The Bottle

Gil Scott-Heron

About The Bottle

"The Bottle" is a song by American soul artist Gil Scott-Heron and musician Brian Jackson, released in 1974 on Strata-East Records in the United States. It was later reissued during the mid-1980s on Champagne Records in the United Kingdom. "The Bottle" was written by Scott-Heron and produced by audio engineer Jose Williams, Jackson, and Scott-Heron. The song serves as a social commentary on alcohol abuse, and it features a Caribbean beat and notable flute solo by Jackson, with Scott-Heron playing keyboards. The song was issued as the first and only single for Scott-Heron's and Jackson's album Winter in America (1974). It became an underground and cult hit upon its release, and the single peaked at number 15 on the R&B Singles Chart. Described by music critics as the album's best recording, the commercial success of "The Bottle" helped lead to Jackson's and Scott-Heron's next recording contract with Arista Records. Similar to other compositions by Scott-Heron, the song has been sampled extensively by hip hop artists. 


Year:
1984
3:58
96 
#1

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See that black boy over there, runnin' scared 
His ol' man's in a bottle. 
He done quit his 9 to 5 to drink full time 
So now he's livin' in the bottle. 

See that Black boy over there, runnin' scared 
His ol' man got a problem 
Pawned off damn near everything, his ol' 
Woman's weddin' ring for a bottle. 

And don't you think it's a crime 
When time after time, people in the bottle. 

See that sista, sho wuz fine before she 
Started drinkin' wine 
From the bottle. 
Said her ol' man committed a crime 

And he's doin' time, 
So now she's in the bottle. 
She's out there on the avenue, all by herself 
Sho' needs help from the bottle. 

Preacherman tried to help her out, 
She cussed him out and hit him in the head with a bottle. 
And don't you think it's a crime 
When time after time, people in the bottle. 

See that gent in the wrinkled suit 
He done damn near blown his cool 
To the bottle 
He wuz a doctor helpin' young girls along 

If they wuzn't too far gone to have problems. 
But defenders of the dollar eagle 
Said "What you doin', Doc, it ain't legal," 
And now he's in the bottle. 

Now we watch him everyday tryin' to 
Chase the pigeons away 
From the bottle. 
And don't you think it's a crime 
When time after time, people in the bottle.

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Gil Scott-Heron

Gilbert "Gil" Scott-Heron (April 1, 1949 – May 27, 2011) was an American soul and jazz poet, musician, and author, known primarily for his work as a spoken word performer in the 1970s and '80s. His collaborative efforts with musician Brian Jackson featured a musical fusion of jazz, blues, and soul, as well as lyrical content concerning social and political issues of the time, delivered in both rapping and melismatic vocal styles by Scott-Heron. His own term for himself was "bluesologist", which he defined as "a scientist who is concerned with the origin of the blues." His music, most notably on Pieces of a Man and Winter in America in the early 1970s, influenced and helped engender later African-American music genres such as hip hop and neo soul. more »

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Written by: GIL SCOTT HERON

Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


20 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"The Bottle" is primarily classified under the genre of Soul and Jazz-Funk.
Release Date
The song was released in the year 1974.
Album Inclusion
"The Bottle" is a track on the album "Winter in America."
Song Inspiration
The lyrics to "The Bottle" were inspired by individuals Gil Scott-Heron used to see at a liquor store lined up to purchase alcohol in the morning every day while he lived in Washington D.C.
Chart Performance
The song reached number 15 in the R&B charts in the U.S.
Signature Song
"The Bottle" is one of Gil Scott-Heron's most well-known songs.
Message
The song tells the cautionary tales of four people whose lives were ruined by alcohol and drug addiction.
Sample Usage
The song has been sampled by various artists in the world of hip-hop.
Collaboration
The song was a collaboration between Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson, who were long-time musical partners.
Musical Instruments
The song features a rich collection of instruments including flutes, percussion, and keyboards.
Live Versions
Several powerful live versions of "The Bottle" have been released over the years, testifying to the song's enduring popularity and influence.
Song Duration
The original track duration of "The Bottle" is 5 minutes and 12 seconds.
Stratos Record Label
"The Bottle" was released by Strata-East Records, a label known for its groundbreaking jazz releases in the 1970s.
Music Interpretation
The song's upbeat, funky rhythm contrasts with its serious subject matter, a trait common in many Gil Scott-Heron songs.
Recognition
"The Bottle" is widely recognized as a seminal track in the development of conscious rap music.
Writing Credits
Both Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson are credited as the songwriters for "The Bottle".
Non-Musical Interests
Gil Scott-Heron was well-known not only for his music but also for his work as a political poet and author.
Legacy
The song remains popular and influential over four decades since its original release and continues to be enjoyed by audiences globally.
Reissue
The album "Winter in America," including the track 'The Bottle,' was reissued in 2018, under the label BBE Music.
Modern Interpretation
The song's theme of substance abuse and its effects remain relevant and have been interpreted in various ways by modern artists, including rappers, R&B singers, and EDM producers.

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