About the song
Let’s take a journey into the poignant and thought-provoking world of “We Almost Lost Detroit” by Gil Scott-Heron.
Written and performed by Gil Scott-Heron, “We Almost Lost Detroit” is a powerful protest song released in 1977 on his album “Bridges.” The song is a response to the partial meltdown of the Fermi 1 nuclear reactor near Monroe, Michigan, in 1966, which was a significant incident in the history of nuclear power in the United States.
In the song, Gil Scott-Heron reflects on the potential dangers and consequences of nuclear energy, particularly the risks of nuclear accidents and the devastating impact they can have on communities and the environment. Through his soulful vocals and evocative lyrics, he paints a vivid picture of the events surrounding the incident and raises important questions about the safety and ethics of nuclear power.
“We Almost Lost Detroit” resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning praise for its powerful message and social commentary. The song peaked at number 45 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, further solidifying Gil Scott-Heron’s reputation as a leading voice in the world of protest music.
With its compelling lyrics and haunting melody, “We Almost Lost Detroit” remains relevant today as a reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and the need to carefully consider the consequences of our actions. It stands as a testament to Gil Scott-Heron’s talent as a songwriter and his commitment to using his music as a vehicle for social change.
Video
Lyrics
It stands out on a highway
like a Creature from another time.
It inspires the babies’ questions,
“What’s that?”
For their mothers as they ride.
But no one stopped to think about the babies
or how they would survive,
and we almost lost Detroit
this time.
How would we ever get over
loosing our minds?
Just thirty miles from Detroit
stands a giant power station.
It ticks each night as the city sleeps
seconds from anniahlation.
But no one stopped to think about the people
or how they would survive,
and we almost lost Detroit
this time.
How would we ever get over
over loosing our minds?
The sherrif of Monroe county had,
sure enough disasters on his mind,
and what would karen Silkwood say
if she was still alive?
That when it comes to people’s safety
money wins out every time.
and we almost lost Detroit
this time, this time.
How would we ever get over
over loosing our minds?
You see, we almost lost Detroit
that time.
Almost lost Detroit
that time.
And how would we ever get over…
Cause odds are,
we gonna loose somewhere, one time.
Odds are
we gonna loose somewhere sometime.
And how would we ever get over
loosing our minds?
And how would we ever get over
loosing our minds?
Didn’t they, didn’t they decide?
Almost lost Detroit
that time.
Damn near totally destroyed,
one time.
Didn’t all of the world know?
Say didn’t you know?
Didn’t all of the world know?
Say didn’t you know?
We almost lost detroit…