The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

written by Micayla Sutton

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“The first change that takes place is in your mind. You have to change your mind before you change the way you live and the way you move. So when we said that the revolution will not be televised, we’re saying that the thing that’s going to change people is something that no one will ever be able to capture on film. It’ll just be something you see and all of a sudden you realize, I’m on the wrong page, or I’m on the right page but I’m on the wrong note.” -- Gil Scott-Heron

"The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" was written by Gil Scott-Heron in 1970. His lyrics depict the influence of television and the power that news outlets hold over public opinion, while also criticizing American consumerism and a sheep-like mindset. This song was never a hit, which effectively proves his point that efforts to revolutionize are often silenced by those in power.

The most interesting aspect of this song, however, is its relevance in today's world. His words accurately depict current-day America, despite the fact that they were written fifty years ago. The media still has a large hand in controlling the public opinion, and only provide information that has been paid for and approved by corporate sponsors. Although the news does provide accurate information intermittently, there is no such thing as unbiased news, simply because all news sources have sponsors to satisfy.

In an interview done in 1990, Gil comments further on this song, providing more insight to why he wrote it. He describes the revolution as mental, and says that the revolution will not be televised because it can't be. The revolution is an internal change, and whatever is presented in the news will not be indicative of that.

In fifty years, the same issues are still prominent in our society, despite promises and appearances to change. Fifty years ago, people were in the streets protesting for equal treatment. Today, these same circumstances prevail. Revolutionary change begins inside one's self. Until we can all get to that place, the revolution will not only not be televised; it will be stationary.