"Under the Hammer" is a song by Gil Scott-Heron, an American singer, poet, and musician. The song talks about the difficulty of finding good advice in a world where bad advice is abundant and easily accessible. Scott-Heron highlights the importance of valuable advice and how it cannot be measured by price, as opposed to the easy and free nature of bad advice. The lyrics suggest that despite the presence of both good and bad advice, individuals often choose to ignore the good and follow their own path. They believe that they can navigate life without heeding the wisdom of others. This mindset is portrayed as being under the control of external forces, represented by the concept of being "under the hammer" from the day one is born. The song also touches upon the theme of individual control and rebellion. The protagonist sings about how others may not listen to his advice because they want to have control over their own lives and make decisions their own way. This defiance is presented as a result of feeling that they are being controlled or influenced by outside factors. The lyrics indicate that individuals may face challenges and hardships along the way, but they persist in their chosen paths, even if they don't benefit from the changes. The repetition of being "under the hammer" emphasizes the idea of being under constant pressure or scrutiny, possibly from society or external expectations. Overall, the song portrays a sense of defiance, individualism, and the struggle to find genuine guidance amidst a plethora of bad advice. It emphasizes the importance of valuing and seeking good advice, while recognizing the tendency to disregard it in favor of personal freedom and control.
