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.
The Liberation Song
Gil Scott-Heron Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I've seen the leaves
Turn to golden-brown
I've seen the red Sun in the autumn
And I've
Seen the leaves returning to golden-brown
I've seen the red blood of my people
Heard them calling for freedom everywhere
Blood of your people
All you've got to do is
Reach out your hand and we'll take you there
Red stands for liberation red, red, yeah
I see the blackness of winter
And I see death lurking in the trees yeah
I see the blackness of winter, yeah
And I see death lurking in the trees
I see the blackness of my people
You know they're
Calling for freedom everywhere
I've seen the blackness of my people
And all you've got to do
Brothers and sisters
Reach out your hands we're gonna
Take you there black stands for liberation
Yeah, aah
I've seen the green buds in the springtime
And somebody told me that means new life
I've seen the green buds in the springtime
Coming up through the concrete
Somebody told me they symbolize new life
I've seen the green fields of my homeland
And I've
Heard people calling for freedom everywhere
It seemed to me like
If you've seen the green fields of your
Homeland, even when you dream it, you can
Reach out your mind and someone
Will take you there because
Green stands for liberation green
There are three colors on our flag now
Brothers
One red, one black, and there's one green
There are three colors on our flag now
Sisters can you tell your babies what
They mean? I'm talking ‘bout
Red and the black and green want
You to keep on thinking ‘bout
Red and the black and green i'm
Gonna keep on singing ‘bout
Red and the black and green
And sooner than you think
The whole world's gonna know just what
We mean when we say
They stand for liberation
They stand for liberation
I'm talking ‘bout red, yes
And black we're talking ‘bout
Green it's more than a dream if
You dig what we mean
It stands for liberation
It stands for a brand-new nation
It stands for liberation
It stands for a brand-new nation yeah
"The Liberation Song" by Gil Scott-Heron is a powerful anthem that explores the themes of freedom, revolution, and the struggle for liberation. The lyrics use metaphorical imagery to convey these ideas through the colors red, black, and green.
In the first verse, the red sun in autumn and the leaves turning golden-brown represent the cycles of life and change. The mention of red symbolizes the bloodshed and sacrifice of the people fighting for freedom. The lyrics suggest that if one has seen their people's blood shed for liberation, they understand the urgency and importance of supporting the cause. "Red stands for liberation" emphasizes that red, in this context, signifies the fight against oppression and the desire for freedom.
The second verse focuses on the blackness of winter and the presence of death lurking in the trees. This imagery symbolizes the struggle and suffering experienced by Scott-Heron's people. It signifies the darkness and despair during times of oppression, with black representing their struggle for liberation. By encouraging the listener to reach out their hands, he invites them to join the collective fight for freedom. "Black stands for liberation" reiterates the message that black signifies the resistance against oppression and the striving for liberation.
The third verse shifts to the green buds in springtime, which represent new life and hope. The mention of green fields in the homeland reflects a longing for freedom and the belief that liberation is attainable. Scott-Heron emphasizes that even in dreams, the power of one's mind can take them to a place of freedom. "Green stands for liberation" reinforces the idea that green represents the possibility of a new future, free from oppression.
In the final verse, Scott-Heron introduces the concept of these three colors on a flag, representing the collective struggle for liberation. The call for sisters to tell their babies the meaning behind these colors indicates the importance of continuing the fight for freedom and passing on the message of liberation to future generations. "Red and the black and green" becomes a chant, a reminder of the ongoing struggle and a rallying cry for unity. The lyrics affirm that these colors stand for liberation and envision a new nation built on the principles of freedom and justice.
Overall, "The Liberation Song" serves as a powerful and inspirational anthem for the fight against oppression. The colors red, black, and green function as symbolic representations of the bloodshed, struggle, and hope associated with the quest for liberation. Through vivid imagery and passionate lyrics, Scott-Heron encourages listeners to join the fight and stand up for freedom and justice.
Line by Line Meaning
I've seen the red Sun in the autumn
I have witnessed the beauty and strength of the revolution, represented by the red Sun in the season of change.
And I've seen the leaves Turn to golden-brown
I have witnessed the transformation and awakening of people, symbolized by the leaves changing color.
I've seen the red blood of my people
I have witnessed the sacrifices and struggles of my fellow oppressed individuals.
Heard them calling for freedom everywhere
I have listened to the cries for liberation echoing from every corner of the world.
And if you've seen the red Blood of your people
If you have also experienced the pain and injustice faced by your community,
All you've got to do is Reach out your hand and we'll take you there
You only need to extend your support, and we will guide you towards freedom and equality.
Red stands for liberation red, red, yeah
The color red symbolizes liberation, representing our shared struggle for equality and justice.
I see the blackness of winter
I recognize the darkness and despair prevalent during times of oppression.
And I see death lurking in the trees yeah
I perceive the looming threat and violence that emanate from every aspect of society.
I see the blackness of my people
I understand the struggles and suffering faced by my fellow marginalized individuals.
You know they're Calling for freedom everywhere
You are aware that they are demanding freedom and justice in every corner of the world.
I've seen the blackness of my people
I have witnessed the collective strength and resilience of my community.
And all you've got to do Brothers and sisters
And all you need to do, fellow activists and allies,
Reach out your hands we're gonna Take you there black stands for liberation
Extend your solidarity, and we will lead you towards a liberated future, with black symbolizing our struggle for freedom.
Yeah, aah
Expressing enthusiasm and determination to overcome oppression.
I've seen the green buds in the springtime
I have witnessed signs of hope and rebirth, represented by the emergence of green buds in the season of renewal.
