Billy Green Is Dead Songtext
von Gil Scott‐Heron

Uh, we′d like to do a poem called, uh, "Billy Green is Dead"
And, uh, what is does is it point 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"

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 busing
Or at least that's what they said


Yea, 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

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?

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