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.
under the hammer
Gil Scott-Heron Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bad advice surrounds you constantly
Good advice you just can’t put no price on
Bad advice is easy cuz it’s free
But through it all somehow we’re different
We think there's nothing to it so we plunge faithfully through it
No matter how hard it rains if we don’t profit from the change
(talkin’ bout) Under the hammer from the day you was born
Under the hammer and out there on your own
Good advice don’t make it if there's no one there to take it
You’re just under the hammer totally
Now I meant to tell you something about the drinkin’
Yeah But you don’t want to hear a word I say
Naw and You don’t care what I’ve been thinking
Because you control things your own way
And since you’ve got things under control
There ain’t nothing to it ain’t no reason you should do it
No matter how hard it rains if you don’t profit from the change
You’re back under the hammer totally
Under the hammer from the day you was born
Under the hammer and out there on your own
Good advice don’t make it if there's no one there to take it
You’re just under the hammer totally
Good advice is sure enough hard to come by
When bad advice surrounds you constantly
Good advice you just can’t put no price on
And bad advice is easy cuz its free
And through it all somehow we’re different
We think there's nothing to it so we plunge faithfully through it
And No matter how hard it rains if we don’t profit from the change
We’re under the hammer totally
You’re under the hammer from the day you was born
Under the hammer and out there on your own
Good advice don’t make it if there’s no one there to take it
You’re back under the hammer totally
Under the hammer from the day you was born
Ain’t no surprising you now that you’re full grown
Under the hammer from the day you was born
Ain’t no surprising you now that you’re full grown
Good advice don’t make it if there’s no one there to take it
You’re just under the hammer totally
Location baby
Under the hammer (x5/Fade)
The lyrics of "Under the Hammer" emphasize the dichotomy between good advice and bad advice, highlighting the fact that while good advice is hard to access and may come at a cost, bad advice is often readily offered and free. The song suggests that people tend to take bad advice, even when they know it's not good for them, and choose to ignore good advice because they don't see an immediate benefit. The metaphor of being "under the hammer" conveys the idea of being controlled or oppressed, in this case, by one's own choices.
The song also touches upon the theme of personal responsibility, as the singer tries to offer guidance to someone who refuses to listen, believing they have everything under control. The final lines of the song imply that one can be under the hammer from birth, indicating that societal and cultural pressures can influence one's decision-making from an early age.
Overall, the song is a reflection on human behavior and how we tend to make decisions without considering the long-term consequences. It is a warning to those who choose to ignore good advice and a reminder that we are ultimately responsible for our own actions.
Line by Line Meaning
Good advice is sure enough hard to come by
Useful guidance is rarely available
Bad advice surrounds you constantly
Unhelpful counsel is pervasive
Good advice you just can’t put no price on
Sound advice is invaluable
Bad advice is easy cuz it’s free
Unsound advice is readily available and costs nothing
But through it all somehow we’re different
Despite the prevalence of bad advice, we are unique
We think there's nothing to it so we plunge faithfully through it
We act confidently without considering the consequences
No matter how hard it rains if we don’t profit from the change
Even in the face of adversity, we do not learn from our mistakes
We’re under the hammer totally
We are completely subject to the consequences of our actions
Under the hammer from the day you was born
From birth, we are subject to the influence of our environment and experiences
Under the hammer and out there on your own
We are alone in facing the consequences of our decisions
Good advice don’t make it if there's no one there to take it
Even valuable guidance is useless if not heeded by anyone
You’re just under the hammer totally
You are fully responsible for your actions and their outcomes
Now I meant to tell you something about the drinkin’
I intended to give you advice about drinking
Yeah But you don’t want to hear a word I say
You are resistant to advice
Naw and You don’t care what I’ve been thinking
You disregard my thoughts and perspectives
Because you control things your own way
You are determined to make decisions independently
And since you’ve got things under control
As you believe you have everything under control
There ain’t nothing to it ain’t no reason you should do it
There is no need or motivation to change your behavior
You’re back under the hammer totally
You are once again subjected to the consequences of your actions
Ain’t no surprising you now that you’re full grown
As an adult, you are not easily caught off guard
Location baby
The song closes with this repetition of the phrase 'under the hammer,' emphasizing the theme of being subject to the consequences of one's actions.
Contributed by Colton A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Vinyl Uploads
Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson - “Under the Hammer”
[Vocals/Written By/Producer/Rhythm Piano: Gil Scott-Heron]
[Producer/Keyboards/Vocals: Brian Jackson]
[Co-Producer: Larry Fallon and Tom Wilson]
[Bass Clarinet/Tenor Saxophone: Bilal Sunni-Ali]
[Bongos/Congas/Djembe/Shekere/Triangle: Barnett Williams]
[Drums: Joe Blocker]
[Guitar: Marlo Henderson]
[Percussion/Timbales: Tony Duncanson]
[Trumpet: Delbert Taylor]
[Verse 1: Gil Scott-Heron]
Good advice is sure ‘nough hard to come by
And bad advice surrounds you constantly
And good advice you just can’t put no price on
And bad advice ain’t easy ‘cause it’s free
But through it all, somehow we’re different
We think there’s nothing to it, so we plunge faithfully through it and
No matter how hard it rains, if we don’t profit from the chain, we’re
Under the hammer totally
[Chorus: Gil Scott-Heron]
(I’m talking ‘bout) Under the hammer from the day you was born and you’re
Under the hammer and out there on your own
And good advice don’t make it if there’s no one there to take it. You’re just
Under the hammer totally
[Verse 2: Gil Scott-Heron]
I meant to tell you something about the drinking, yeah, but-a
You don’t want to hear a word I say
No, and you don’t care what I’ve been thinking
Because you control things your own way
And since you’ve got things under control
There ain’t nothing to it, ain’t no reason you should do it and
No matter how hard it rains, if you don’t profit from the chain, you back
Under the hammer totally
[Chorus: Gil Scott-Heron]
(Talking ‘bout you) Under the hammer from the day you was born and you’re
Under the hammer and out there on your own
And good advice don’t make it if there’s no one there to take it. You’re just
Under the hammer totally
[Interlude: Gil Scott-Heron]
Marlo, sing! Whoo! Everybody!
