Song for Bobby Smith
Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I know a young warrior named Bobby Smith
He's gonna be four years old
On his next birthday
He happened to be with Brian and
Me when we wrote this song
It's about new life and
New spirit new feelings
We asked Bobby "Bobby what should
We call this song?"
And he said "Ooh that's
Pretty that's my song"
And that was very appropriate this
Song for new life should be about Bobby
This is a song for Bobby Smith

Ain't you been there? Ain't you going?
Can't you taste your ideas growing?
We are soldiers soldiers of a new day
Can't you see it?
Can't you feel it in your heart?
Ain't you been there and ain't you going?
To a place where friendship's flowing?
We are brothers
And rothers and sisters in a spirit
Can't you see it?
Yeaheahe can't you feel it in your heart?

Ain't you been there? Ain't you going?
Can't you take this love I'm showing?
Got to be you and me and you and me together




Can't you see it?
Can't you feel it in your heart?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Song for Bobby Smith" by Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson have a deeper meaning that explores themes of new life, unity, and love. The song is inspired by a young boy named Bobby Smith, who is about to turn four years old. The fact that Bobby Smith is mentioned at the beginning of the song signifies his importance and relevance to the message being conveyed.


The song highlights the significance of new life and the fresh perspective that young children bring. Bobby is portrayed as a "warrior," symbolizing his potential for growth and development. The reference to his upcoming birthday represents the passage of time and the continuous cycle of life. By including Bobby in the process of writing the song, the artists are recognizing his innocence and open-mindedness, which is reflected in the lyrics that follow.


The chorus of the song emphasizes the idea of personal growth and the evolution of ideas. It suggests that individuals should be open to new experiences and perspectives, constantly evolving and tasting the growth of their own ideas. The use of the term "soldiers" symbolizes a commitment to change and progress. It suggests that through embracing new ideas and being receptive to change, individuals can become soldiers of a new day—a day filled with hope, unity, and positive transformation.


The second verse expands on the concept of unity and brotherhood. It expresses the belief that friendship and camaraderie can create a sense of purpose and belonging. The repetition of the phrase "Can't you see it? Can't you feel it in your heart?" serves to emphasize the profound impact that unity and a shared spirit can have on individuals. It encourages listeners to recognize the potential for positive change and to be active participants in creating a better world.


The final verse reinforces the importance of love and togetherness. It underscores the idea that true unity can only be achieved when there is genuine love and connection between individuals. The repetition of "you and me together" emphasizes the need for collaboration and cooperation. It also implies that change begins at the individual level, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility in shaping a better future.


In summary, "Song for Bobby Smith" is a celebration of new life, unity, and love. It encourages listeners to embrace fresh perspectives, evolve their ideas, and actively participate in creating positive change. The song recognizes the potential of young children like Bobby, reminding us of the innocence and openness they bring to the world. Through its powerful and introspective lyrics, the song inspires listeners to seek unity, friendship, and love as the catalysts for personal and societal transformation.


Line by Line Meaning

I know a young warrior named Bobby Smith
I am acquainted with a brave and determined individual named Bobby Smith


He's gonna be four years old On his next birthday
He will turn four years old on his upcoming birthday


He happened to be with Brian and Me when we wrote this song
By coincidence, Bobby was present with Brian and myself during the creation of this song


It's about new life and New spirit new feelings
The song encapsulates the concepts of fresh beginnings, rejuvenation, and novel emotions


We asked Bobby "Bobby what should We call this song?"
We inquired Bobby about what we should name this song


And he said "Ooh that's Pretty that's my song"
He responded by expressing his approval and personal connection to the song


And that was very appropriate this Song for new life should be about Bobby
It was highly fitting that a song about new beginnings should center around Bobby


This is a song for Bobby Smith
The song is specifically dedicated to Bobby Smith


Ain't you been there? Ain't you going?
Haven't you experienced that situation before? Won't you venture into it?


Can't you taste your ideas growing?
Can't you sense your thoughts and concepts maturing and developing?


We are soldiers soldiers of a new day
We are warriors, fighters for a fresh era


Can't you see it? Can't you feel it in your heart?
Can't you perceive it? Can't you sense it deeply within your innermost being?


