"On Coming From A Broken Home (Pt. 1)" by Gil Scott-Heron is a song that serves as a tribute to the artist's grandmother and highlights his upbringing in a broken home. The lyrics depict the unique and unconventional family dynamics that shaped his life. The song emphasizes the contradiction between societal norms and the artist's family situation. Despite not conforming to traditional family structures, Scott-Heron acknowledges that he was raised by strong women who played a significant role in his life. He expresses gratitude towards the women, particularly his grandmother Lily Scott, who took care of him and loved him unconditionally. Scott-Heron reflects on his early years, describing how he was sent to live with his grandmother in the southern part of the United States. He mentions that his uncles were leaving and his grandfather had passed away, leaving him without a strong male figure. However, he dispels the notion that the absence of a male figure was detrimental, pointing out that his grandmother was not the stereotypical "mail order room service type cast black grandmother." The lyrics suggest that Scott-Heron's grandmother was extraordinary and possessed an intuitive understanding of the world around her. She had a deep wisdom that went beyond what books could teach, and she had a profound impact on everyone she encountered. Scott-Heron highlights her ability to connect with nature, interpreting the messages conveyed by the stars, birds, wind, and clouds. This intuitive sense is described as a "sensual soul and self" that Scott-Heron attributes to African heritage. The song takes a poignant turn as Scott-Heron reveals that his beloved grandmother unexpectedly passed away. He expresses his sorrow and shock at her sudden departure, imagining that a heavenly limousine arrived to take her to God, if God exists. This loss left him feeling hurt and scared, but he affirms that the love and guidance he received from his grandmother, along with the bond they shared, helped him through the difficult times. Overall, "On Coming From A Broken Home (Pt. 1)" is a deeply personal reflection on Scott-Heron's upbringing, paying homage to his grandmother and emphasizing the strength and love that can be found in non-traditional family structures. The song explores themes of resilience, unconventional familial bonds, and the impact of strong female figures in shaping one's identity.
