🎙️ARTIST: Gil Scott Heron
📣TITLE: Angel Dust
💿ALBUM: Secrets
📆RELEASED: (1978)
📍Firebarzzz’s Quotes
« Angel Dust » is an iconic song by Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson, released in 1978 on their album « Secrets ». Produced by Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson, the song was written by Gil Scott-Heron himself.
Brian Jackson, pianist and keyboard bass player, also contributed to the musical arrangements, showcasing his talent through various instruments such as the electric piano, flute, and synthesizer. Background vocals were provided by Julia Waters, Marti McCall, and Maxine Waters, adding distinct vocal depth to the composition.
Recorded at TONTO studio in Santa Monica, California, the song benefited from the engineering expertise of Malcolm Cecil and Lenny Peterzell, who also participated in the mixing process. Alvin Taylor played drums, while Barnett Williams added conga and percussion rhythms, and Greg Phillinganes enriched the composition with his electric piano and synthesizer.
« Angel Dust » addresses social and political themes dear to Gil Scott-Heron, denouncing the ravages of drugs in urban communities. The song offers a poignant reflection on the destructive effects of drugs and the traps of addiction.
Angel Dust, also known as PCP (Phencyclidine), is a synthetic hallucinogenic drug that gained popularity in the 1970s. Initially developed as a veterinary anesthetic, it was diverted for recreational purposes.
Angel Dust acts by disrupting neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to hallucinatory effects, sensory distortions, and alterations in the perception of reality. Its side effects can be extremely dangerous, often causing unpredictable and violent behaviors among users.
Over the years, Angel Dust has become synonymous with social devastation, being associated with mental health crises, aggressive behaviors, and psychological traumas among those who abuse it. Its use has inspired numerous artistic works, including the eponymous song by Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson, which unequivocally denounces the ravages of drugs in society.
~~~~
Gil Scott-Heron was born on April 1, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, United States. He grew up in Jackson, Tennessee, where he was raised by his grandmother. Early on, he showed an interest in poetry and music, and began writing poems at the age of 13. His family moved to New York while he was a teenager, where he continued to develop his artistic talent.
Education and Political Engagement: Gil Scott-Heron attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, where he studied literature and was heavily influenced by the social justice movements of the 1960s. He became involved in civil rights movements and became a fervent advocate for social change through his music and writings.
Musical Career: In the 1970s, Gil Scott-Heron emerged as one of the most important voices in the spoken word poetry and jazz fusion movement. He released his first album, « Small Talk at 125th and Lenox, » in 1970, which included his famous piece « The Revolution Will Not Be Televised. » His unique style blended spoken word, jazz, soul, and funk, and he was known for his politically engaged lyrics and keen social observation.
Collaboration with Brian Jackson: His collaboration with keyboardist Brian Jackson produced several acclaimed albums, including « Pieces of a Man » (1971) and « Winter in America » (1974). Their work together marked an innovative fusion of poetry and music, influencing many artists to come.
Social Engagement and Personal Challenges: Throughout his career, Gil Scott-Heron used his musical platform to address issues such as racism, poverty, drugs, and social injustice. However, he also struggled with personal issues, including drug addiction, which sometimes hindered his career.
Legacy and Influence: Gil Scott-Heron left a lasting legacy in the world of music and poetry, inspiring generations of artists with his innovative work and distinct voice. His influence is felt in hip-hop, spoken word, jazz, and other musical genres. He is often hailed as one of the pioneers of rap and spoken word.
Death: Gil Scott-Heron passed away on May 27, 2011, at the age of 62 in New York. His death was a moment of mourning for many fans and artists around the world, but his legacy continues to live on through his timeless music and impactful lyrics.
📍Lyrics
[Verse 1: Gil Scott-Heron with (Background Vocals by Julia Waters, Marti McCall, and Maxine Waters)]
(Angel Dust)
(Angel Dust)
(Angel Dust)
(Angel Dust)
He was grooving
And that was when he could of sworn
The room was moving
But that was only in his mind
He was sailing
He never really seemed to notice
Vision failing
‘Cause that was all part of the high
Sweat was pouring
He couldn’t take it
The room was exploding
He might not make it
(Angel Dust)
Please, children, would you listen?
(Angel Dust)
Just, it just ain’t where it’s at
(Angel Dust)
You won’t remember what you’re missing
But down some dead-end streets
There ain’t no turning back, from the
[Verse 2: Gil Scott-Heron with (Background Vocals by Julia Waters, Marti McCall, and Maxine Waters)]
They were standing
Everybody in a circle
The whole family
Listening to the preacher’s words
Sis was crying
She alone held the secrets
About his dying
Tears falling to earth
Maybe her fault
He was so trusting
God only knew why
They were dusting
(Angel Dust)
Please. Gonna be the death of you, children
(Angel Dust)
It just ain’t where it’s at
(Angel Dust)
You won’t remember what you’re missing
But down some dead-end streets
There ain’t no turning back, to back, to back, to back from
(Dust)
Believe me, sister
(Dust)
Don’t mean nobody no good no way
[Verse 3: Gil Scott-Heron with (Background Vocals by Julia Waters, Marti McCall, and Maxine Waters)]
Sweat was pouring
He couldn’t take it
The room was exploding
He might not make it
(Angel Dust)
Please, children, it’s hard to listen, but
(Angel Dust)
I ain’t trying to run your life
(Angel Dust)
Might just seem like one more good time
But down some dead-end streets
There ain’t no turning back
(Angel Dust)
Please, children, it’s hard to listen, but
(Angel Dust)
I ain’t trying to run your life, believe me
(Angel Dust)
Don’t mean nobody no good nowhere
And down some dead-end streets
There ain’t no turning back, to back, to back
Go away from
(Angel Dust)
Please, children, would you listen to me?
(Angel Dust)
I’m in fear, I ain’t trying to run your life, believe me
(Angel Dust)
Just don’t mean nobody no good
(Angel Dust)
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