Ain't you been there and ain't you going?
Haven't you been in that circumstance before and won't you explore it in the future?


To a place where friendship's flowing?
To a realm where camaraderie and companionship are abundant


We are brothers And rothers and sisters in a spirit
We are not only brothers, but also like brothers and sisters in a shared essence


Can't you see it? Yeaheahe can't you feel it in your heart?
Can't you perceive it? Indeed, can't you strongly feel it within your innermost being?


Ain't you been there? Ain't you going?
Haven't you experienced that situation before? Won't you venture into it?


Can't you take this love I'm showing?
Can't you accept and embrace the love and affection I am demonstrating?


Got to be you and me and you and me together
It has to be both you and me, united and joined as one


Can't you see it? Can't you feel it in your heart?
Can't you perceive it? Can't you sense it deeply within your innermost being?




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Vinyl Uploads

Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson - “Song for Bobby Smith”
[Vocals/Written By/Producer/Electric Piano: Gil Scott-Heron]
[Producer/Acoustic Piano/Electric Piano/Vocals: Brian Jackson]
[Fender Bass: Danny Bowens]
[Traps: Bob Adams]

[Intro: Gil Scott-Heron]
I know a young warrior named Bobby Smith. He's gonna be four years old on his next birthday. He happened to be with Brian and me when we wrote this song. It's about new life and new spirit, new feelings. We asked Bobby, "Bobby, what should we call this song?" And he said, "Oh, that's pretty. That's my song." And that was very appropriate, this song for new life should be about Bobby. This is “A Song for Bobby Smith”

[Verse 1: Gil Scott-Heron]
Ain't you been there?
Ain't you going?
Can't you taste your ideas growing?
We are soldiers
Soldiers of a new day
Can't you see it?
Can't you feel it in your heart?

[Verse 2: Gil Scott-Heron]
Ain't you been there and ain't you going?
To a place where friendship's flowing?
We are brothers
Brothers and sisters in spirit
Can't you see it?
Yeah, can't you feel it in your heart?

[Verse 3: Gil Scott-Heron]
Ain't you been there?
Ain't you going?
Can't you take this love I'm showing?
Got to be you and me
You and me together
Can't you see it?
Can't you feel it in your heart?



All comments from YouTube:

Jack Campone Cuhz

Classic. One of the most relaxing songs I've ever heard.

R.I.P. Gil Scott-Heron 1949-2011

COL. Enrique Armand Cesar Cruz, USA Ret.

Bobby Smith Should be about 45yrs. old now I wonder if he really understands the impact he had on Gil, Brian, & many others with this song. God Bless you Bobby where ever you are & Thank You Gil for all of the great & inspirational music you left us. Peace go with you my brother & Vaya con Dios.

Paul Jürgen-Romrig

I’ve thought the same thing, and wondered about Bobby Smith since I first bought this, my introduction to Gill when I was fourteen years old.
I’m 60 years old in June. Still playing this album, and still wondering about Bobby.
I had the privilege of seeing Gill live in the early 90s. In Leicester, England. My home city.
A loving audience of British fans that new they were in the presence of greatness.

john marcus

@yanic barrett Hello. I'm a radio producer, and I often play this song, but I don't know much about Bobby Smith. What can you tell me that I can pass on to our listeners?

COL. Enrique Armand Cesar Cruz, USA Ret.

@yanic barrett Thanx Bro.

yanic barrett

@COL. Enrique Armand Cesar Cruz, USA Ret. most definitely will do, he will get a kick out of this :)

COL. Enrique Armand Cesar Cruz, USA Ret.

@yanic barrett Please give my regards to your Dad. He & this song hold a very special place in my heart. He's truly Blessed to have known Gil intimately.

5 More Replies...

ngorman123

Tapping into the heavenly realms and the universal spirit of love and growth. So exquisitely beautiful. Miss ya Gil

Inga

This remains one of the most beautiful songs ever written. I can feel it in my heart. Thank you our earth angel

B Blakey Sr

I remember my mother playing this song on the RCA HiFi , vinyl records are the best. The album covers were amazing. I appreciate you, for posting this song,

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