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The Revolution Will Not Be Televised was recorded by Gil Scott-Heron more than 50 years ago. The song’s lyrics were about several popular contemporary television series, advertising slogans, and snippets of news coverage that Scott-Heron presented as examples of what the revolution would not be.

The song’s lyrics were multifaceted and reflected the cultural and political climate of the time.

Scott-Heron’s title suggested that mainstream media cannot capture or broadcast true revolution and social change. At the time, television was a dominant medium for news and entertainment but often ignored or distorted the realities of social injustice and political activism.

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

The song critiqued consumer culture’s superficiality and commercialism, often overshadowing important issues with entertainment and corporate interests.

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised resonated deeply with the Civil Rights Movement and the struggle for Black liberation in The United States.

Scott-Heron’s lyrics called for direct action and grassroots organizing rather than passive media consumption. He emphasized that real change required active participation and engagement from individuals rather than just waiting for it to be presented neatly on television as either news coverage or entertainment.

Overall, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised was a rallying cry against complacency. It urged people to wake up to the realities of social and political injustice and take concrete action toward change rather than relying on the sanitized and controlled narratives presented by mainstream media.

Because of these interpretations, the song is often seen as a critique of mainstream media and consumer culture rather than a literal prediction of events. Regardless of how you see it, the song’s themes and messages have remained both influential and relevant over the decades since its release.

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

Scott-Heron’s critique of mainstream media’s ability to capture or distort revolutionary moments resonates in today’s digital age. While social media has democratized access to information and enabled grassroots movements to spread, there are growing concerns about media manipulation and the biased framing of social movements.

The song’s call for active participation in social change rather than passive media consumption also remains pertinent. Movements such as Black Lives Matter, LGBT Pride Month, and climate activism have shown the power of grassroots organizing and direct action in bringing about significant societal change.

Thanks to these things, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised has had a lasting impact on art, music, and activism. It is often referenced and sampled in contemporary music by artists including Travis Scott, Anderson Pak, Queen Latifah, The Prodigy, Common, and many more. The song continues to inspire artists and activists who challenge societal norms and advocate for justice.

While Scott-Heron’s predictions about media and revolution were metaphorical and symbolic, the essence of his message—that actual change requires active engagement, awareness of media biases, and a commitment to social justice—remains relevant today.

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

As Gil Scott-Heron recited over a bass, drums, flute, and trap set funk beat in his original:

“You will not have to worry about a dove in your bedroom, the tiger in your tank, or the giant in your toilet bowl.

The revolution will not go better with Coke.

The revolution will not fight germs that may cause bad breath.

The revolution will put you in the driver’s seat.

The revolution will not be televised.”

Based on what’s been happening worldwide lately, it seems the only thing Scott-Heron might have gotten wrong is his song’s title concept.