[Verse 3: Gil Scott-Heron]
Good advice is sure ‘nough hard to come by
When bad advice surrounds you constantly
And good advice you just can’t put no price on
And bad advice ain’t easy ‘cause it’s free
And through it all, somehow we’re different, yeah
We think there’s nothing to it, so we plunge faithfully through it and
No matter how hard it rains, if we don’t profit from the chain, we’re
Under the hammer totally
[Chorus: Gil Scott-Heron]
(Baby, they say that you’re) Under the hammer from the day you was born and you’re
Under the hammer and out there on your own
And good advice don’t make it if there’s no one there to take it. You’re back
Under the hammer totally (Certainly, certainly, yeah)
Under the hammer from the day you was born
There ain’t no surprising you now that you’re full-grown, you’re
Under the hammer from the day you was born. Said
That there ain’t no surprising you now that you’re full-grown
And good advice don’t make it if there’s no one there to take it. You’re just
Under the hammer totally
[Outro: Gil Scott-Heron]
Check your location, being. Under the hammer. Under the hammer. Under the hammer. Under the hammer
Matrix Master
From and including: Monday, January 1, 1990
To, but not including Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Result: 10,656 days
It is 10,656 days from the start date to the end date, but not including the end date.
Or 29 years, 2 months, 5 days excluding the end date.
Or 350 months, 5 days excluding the end date.
Vinyl Uploads
Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson - “Under the Hammer”
[Vocals/Written By/Producer/Rhythm Piano: Gil Scott-Heron]
[Producer/Keyboards/Vocals: Brian Jackson]
[Co-Producer: Larry Fallon and Tom Wilson]
[Bass Clarinet/Tenor Saxophone: Bilal Sunni-Ali]
[Bongos/Congas/Djembe/Shekere/Triangle: Barnett Williams]
[Drums: Joe Blocker]
[Guitar: Marlo Henderson]
[Percussion/Timbales: Tony Duncanson]
[Trumpet: Delbert Taylor]
[Verse 1: Gil Scott-Heron]
Good advice is sure ‘nough hard to come by
And bad advice surrounds you constantly
And good advice you just can’t put no price on
And bad advice ain’t easy ‘cause it’s free
But through it all, somehow we’re different
We think there’s nothing to it, so we plunge faithfully through it and
No matter how hard it rains, if we don’t profit from the chain, we’re
Under the hammer totally
[Chorus: Gil Scott-Heron]
(I’m talking ‘bout) Under the hammer from the day you was born and you’re
Under the hammer and out there on your own
And good advice don’t make it if there’s no one there to take it. You’re just
Under the hammer totally
[Verse 2: Gil Scott-Heron]
I meant to tell you something about the drinking, yeah, but-a
You don’t want to hear a word I say
No, and you don’t care what I’ve been thinking
Because you control things your own way
And since you’ve got things under control
There ain’t nothing to it, ain’t no reason you should do it and
No matter how hard it rains, if you don’t profit from the chain, you back
Under the hammer totally
[Chorus: Gil Scott-Heron]
(Talking ‘bout you) Under the hammer from the day you was born and you’re
Under the hammer and out there on your own
And good advice don’t make it if there’s no one there to take it. You’re just
Under the hammer totally
[Interlude: Gil Scott-Heron]
Marlo, sing! Whoo! Everybody!
[Verse 3: Gil Scott-Heron]
Good advice is sure ‘nough hard to come by
When bad advice surrounds you constantly
And good advice you just can’t put no price on
And bad advice ain’t easy ‘cause it’s free
And through it all, somehow we’re different, yeah
We think there’s nothing to it, so we plunge faithfully through it and
No matter how hard it rains, if we don’t profit from the chain, we’re
Under the hammer totally
[Chorus: Gil Scott-Heron]
(Baby, they say that you’re) Under the hammer from the day you was born and you’re
Under the hammer and out there on your own
And good advice don’t make it if there’s no one there to take it. You’re back
Under the hammer totally (Certainly, certainly, yeah)
Under the hammer from the day you was born
There ain’t no surprising you now that you’re full-grown, you’re
Under the hammer from the day you was born. Said
That there ain’t no surprising you now that you’re full-grown
And good advice don’t make it if there’s no one there to take it. You’re just
Under the hammer totally
[Outro: Gil Scott-Heron]
Check your location, being. Under the hammer. Under the hammer. Under the hammer. Under the hammer
pamela greenlee
I miss Gil but brother man's music is essential and very timeless. Thanks for posting
tonewall jaxon
kicks ass today just like it did long ago.....
Diamond Cuttz
This is so timeless!🔥🔥🔥
local2458
Thanks for posting this! Thank you very much! (Been under the hammer myself recently....)
peter bormuth
I always thought it was "No matter how they arrange it, we don't profit from the change, we're under the hammer totally"
Stevon
Gil was profound!!!
Caleb Olin
This is it!
pansoyeah
SICK !!
Roy Ealy
Listen to this!!!