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.
Three Miles Down
Gil Scott-Heron Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
and it's damn near dawn
Another shift of men, some of them my friends, comin' on
Hard to imagine workin' in the mines
Coal dust in your lungs, on your skin and on your mind
I've listened to the speeches
But it occured to me politicians don't understand
The thoughts of isolation, ain't no sunshine underground
Damn near a legend as old as the mines
Things that happen in the pits just don't change with the times
Work 'till you're exhausted in too little space
A history of disastrous fears etched on your face
Somebody signs a paper, every body thinks it's fine
But Taft and Hartley ain't done one day in the mines
You start to stiffen! You heard a crackin' sound!
It's like workin' in a graveyard three miles down.
The song "Three Miles Down" by Gil Scott-Heron is a poignant and powerful exploration of working in the mines. The first verse begins with the arrival of the mine cars, signaling the start of another shift of men. The singer notes that some of these men are his friends, highlighting the personal connections that can be forged in such an isolating and dangerous profession. The singer then reflects on the grim conditions of working in the mines, with coal dust permeating every aspect of a miner's life. The second verse deepens this exploration, contextualizing the experiences of modern miners within a history of exploitation and fear. Though politicians may make promises, they cannot truly understand the realities of working three miles underground, where sunshine and fresh air are impossible to come by.
Throughout the song, Scott-Heron's lyrics take on an elegiac tone, capturing the weighty significance of life in the mines. The repetition of the phrase "it's like workin' in a graveyard" underscores the ever-present danger that miners face, while also highlighting the way in which this profession can be seen as a kind of slow death. By describing the effects of mining on the body and mind, Scott-Heron brings a humanizing and empathetic perspective to a profession that is often overlooked or misunderstood.
Overall, "Three Miles Down" is a poignant and affecting song that raises important questions about work, labor, and sacrifice. By illuminating the experiences of miners, Scott-Heron is able to capture a specific moment in American history while also speaking to broader themes of inequality and struggle.
Line by Line Meaning
Here come the mine cars
The mine cars are arriving, signaling the start of another shift. This is a regular occurrence in the lives of miners.
and it's damn near dawn
The miners work long hours and often start their shifts before dawn, making it difficult to maintain a normal sleep schedule.
Another shift of men, some of them my friends, comin' on
Miners often work closely with their coworkers and form friendships. The arrival of a new shift means new faces and the potential loss of old friends.
Hard to imagine workin' in the mines
Mining is a difficult and dangerous job that can be hard to comprehend for those who have never done it before.
Coal dust in your lungs, on your skin and on your mind
Coal dust is a constant presence for miners, affecting their health and mental state in addition to their physical appearance.
I've listened to the speeches
The singer has heard politicians and other public figures talk about the importance of mining, but feels that they don't truly understand what it's like to work in the mines.
But it occured to me politicians don't understand
The singer realizes that politicians who advocate for mining often fail to fully grasp the realities of the job.
The thoughts of isolation, ain't no sunshine underground
Miners work in cramped, isolated environments underground, disconnected from natural light and fresh air. This can have a significant impact on their mental health.
It's like workin' in a graveyard three miles down
The experience of working in a mine is compared to that of a graveyard buried deep underground, emphasizing the isolation and danger of the job.
Damn near a legend as old as the mines
The difficulties and dangers of mining have been well-known for generations.
Things that happen in the pits just don't change with the times
Despite technological advancements, many aspects of mining remain the same as they always have been, including the danger and difficulty of the job.
Work 'till you're exhausted in too little space
Miners work long, grueling shifts in cramped underground spaces, often leading to exhaustion and physical strain.
A history of disastrous fears etched on your face
The danger of mining is always present, and the traumatic experiences of accidents and injuries can leave a lasting impact on a miner's mental and physical health.
Somebody signs a paper, every body thinks it's fine
Business decisions made at the top can have serious consequences for miners, who may not have a say in the matter or fully understand the implications of the decisions.
But Taft and Hartley ain't done one day in the mines
The politicians and executives making decisions about mining may lack firsthand experience in the field, making it difficult for them to fully comprehend the realities of the job.
You start to stiffen! You heard a crackin' sound!
The danger of mining is always present, and a single misstep can lead to serious injury or death for a miner.
It's like workin' in a graveyard three miles down.
The comparison to a graveyard buried deep underground emphasizes the danger and isolation of mining and the toll it takes on those who work in the field.
Contributed by Lucas B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Michael
Here come the mine cars
And it's damn near dawn
Another shift of men, some of them my friends, comin' on
Hard to imagine workin' in the mines
Coal dust in your lungs, on your skin and on your mind
I've listened to the speeches
But it occured to me politicians don't understand
The thoughts of isolation, ain't no sunshine underground
It's like workin' in a graveyard three miles down
Damn near a legend as old as the mines
Things that happen in the pits just don't change with the times
Work 'till you're exhausted in too little space
A history of disastrous fears etched on your face
Somebody signs a paper, every body thinks it's fine
But Taft and Hartley ain't done one day in the mines
You start to stiffen! You heard a crackin' sound!
It's like workin' in a graveyard three miles down
Yes and I've listened to the speeches
But it occured to me politicians don't understand
The thoughts of isolation, ain't no sunshine underground
It's like workin' in a graveyard three miles down
(Workin' in a graveyard three miles down...)
Michael
Here come the mine cars
And it's damn near dawn
Another shift of men, some of them my friends, comin' on
Hard to imagine workin' in the mines
Coal dust in your lungs, on your skin and on your mind
I've listened to the speeches
But it occured to me politicians don't understand
The thoughts of isolation, ain't no sunshine underground
It's like workin' in a graveyard three miles down
Damn near a legend as old as the mines
Things that happen in the pits just don't change with the times
Work 'till you're exhausted in too little space
A history of disastrous fears etched on your face
Somebody signs a paper, every body thinks it's fine
But Taft and Hartley ain't done one day in the mines
You start to stiffen! You heard a crackin' sound!
It's like workin' in a graveyard three miles down
Yes and I've listened to the speeches
But it occured to me politicians don't understand
The thoughts of isolation, ain't no sunshine underground
It's like workin' in a graveyard three miles down
(Workin' in a graveyard three miles down...)
ROBERT PRINCE
Gil was eclectic!
love better than war
GSH ! Major funk-brother right there ! One of the best funk numbers ever , if not the best !
Go tryin`the cole mines You self !
I video recorded his concert in Stockholm Sweden back in 1991 myself !
I have never published it ! It belongs to me and his family and with respect to all BLM
people ! Keep on pushing ! Love from a 63 year-old white seaman.
love better than war
Play this in 1,25 speed then You KNOW how funky this is ! One of the best funk numbers EVER !
Ethel Steele-Robbins
Love him!
didier dominique
un grand titre hyper funky
leelevingate
Man deserves a bio-pic.
Style Dox
Andre3000 would be perfect
Style Dox
He would probably nail all the jams Gil gave us and we know he got some soul
UNDERGROUNDskateco
@Style Dox or Common would nail playing Gil in a biopic