And somebody told me that means new life
I have been informed that these green buds symbolize the birth of a new beginning.
Coming up through the concrete Somebody told me they symbolize new life
Emerging from the constraints and hardships of the concrete jungle, these green buds metaphorically represent the resilience and potential for new life.
I've seen the green fields of my homeland
I have beheld the lush and fertile lands of my ancestral home.
And I've Heard people calling for freedom everywhere
And I have heard the resounding cries for liberation coming from all corners of the world.
It seemed to me like If you've seen the green fields of your Homeland, even when you dream it, you can Reach out your mind and someone Will take you there because Green stands for liberation green
In my perception, if you have witnessed the prosperous and free land of your homeland, even if it feels like a distant dream, you can mentally visualize it and find support to guide you towards that vision, as green symbolizes liberation.
There are three colors on our flag now Brothers
Our flag proudly displays three prominent colors, signifying our united struggle.
One red, one black, and there's one green
Each color represents a significant aspect: red for liberation, black for unity and resilience, and green for hope and growth.
There are three colors on our flag now Sisters can you tell your babies what They mean?
Now, sisters, it is our responsibility to pass on the knowledge and meaning behind these three colors to the next generation.
I'm talking ‘bout Red and the black and green want You to keep on thinking ‘bout Red and the black and green i'm Gonna keep on singing ‘bout Red and the black and green
I am emphasizing the importance of reflecting on and contemplating the significance of red, black, and green. I will continue to sing and spread awareness about the meaning behind these colors.
And sooner than you think The whole world's gonna know just what We mean when we say They stand for liberation
The awareness and understanding of the world regarding our fight for freedom will expand sooner than expected, allowing everyone to comprehend the true meaning behind these colors, which signifies liberation.
I'm talking ‘bout red, yes And black we're talking ‘bout Green it's more than a dream if You dig what we mean
I am emphasizing the importance and significance of red and black, and highlighting that green represents more than just a mere dream if you fully comprehend and grasp the implications behind it.
It stands for liberation
It symbolizes and represents the struggle for liberation.
It stands for a brand-new nation
It symbolizes the birth and establishment of a fresh, progressive nation.
Yeah
An expression of agreement and affirmation.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-nr2fp2zs5v
[Verse 1: Gil Scott-Heron]
I've seen the red Sun in the autumn
And I've seen the leaves turn to golden-brown
I've seen the red Sun in the autumn, and I've
Seen the leaves returning to golden-brown
I've seen the red blood of my people
Heard them calling for freedom everywhere
And if you've seen the red blood of your people, all you've got to do is
Reach out your hand and we'll take you there
Red stands for liberation
Red, red, yeah
[Verse 2: Victor Brown]
I see the blackness of winter
I see death lurking in the trees. Yeah
I see the blackness of winter, yeah
And I see death lurking in the trees
I see the blackness of my people. You know they're
Calling for freedom everywhere
I've seen the blackness of my people, and all you’ve got to do
Brothers and sisters, reach out your hands. We're gonna
Take you there
Black stands for liberation
Yeah, aah
[Verse 3: Gil Scott-Heron]
I've seen the green buds in the springtime
And somebody told me that means new life
I've seen the green buds in the springtime, coming up through the concrete
Somebody told me they symbolize new life
I've seen the green fields of my homeland, and I've
Heard people calling for freedom everywhere. It seemed to me like
If you've seen the green fields of your homeland, even when you dream it, you can
Reach out your mind and someone will take you there because
Green stands for liberation
Green
[Verse 4: Gil Scott-Heron]
There are three colors on our flag now, brothers
One red, one black, and there's one green
There are three colors on our flag now, sisters
Can you tell your babies what they mean? I'm talking ‘bout
Red and the black and green. Want you to keep on thinking ‘bout
Red and the black and green. I'm gonna keep on singing ‘bout
Red and the black and green. And sooner than you think
The whole world's gonna know just what we mean when we say
They stand for liberation
They stand for liberation
[Verse 5: Gil Scott-Heron]
I’m talking ‘bout
Red, yes
And black. We're talking ‘bout
Green. It's more than a dream if you dig what we mean
It stands for liberation
It stands for a brand-new nation
It stands for liberation
It stands for a brand-new nation
Yeah
@soundwave6218
Goodmorning Philly ❤️🖤💚 I just want to say that I'm Grateful for all the Peaceful areas in the United States that have killings on the regular... Philly has alot of Peaceful chill spots and I Thank God for every last one of them..Respect will be out in 6 days and I really hope that you get out to see it..God Bless you
Jennifer Hudson Continue to Love Respect Uplift Help and Support each other❤️🖤💚
God Bless you All...
@tvsuncanilijek7477
L I B E R A T I O N
@SimonHillKeepsItTrill
In university, I listened to this song every day during junior year. 2012
@Mwariama1
Thank you Gil for this wonderful tribute to our Universal African Flag. May you Rest In Power as we celebrate you life and legacy. May the rivers of our fathers carry you home to Mother Africa. Mwariama Kamau, UNIA International Organizer/Historian Millions For Marcus Garvey (Facebook)
@looking2u2
Always inspirational, gives hope and strength to any and every day when taking the struggle real. Thank you for a song to strengthen resolve.
@moniquedelatour3502
One of gils personal favorites ❤ mine too.
@daconqueror7777
Bro Gil was a Freedom Fighter & Revolutionary Thank you for your service. RIP
@brendanmurphy7562
Big Coltrane influence in this track. Absolutely superb music by a brilliant artist.
@malkum77ify
I grew up to this song!
@robertperkins1420
me too!! brother!!!