Elvis Presley – In the Ghetto Song Meaning

The song “In the Ghetto” was written by Mac Davis and recorded by Elvis Presley in 1969. It was a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It is considered one of Elvis’s signature songs and a classic of social commentary music.

The song is about the cycle of poverty and violence in the ghetto. The singer tells the story of a young boy who is born into poverty and who is destined to follow in the footsteps of his father. The boy grows up hungry, learns how to steal and fight, and eventually ends up dead in a gang-related shooting.

The song’s lyrics are simple but effective. The chorus, “In the ghetto, in the ghetto”, captures the hopelessness and despair of the ghetto. The verses describe the harsh realities of life in the ghetto, such as poverty, hunger, violence, and crime.

“In the Ghetto” is a powerful song about the cycle of poverty and violence. It is a reminder that these problems are not inevitable and that we can all do something to help break the cycle.

“In the Ghetto” is a classic social commentary song that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful reminder that we need to do more to help those who are less fortunate and to break the cycle of poverty and violence.

Lyrics

As the snow flies
On a cold and gray Chicago mornin’
A poor little baby child is born
In the ghetto
(In the ghetto)

And his mama cries
‘Cause if there’s one thing that she don’t need
It is another hungry mouth to feed
In the ghetto
(In the ghetto)

People, don’t you understand
The child needs a helping hand
Or he’ll grow to be an angry young man some day
Take a look at you and me
Are we too blind to see?
Do we simply turn our heads
And look the other way

Well, the world turns
And a hungry little boy with a runny nose
Plays in the street as the cold wind blows
In the ghetto
(In the ghetto)

And his hunger burns
So he starts to roam the streets at night
And he learns how to steal
And he learns how to fight
In the ghetto
(In the ghetto)

Then one night in desperation
The young man breaks away
He buys a gun, steals a car
Tries to run, but he don’t get far
And his mama cries

As a crowd gathers ’round an angry young man
Face down on the street with a gun in his hand
In the ghetto
(In the ghetto)