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.
Intro to Angola Louisiana
Gil Scott-Heron Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I could have been doing time
Well, I'm doing fine, thank you
But I could have been pulling time
I know a brother man doing time
And he didn't commit no crime
So, thank you, I'm doing fine
‘Cause I could have been pulling time well
I've been painting a picture of Angola
Louisiana pictures of deals in back alleys
Where politicians often hide
But it's much more important
To me than Angola, louisiana
Got a lot to do with justice
But more with Gary Tyler's life
I got a letter from
His mother, said, "Please
Say something to my son!"
Truth is: Angola, Louisiana, you're the one
Well, I ain't never been nowhere near Angola
Louisiana down in St charles Parish where
The sun won't go alone
Well, but injustice is not
Confined to Angola, louisiana
No, it can walk in your living room
As long as it surrounds your home
I'm sending love to brother Tyler
But after all is said and done
Truth is: Angola, Louisiana, you're the one
Well, I can't tell a man
Not to defend himself not at this late stage
Can't tell a man he got no rights, nowhere
Not in this day and age
This song may not touch a whole lot of people
Persuaded by the truth
But take a look at what's going on, people
‘Cause this all could happen to you, yeah
Truth is me, now
I've been painting a picture of Angola
Louisiana down in St charles Parish
Where the sun won't go alone
Yeah, but injustice is not
Confined to Angola, louisiana
Well, it can be in your living room
Brother Tyler, hold on, be strong
You're not alone! Said I got a letter from
His mother that said, "Please
Say something to my son!"
Truth is: well, Angola, Louisiana
You're the one
Seem like, I say it again
Angola, Louisiana sure ‘nough the one
Never been another one like that one
Seem like
Angola, Louisiana sure ‘nough the one
The city blues is sure ‘nough news down there
Angola, Louisiana sure ‘nough the one
One for Louise, don't forget Ana please
Angola, Louisiana, say
Well, I'm doing fine ‘cause could
Have been doing time, yeah
Angola, Louisiana, say, "Hey, hey now"
I could have been pulling time down near
Where the sun sure ‘nough don't shine, yeah
Angola, Louisiana feel like, well
I'm doing fine i could have been pulling time
I'm doing fine
But I could have been pulling time
Well, I'm doing fine
Thank you i could have been pulling time
I'm doing fine could have been pulling time
Now
The lyrics of Gil Scott-Heron's song "Angola Louisiana" address the theme of injustice within the criminal justice system, specifically highlighting the case of Gary Tyler, a young African-American man who was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit in Angola, Louisiana.
The first verse emphasizes a sense of gratitude for the singer's freedom, acknowledging that he is fortunate not to be facing incarceration. However, he also mentions a "brother man" who has been unjustly imprisoned, emphasizing the injustice within the system. The chorus further emphasizes the importance of the Angola, Louisiana case, suggesting that it is a symbol of larger issues of justice and inequality.
In the second verse, the singer mentions receiving a letter from Gary Tyler's mother, urging him to speak out on behalf of her son. The singer recognizes the significance of the Angola, Louisiana case, describing it as a picture he has been painting and suggesting that it represents the broader issue of injustice. He also acknowledges that injustice is not limited to Angola, Louisiana, but can exist in any community.
The third verse reflects on the limitations of the justice system, acknowledging that it may not always protect the rights of individuals. The song acknowledges that its message may not reach everyone, but urges listeners to pay attention to the injustices happening around them. The final lines reiterate the importance of the Angola, Louisiana case and express solidarity with Gary Tyler.
