Introduction
“The Revolution Won’t Be Televised” is a famous song written and performed by Gil Scott-Heron in 1970. It is a powerful anthem for the Black Power movement, with lyrics that criticize the mainstream media and call for political action. In this article, we will take a closer look at the lyrics of this iconic song and explore their meanings.
Verse 1
You will not be able to stay home, brother.
You will not be able to plug in, turn on and cop out.
You will not be able to lose yourself on skag and skip,
Skip out for beer during commercials,
Because the revolution will not be televised.
In the first verse, Scott-Heron sets the tone for the song. He tells the listener that they cannot simply sit back and watch the revolution unfold on TV. They must be active participants, and they cannot escape the harsh realities of the world with drugs and distractions.
Chorus
The revolution will not be televised.
The revolution will not be brought to you by Xerox
In 4 parts without commercial interruptions.
The chorus is the most famous part of the song, and it is repeated throughout. It emphasizes the idea that the revolution will not be controlled by the mainstream media or big corporations. It will not be packaged and presented in a way that is easily digestible for the masses.
Verse 2
The revolution will not show you pictures of Nixon
Blowing a bugle and leading a charge by John Mitchell,
General Abrams and Spiro Agnew to eat
Hog maws confiscated from a Harlem sanctuary.
In the second verse, Scott-Heron specifically calls out the government and its leaders. He mocks the idea that they would lead a revolution, when in reality they are the ones being protested against.
Verse 3
The revolution will not be televised.
Schaefer Award Theatre and will not star Natalie Wood and Steve McQueen
Or Bullwinkle and Julia.
In the third verse, Scott-Heron takes aim at popular culture and entertainment. He rejects the idea that the revolution can be reduced to a Hollywood production or a cartoon.
Verse 4
The revolution will not give your mouth sex appeal.
The revolution will not get rid of the nubs.
The revolution will not make you look five pounds thinner,
Because the revolution will not be televised, brother.
In the fourth verse, Scott-Heron critiques the beauty standards and consumerism that are perpetuated by the media. He reminds the listener that the revolution is not about superficial changes, but about real systemic change.
Verse 5
There will be no pictures of you and Willie May
Pushing that shopping cart down the block on the dead run,
Or trying to slide that color television into a stolen ambulance.
NBC will not be able predict the winner at 8:32
Or report from 29 districts.
In the fifth verse, Scott-Heron highlights the struggles of everyday people and rejects the idea that the revolution is something that can be predicted or controlled by the media.
Conclusion
“The Revolution Won’t Be Televised” is a timeless song that still resonates today. Its lyrics are a reminder that the fight for justice and equality is ongoing, and that it cannot be reduced to a simple soundbite or news clip. It is a call to action, urging us to be active participants in the struggle for a better world.
