Gil Scott-Heron's song "Did You Hear What They Said?" is a powerful and politically charged protest song released in 1972. The song is a response to the violence and injustice faced by African Americans in the United States at that time. The lyrics depict the news of yet another death of a Black man, which is met with disbelief and shock. The repeated refrain, "Did you hear what they said," emphasizes the disbelief and the need for confirmation of the tragic event. The song suggests that the media and authorities portray the killing as an act of patriotism, claiming that the man was shot in the head to "save his country." However, the repeated phrase, "Come on, come on, come on, come on, this can't be real," questions the legitimacy of such claims. It expresses the disbelief and denial towards the violence and systemic racism that was prevalent in society. The lyrics then shift to focus on the mother of the deceased, emphasizing the emotional toll and despair she experiences. The song calls for empathy and asks listeners to imagine the pain of losing a loved one and being denied the right to bury them. It highlights the dehumanization and cruelty that Black communities were subjected to through the denial of basic human rights. Overall, "Did You Hear What They Said?" serves as a poignant critique of the systemic racism and violence faced by African Americans. It challenges listeners to question the narratives perpetuated by those in power and to empathize with the ongoing struggles for justice and equality.