Overall, "Angola Louisiana" serves as a protest song, shedding light on the problem of wrongful convictions and the need for justice within the criminal justice system.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I'm feeling fine
I am in a good state of mind and well-being
But I could have been doing time
However, I could have been serving a prison sentence
Well, I'm doing fine, thank you
Nevertheless, I am doing well and grateful
But I could have been pulling time
Yet, I could have been incarcerated
I know a brother man doing time
I am aware of a fellow man who is currently imprisoned
And he didn't commit no crime
Surprisingly, he is unjustly imprisoned without any wrongdoing
So, thank you, I'm doing fine
Therefore, I express gratitude because I am not in the same situation
‘Cause I could have been pulling time well
Because it could have easily been me in that same predicament
I've been painting a picture of Angola
I have been describing the realities of Angola
Louisiana pictures of deals in back alleys
Depicting corrupt transactions occurring in hidden places
Where politicians often hide
Where politicians frequently conceal their misdeeds
But it's much more important
However, it holds greater significance
To me than Angola, Louisiana
To me, it matters more than just the place Angola, Louisiana
Got a lot to do with justice
It is heavily linked to the concept of justice
But more with Gary Tyler's life
Yet, it particularly relates to the life of Gary Tyler
I got a letter from
I received a letter
His mother, said, "Please
From his mother, it pleaded
Say something to my son!"
To say some words of encouragement to her son
Truth is: Angola, Louisiana, you're the one
In truth, Angola, Louisiana, you are the root cause
Well, I ain't never been nowhere near Angola
I have never been remotely close to Angola
Louisiana down in St charles Parish where
Referring to another location in Louisiana, specifically St. Charles Parish
The sun won't go alone
A place where darkness and injustice prevail
Well, but injustice is not
However, injustice is not limited to
Confined to Angola, louisiana
Restricted only to Angola, Louisiana
No, it can walk in your living room
No, it can infiltrate and affect your personal space
As long as it surrounds your home
As long as it engulfs your surroundings
I'm sending love to brother Tyler
I am expressing support and affection to brother Tyler
But after all is said and done
However, once everything is considered
Truth is: Angola, Louisiana, you're the one
The truth is, Angola, Louisiana, you are the main culprit
Well, I can't tell a man
I am unable to prevent a man
Not to defend himself not at this late stage
From defending himself, especially at this advanced point in time
Can't tell a man he got no rights, nowhere
Unable to deny a man his rights in any circumstance
Not in this day and age
Certainly not in the modern era
This song may not touch a whole lot of people
This song may not resonate with many individuals
Persuaded by the truth
Convinced by the truth
But take a look at what's going on, people
However, observe the ongoing events, people
‘Cause this all could happen to you, yeah
Because all this could potentially happen to each one of you, yeah
Truth is me, now
Now, the truth is about me
I've been painting a picture of Angola
I have been vividly describing Angola
Louisiana down in St charles Parish
Located within St. Charles Parish, Louisiana
Where the sun won't go alone
Where darkness and injustice persist
Yeah, but injustice is not
However, injustice is not limited to
Confined to Angola, louisiana
Restricted primarily to Angola, Louisiana
Well, it can be in your living room
Certainly, it can infiltrate your personal space
Brother Tyler, hold on, be strong
Brother Tyler, persevere and display resilience
You're not alone! Said I got a letter from
You have support! I received a letter from
His mother that said, "Please
His mother, who pleaded
Say something to my son!"
To say some words of encouragement to her son
Truth is: well, Angola, Louisiana
In truth, well, Angola, Louisiana
You're the one
You are the main culprit
Seem like, I say it again
It appears that I must reiterate
Angola, Louisiana sure ‘nough the one
Undoubtedly, Angola, Louisiana is the root cause
Never been another one like that one
There has never been anything quite like it
Seem like
It seems
Angola, Louisiana sure ‘nough the one
Without a doubt, Angola, Louisiana is the main culprit
The city blues is sure ‘nough news down there
The sorrowful situation is definitely well-known in that area
Angola, Louisiana sure ‘nough the one
Positively, Angola, Louisiana is the main culprit
One for Louise, don't forget Ana please
For Louise, and please do not overlook Ana
Angola, Louisiana, say
Angola, Louisiana, proclaim
Well, I'm doing fine
Well, I am doing well
‘cause could have been doing time, yeah
Because I could have been serving a prison sentence, yeah
Angola, Louisiana, say, "Hey, hey now"
Angola, Louisiana, exclaim, "Hey, hey now"
I could have been pulling time down near
I could have been incarcerated nearby
Where the sun sure ‘nough don't shine, yeah
In a place where darkness prevails, yeah
Angola, Louisiana feel like, well
Angola, Louisiana appears to be
I'm doing fine i could have been pulling time
I am doing well even though I could have been incarcerated
I'm doing fine
I am doing well
Thank you i could have been pulling time
Expressing gratitude because I could have been serving a prison sentence
I'm doing fine could have been pulling time
I am doing well even though I could have been incarcerated
Now
At this moment
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ΑΝΤΙ'
Well, I’m feeling fine
But I could have been doing time
Well, I’m doing fine, thank you
But I could have been pulling time
I know a brother man doing time
And he didn’t commit no crime
So, thank you, I’m doing fine
‘Cause I could have been pulling time
Well
[Verse 2: Gil Scott-Heron]
I’ve been painting a picture of Angola, Louisiana
Pictures of deals in back alleys where politicians often hide
But it’s much more important to me than Angola, Louisiana
Got a lot to do with justice but more with Gary Tyler’s life
I got a letter from his mother, said, “Please, say something to my son!”
