Gil Scott-Heron — Billy Green Is Dead

[Intro] Uh, we’d like to do a poem called, uh, "Billy Green Is Dead," And, uh, what it does is point out that, um, our concern is still rather shallow. Our community-mindedness, our community orientation toward each other is still not what it should be. This is called "Billy Green Is Dead." [Verse 1] The economy is in an uproar The whole damn country’s in the red Taxi fares are going up You say, "Billy Green is dead?” The government can't decide on bussing Or at least that’s what they said [Verse 2] Yeah, I heard you when you told me You said Billy Green was dead But let me tell you ‘bout these hot-pants That this big-legged sister wore When I partied with the Alphas—what?! Billy took an overdose? Well now, junkies will be junkies But did you see Gunsmoke last night? Man, they had themselves a shootout And folks was dying left and right At the end when Matt was cornered I had damn near give up hope [Verse 3] What, you?! Why you keep on interrupting me? You say my son is taking dope? Call the law and call the doctor! What you mean I shouldn't scream? My only son is taking dope? Should I sit here like I'm pleased? [Verse 4] Is that familiar anybody? Check out what’s inside your head Because it never seems to matter When it's Billy Green who's dead