Gil Scott-Heron - Who'll Pay Reparations On My Soul? (Official Audio)

In my older age I now think back to a teacher of mine (who was a Caucasian) and when I asked about doing a report featuring Gil Scott Heron as a godfather and architect of modern rap music he said no, and proceeded to tell me to do a report on the band Blondie as if they were pioneers of some sort and not culture vultures and thieves like many of their contemporaries. It disgusts me to think that this man isn't held in higher regard. He even did the half singing half rapping that is popular popular now back in the 60s 70s and 80s. Brother Gil Scott Heron, your legacy will remain forever and you will be remembered as the voice and soundtrack of a revolutionary generation. Rest in power good brother.

"And what about the red man, who met you at the coast, you never dig sharing, always had to have the most..." God I love this song, the piano, the drums, the harmony, lyrics, the message, Gils voice is like water, so good.

I can listen to him Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye all day long everyday ✊🏿❤️🖤💚✊🏿

this man was a lyrical genius.

This addictive tune will never sound dated. It is a wonderful musical accomplishment.

Put together a nina simone, Gil scott heron, last poets Playlist and you will feel very revolutionary

The original urban troubadour. His insights, illustrations, and communications were uniquely all his own. His delivery coming forth from the richest baritone vocals of generations gone by will be forever etched in the minds and soul of the public conscience. Rest in peace my brother. The drum still beats.🪘

Many suggestions And documents written. Many directions For the end that was given. They gave us Pieces of silver and pieces of gold. Tell me, Who'll pay reparations on my soul? Many fine speeches (oh yeah) From the White House desk (uh huh) Written on the cue cards That were never really there, yes, But the heat and the summer were there And the freezing winter's cold. Now Tell me, Who'll pay reparations on my soul? Call my brother a junkie 'cause he ain't got no job (no job, no job). Told my old man to leave me when times got hard (so hard). Told my mother she got to carry me all by herself. And now that I want to be a man (be a man) Who can depend on no one else (oh yeah). What about the red man Who met you at the coast? You never dig sharing; Always had to have the most. And what about Mississippi, The boundary of old? Tell me, Who'll pay reparations on my soul? Call my brother a junkie 'cause he ain't got no job Told my old man to leave me when times got hard (so hard). Told my mother she got to carry me all by herself. Wanna be a man that can depend on no one else (oh yeah). What about the red man, Who met you at the coast? You never dig sharing, Always had to have the most. And what about Mississippi, The boundaries of old? Tell me, Who'll pay reparations on my soul? Many fine speeches (oh yeah) From the White House desk (uh huh) Written on the cue cards That were never really there. Yes, But the heat and the summer were there And the freezing winter's cold. Tell me, Who'll pay reparations on my soul? Who'll pay reparations, 'Cause I don't dig segregation, but I Can't get integration I got to take it to the United Nations, Someone to help me away from this nation. Tell me, Who'll pay reparations on my soul?

Listening to his music truly missed but never forgotten RIP you are truly missed, All he's singing about is still going on today

This in when we made music that spoke to our souls.

Did an impromptu interview with GSH, after giving a performance at Xavier U.-New Orleans, LA. circa April 1980, others joined in, and we all chatted for about 90 minutes on various issues that were pertinent at that time. GSH was well informed on all the topics that was asked his way.✊💪**Excellent NOLA memories

Lord Jesus. 2020.... Here we are again.

So tragic that we lost him.

Gil is rightly revered for his forthright lyrics and impassioned singing on this and many other tracks, but on this particular tune he shares the vocals with David Barnes who also played percussion. The first few times i heard the song i did'nt realise they sang alternate verses and not just the chorus. Their voices complementing each other so well.

Makes be think of our religion, and spirituality being stolen as we exited the slave ships, and give the beliefs of our oppressor's having studied Dr. John Henrik Clarke, and many others I can feel the message of who'll pay reparations on our soul... nothing against my beautiful Christian brothers and sisters, but we got to wake up to our own African spirituality. Peace!! Love Ya'll!!

Wow, you were way ahead of the times, brother!!💕💯

5 minutes and 15 seconds of goosebumps

2022, August checking in!

💯💯 what about the red man that met you at the coast...many fine speeches from the White House desk! WOW this is fire like it was originally!

Touched by god, miss him so much!