Truth is: Angola, Louisiana, you’re the one
[Verse 3: Gil Scott-Heron]
Well, I ain’t never been nowhere near Angola, Louisiana
Down in St. Charles Parish where the sun won’t go alone
Well, but injustice is not confined to Angola, Louisiana
No, it can walk in your living room
As long as it surrounds your home
I’m sending love to brother Tyler, but after all is said and done
Truth is: Angola, Louisiana, you’re the one
[Verse 4: Gil Scott-Heron]
Well, I can’t tell a man not to defend himself
Not at this late stage
Can’t tell a man he got no rights, nowhere
Not in this day and age
This song may not touch a whole lot of people
Persuaded by the truth
But take a look at what’s going on, people
‘Cause this all could happen to you, yeah
[Verse 5: Gil Scott-Heron]
Truth is me, now
I’ve been painting a picture of Angola, Louisiana
Down in St. Charles Parish, where the sun won’t go alone
Yeah, but injustice is not confined to Angola, Louisiana
Well, it can be in your living room
Brother Tyler, hold on, be strong, you’re not alone!
Said I got a letter from his mother that said, “Please, say something to my son!”
Truth is: well, Angola, Louisiana, you’re the one
[Verse 6: Gil Scott-Heron]
Seem like, I say it again
Angola, Louisiana sure ‘nough the one
Never been another one like that one, seem like
Angola, Louisiana sure ‘nough the one
The city blues is sure ‘nough news down there
Angola, Louisiana sure ‘nough the one
One for Louise, don’t forget Ana please
Angola, Louisiana, say
[Verse 7: Gil Scott-Heron]
Well, I’m doing fine ‘cause could have been doing time, yeah
Angola, Louisiana, say, “Hey, hey now”
I could have been pulling time down near where the sun sure ‘nough don’t shine, yeah
Angola, Louisiana feel like, well
I’m doing fine. I could have been pulling time
I’m doing fine, but I could have been pulling time
Well, I’m doing fine, thank you. I could have been pulling time
I’m doing fine. Could have been pulling time, now
David Eskenazi
Gil is the GOAT to me. By a wide margin. Props to Brian Jackson at the same time. They made the most incredible indelible music of all time in my book.
b samoong
Wish they didn't have a falling out. Both complimented each other so well.
Mark Donovan
I'll never forget bumping into him on the tube in London. I was on my way to buy tickets for his concert that evening at Hammersmith Odeon. What a coincidence!
He had a lovely smile and eyes that shone wisdom and self-knowledge.
His concert was a wonderful experience of music and education in Truths and Rights.
KotobukiGirl
I couldn't have been luckier than to see him twice in Los Angeles, once for free way back in the olden days.
Thedearster
Do you recall your conversation?
Mark Donovan
@Thedearster I just said hi and acknowledged his presence. He nodded back - no words necessary
Richard Marshall Bowman
One of America's greatest poets.....living or dead.
Spacewrld
❤❤❤
Edward Smith
My brother l agree with your astute observation. Sadly our black giants are never recognized. But you did my brother! Thank you.
J Eshun
Happy heavenly 72nd birthday to the greatest Jazz poet of all time, the legendary Gil Scott Heron, a man for the people, a man who stood for the cause & told it as it was