. Movies were looking better than ever and now no one is looking because, we're starring in a ?B? movie. And we would rather had John Wayne?we would rather had John Wayne.
The state of the nation mirrors the state of Wall Street. Let's review the final figures: racism is on the rise, human rights are diminishing, peace is unstable, and war-related matters are in high demand. The government claims complete control in all aspects. Employment opportunities are decreasing, financial resources are scarce, and sound judgment is at an unprecedented low due to significant fluctuations. Movies seemed more appealing than ever, but now no one pays attention because we are all participants in a 'B' movie. Ideally, we would prefer having someone akin to John Wayne to lead us, someone embodying bravery and heroism.
"You don't need to be in no hurry.
You ain't never really got to worry.
And you don't need to check on how you feel.
Just keep repeating that none of this is real.
And if you're sensing, that something's wrong,
Well just remember, that it won't be too long
Before the director cuts the scene?yea."
Don't feel the need to rush. You don't have to worry. Avoid assessing your emotions. Instead, continuously remind yourself that everything happening is not real. And if you have a sense that something is amiss, be patient because it won't be long until the director ends the scene.
?This ain't really your life,
Ain't really your life,
Ain't really ain't nothing but a movie."
Your life isn't what it seems. It's not truly yours. In reality, it's nothing more than a movie.
[Refrain repeated about 25 times or more in an apocalyptic crescendo with a military cadence.]
'This ain't really your life, Ain't really your life, Ain't really ain't nothing but a movie.'
?This ain't really your life,
Ain't really your life,
Ain't really ain't nothing but a movie."
Your life isn't what it seems. It's not truly yours. In reality, it's nothing more than a movie.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@carrastealth
There are 231,556,622 eligible voters
25.6% voted for Clinton
25.5% voted for Trump
1.7% voted for Johnson
46.9% voted for Nobody
74.2% voted against Trump. But more importantly, 46.9% of the Registered voters have voted for nobody.
Therefore that indicates that nobody, should be the President.
B Movie stays relevant.
@waxeightoneeight
For every fucked up thing that’s happened in this country recently, there’s a Gil Scott Heron song from 40+ years ago that touches upon it.
@dianepreus5805
His music lives within me as a mantra
@dianepreus5805
❤
@hectorbautista97
Realist shit
@richardtulip
Just phenomenal political insight, gravitas, humour, funkiness and the best voice in one important giant of an artist. Gil, we miss you. I really would've loved your take on Trump man. We could all have done with your take on a lot of stuff, but thanks for the gold. RIP.
@christopherhill1652
Amen brother.
@carrastealth
There are 231,556,622 eligible voters
25.6% voted for Clinton
25.5% voted for Trump
1.7% voted for Johnson
46.9% voted for Nobody
74.2% voted against Trump. But more importantly, 46.9% of the Registered voters have voted for nobody.
Therefore that indicates that nobody, should be the President.
B Movie stays relevant.
@ashleyjudecollie
Indeed, "mandate my arse!" Only one quarter of eligible voters!
@mirroredname3389
Nobody wins by a landslide. They even say even blank votes count! Yet one of the losers get into office every time so far as i know.
@descartesdonkey4291
Mandate my ass