Cover art for Introduction / The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (Small Talk at 125th and Lenox Version) by Gil Scott-Heron

Introduction / The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (Small Talk at 125th and Lenox Version)

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Introduction / The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (Small Talk at 125th and Lenox Version) Lyrics

How to Format Lyrics:

  • Type out all lyrics, even repeating song parts like the chorus
  • Lyrics should be broken down into individual lines
  • Use section headers above different song parts like [Verse], [Chorus], etc.
  • Use italics (<i>lyric</i>) and bold (<b>lyric</b>) to distinguish between different vocalists in the same song part
  • If you don’t understand a lyric, use [?]

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About

Genius Annotation

“The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” is the most famous and influential piece by Gil Scott-Heron. It was first recorded for Small Talk at 125th and Lenox accompanied by percussion. A re-recorded version with a full band, was the B-side to Scott-Heron’s first single, “Home Is Where the Hatred Is”, from his album Pieces of a Man (1971). It was also included on his compilation album, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (1974).

The song’s title was originally a popular slogan among the 1960s Black Power and Civil Rights movements in the United States. The lyrics reference several television series, advertising slogans and icons of entertainment and news coverage of the 60s. These serve as contrasting examples of what “the revolution will not” be or do.

Many read the poem as a comment on government powerplay and their reluctance to popularise the concept of revolution. Heron clarified that it was intended as an ironic comment on change having to begin in the individual’s mind and the heart. The true revolution happens in places that you simply won’t be able to broadcast.

The song/poem has endured through history and many contemporary artists and media reference continue to reference it today, such as the opening theme to Netflix series Homeland, as well as lyrics from Gorillaz, Lupe Fiasco, and Common.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

What did Gil Scott-Heron say about "Introduction / The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (Small Talk at 125th and Lenox Version)"?
Genius Answer

That was about the first change takes place in your mind. You have to change your mind before you change the way you live and the way you move.

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