Lyrics to
Is That Jazz?

This version of Is That Jazz? was released by Gil Scott-Heron in 1981.

Our About Gil Scott-Heron page at Decade Lyrics includes the lyrics for Is That Jazz? from 1981 as well as all of the other lyrics from Gil Scott-Heron that we have in our lyrics database.

Here's more interesting things in songs and lyrics tied to Gil Scott-Heron or about the 1980s in general.

Basie was never really commonplace
He was always measures ahead.
Ellington was more than number one
For the music and things that he said.
Bird was the word back when tenors were heard
From Kansas right up to the Prez
And Billie was really the Queen of a scene
That keeps echoing on in my head.

What it has will surely last but is that Jazz?

Miles had a style that amazes and raises
The spirits from deep in your soul.
‘Trane struck a vein of laughter and pain
Adventures the mind could explore.
Stevie and Bob talk of freedom and ‘Jah’
In their own individual ways.
Playing and singing as long as its bringing
A message is all that it says.

What is has will surely last but is that Jazz?

We overanaylze we let others define
A thousand precious feelings from our past.
When we express love and tenderness
Is that Jazz? Is that Jazz? Is that Jazz? Is that Jazz?
Dizzy’s been busy while Grover gets us over
With notes that go straight to the heart.
Brother Ron gets it on with a bassline so strong
That the sounds seem to glow in the dark.
I take pride in what’s mine – is that really a crime –
When you know I ain’t got nothing else?
Only millions of sounds picks me up when I’m down;
Let me salvage a piece of myself.

What it has will surely last but is that Jazz?

---

Want more lyrics and songs by Gil Scott-Heron?

Gil Scott-Heron has released many songs over the years besides Is That Jazz?. Gil Scott-Heron released songs from 1970 to 2005 spanning across albums like Small Talk At 125th And Lenox, Pieces Of A Man, Free Will, Winter In America, The First Minute Of A New Day, It's Your World, From South Africa To South Carolina, Bridges, Secrets, The Mind Of Gil Scott-Heron, 1980, Real Eyes, Reflections, Moving Target, Spirits, and Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson - Messages (Anthology). Decade Lyrics has over lyrics & songs by Gil Scott-Heron.

If you're a fan of popular 1980s songs looking for more songs from 1981 or the 1980s overall, you've come to the right place!

More Songs & Lyrics by Gil Scott-Heron

Visit our Gil Scott-Heron profile for more Gil Scott-Heron songs, lyrics & info!

)