Is That Jazz Songtext
von Gil Scott‐Heron

Basie was never really commonplace
He was always measures ahead
And then Ellington was more than number one

For the music and things that he said

Bird was the word back when tenors was heard
From Kansas right up to the Prez
Billie was really the queen of a scene
That keeps echoing on in my head

What it has will surely last, but is that jazz?

Miles had a style that amazes and raises
The spirits from deep in your soul
Trane struck a vein, laughter and pain
Adventures the mind could explore

Stevie and Bob talk of freedom and Jah
In their own individual ways
Playing and singing as long as it′s bringing
A message is all that it says

Well, what is has will surely last, but is that jazz?


We overanaylze, we let others define
A thousand precious feelings from our past
When we express love and tenderness
Is that jazz, jazz, jazz, jazz?

We overanaylze, we let others define
A thousand precious feelings from our past
When we express love and tenderness
Is that jazz, is that jazz, is that jazz, is that jazz?

Dizzy's been busy while Grover gets us over
With notes that go straight to the heart
And brother Ron gets it on with a bassline so strong
Sound seem to glow in the dark

I take pride in what′s mine, is that really a crime
When you know I ain't got nothing else?
Only millions of sounds picks me up when I'm down
Let me salvage a piece of myself

What it has will surely last, but is that jazz?
What it has will surely last, but is that jazz?
Oh what it has will surely last, but is that jazz?
What it has will surely last, but is that jazz?

Now say something smart, you see.