Monday, January 10, 2011

Whitey on the Moon

I was first introduced to these words, way back in '98. An Irish friend of mine, had shared the first couple of lines with me. I guess it took me a while to hit upon the full song and its lyrics. The context of this song by Gil Scott-Heron, was based on the moon race, and the white America's preoccupation with everything other than the uplifting the black (read poor). But it doesnt take a lot of IQ, to figure out that the rage behind the song, and the intent (struggle) continues, even today.

Whitey on the Moon
A rat done bit my sister Nell. (with Whitey on the moon)
Her face and arms began to swell. (and Whitey's on the moon)
I can't pay no doctor bill. (but Whitey's on the moon)
Ten years from now I'll be payin' still. (while Whitey's on the moon)
The man jus' upped my rent las' night. ('cause Whitey's on the moon
No hot water, no toilets, no lights. (but Whitey's on the moon)
I wonder why he's uppi' me? ('cause Whitey's on the moon?)
I wuz already payin' 'im fifty a week. (with Whitey on the moon)

Taxes takin' my whole damn check,  Junkies makin' me a nervous wreck,
The price of food is goin' up, An' as if all that shit wuzn't enough:

A rat done bit my sister Nell. (with Whitey on the moon)
Her face an' arm began to swell. (but Whitey's on the moon)
Was all that money I made las' year (for Whitey on the moon?)
How come there ain't no money here? (Hmm! Whitey's on the moon)
Y'know I jus' 'bout had my fill (of Whitey on the moon)
I think I'll sen' these doctor bills, Airmail special (to Whitey on the moon)

No, i am not talking just about America, this is now true of the whole world. Just replace the word whitey and moon, with your choice of epitaph.

Thank you Globalization !