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.
Ready or Not
Gil Scott-Heron Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'd like to introduce you to
Some feelings from Jamaica
Talking 'bout the reggae ready or not
I wonder if you're ready
I'd like to bring you closer
To vibrations from Jamaica
Talking 'bout the reggae ready or not
You'll feel golden sunshine on your face
You'll smile
'Cause when the music is playing
And bodies are swaying
I wanna see you smiling
I'd like to give you cooking
With the spices from Jamaica
Take you to the islands ready or not
I love you when you smile
You never have to travel just relax
And we can take you take you to the islands
Ready or not
You'll feel as the gentle breezes blow
You'll smile when the music is playing
And bodies are swaying
Feel the beauty sing along
All the things we want to share with you
Are here in the sun talking 'bout spirit
Just you sit back we can carry you off with
The music to Jamaica
I wonder if you're ready
We got to get a move on
'cause we're going to Jamaica
Talking 'bout the reggae ready or not
You don't look like you're ready
I've got to give you feelings that
Will take you to Jamaica
Giving you the reggae ready or not
And you'll feel
Golden sunshine on your face
Give me your smile
'Cause the brothers be playing
Your bodies be swaying
Feel the beauty sing along
All the things that we want to share with you
Are here in the sun talking 'bout spirit
Just you sit back
Only one place that's so close
To heaven is Jamaica
I wonder if you're ready
I'd like to get you feelin'
Like you're going to Jamaica
Take you with the reggae ready or not
Yeah, I'm talking 'bout the reggae
Ready or not talking 'bout the reggae
Ready or not
Yeah, I'm talking 'bout the reggae
Ready or not
In Gil Scott-Heron's song "Ready or Not," the lyrics express a desire to introduce the listener to the joy and uplifting energy of reggae music, specifically from Jamaica. The song begins with the question of whether the listener is ready to experience these feelings and vibrations. The mention of "golden sunshine" and "gentle breezes" evokes the tropical atmosphere of Jamaica, creating a sense of relaxation and happiness.
The lyrics suggest that through the power of music, specifically reggae, the listener can be transported to a place of joy and connection. The singer expresses a desire to see the listener smiling and offers to provide a sense of escape and adventure. The repetition of "ready or not" emphasizes the invitation to embrace the reggae experience, regardless of any hesitations or reservations.
Overall, the lyrics of "Ready or Not" convey the message that reggae music has the ability to uplift and bring people together, offering a taste of the vibrant and soulful culture of Jamaica.
Line by Line Meaning
I wonder if you're ready
I am curious if you are prepared or open to something new
I'd like to introduce you to
I want to familiarize you with
Some feelings from Jamaica
Emotions and experiences associated with Jamaica
Talking 'bout the reggae ready or not
Referring to reggae music whether you are prepared or not
I'd like to bring you closer
I want to establish a closer connection or proximity
To vibrations from Jamaica
To the rhythmic energy and atmosphere of Jamaica
You'll feel golden sunshine on your face
The warmth and radiance of the sun touching your skin
You'll smile
You will experience happiness or joy
'Cause when the music is playing
Because when the music is being performed
And bodies are swaying
And people are moving rhythmically
I wanna see you smiling
I desire to witness your happiness
I'd like to give you cooking
I want to provide you with an enjoyable experience
With the spices from Jamaica
Using the unique flavors and essence of Jamaica
Take you to the islands ready or not
Take you to the Caribbean islands, whether you are prepared or not
I love you when you smile
I have affection for you when you express happiness
You never have to travel just relax
You don't need to physically travel, simply unwind and enjoy
And we can take you take you to the islands
And we can transport you to the islands
Ready or not
Whether you are prepared or not
You'll feel as the gentle breezes blow
You will experience the calmness as gentle winds pass by
Feel the beauty sing along
Embrace the beauty and join in singing
All the things we want to share with you
The experiences and aspects we aim to share
Are here in the sun talking 'bout spirit
Exist in the sunny atmosphere, referring to the energy and soulfulness
Just you sit back we can carry you off with
You just relax, and we can transport you with
The music to Jamaica
The music will take you to Jamaica
We got to get a move on
We need to start moving or progressing
'cause we're going to Jamaica
Because we are heading toward Jamaica
You don't look like you're ready
You don't appear to be prepared or willing
I've got to give you feelings that
I must provide you with sensations that
Will take you to Jamaica
Will transport you to Jamaica
Giving you the reggae ready or not
Presenting you with reggae music, whether you are ready or not
Give me your smile
Please give me your expression of happiness
'Cause the brothers be playing
Because the musicians are performing
Your bodies be swaying
Your physical movements will synchronize with the music
Only one place that's so close
There is only one location that is in such proximity
To heaven is Jamaica
That is almost like heaven, it is Jamaica
I'd like to get you feelin'
I want to make you experience
Like you're going to Jamaica
As if you are traveling or being transported to Jamaica
Take you with the reggae ready or not
Accompany you with reggae music, whether you are prepared or not
Yeah, I'm talking 'bout the reggae
Yes, I am referring to reggae music
Ready or not talking 'bout the reggae
Regardless of your readiness, I am discussing reggae music
Ready or not
Whether you are prepared or not
Yeah, I'm talking 'bout the reggae
Yes, I am discussing reggae music
Ready or not
Whether you are prepared or not
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Willman Musicman
I slept on this album!worth listening again,some really good tunes here!
LOST IN MUSIC
Great Reggae tune from this great man and therefore in my Groove Magicians playlist
appidydafoo
legendary
dangerousfunkyman77
Someone could share the lyrics of this song ? 1000 Thanks By advance .
Slim Jim Longfoot
My joint!!!
bandalegale
finally!
Raz Id
google metrolyrics gil scott heron ready or not.