Elvis Presley: A Soulful Ballad of Poverty and Prejudice
In the Ghetto is a poignant ballad by the iconic American singer-songwriter, Elvis Presley. Released in 1969, this song delves into the harsh realities of poverty, inequality, and the cycle of violence that often plagues disadvantaged communities.
Presley’s soulful rendition, coupled with the evocative lyrics, has made this song a timeless classic.
Background
The song’s narrative revolves around a young boy growing up in a poverty-stricken neighborhood, often referred to as a “ghetto.” The lyrics paint a vivid picture of his life, filled with hardship, discrimination, and a sense of hopelessness.
The boy’s father, a victim of poverty and prejudice, is tragically killed in a violent act, leaving his son to inherit a legacy of struggle.
The chorus of the song, “In the ghetto, they’re born, and they’re raised, and they’re buried, in the ghetto,” encapsulates the cyclical nature of poverty and the limited opportunities available to those trapped within its confines.
The lyrics also highlight the societal factors that contribute to this cycle, such as lack of education, economic inequality, and systemic racism.
Presley’s vocal performance is a key element in the song’s emotional impact. His voice conveys a sense of empathy and compassion for the characters he portrays, while also highlighting the underlying anger and frustration that often accompanies such experiences.
The arrangement of the song, featuring a simple acoustic guitar and strings, further emphasizes the song’s intimate and heartfelt nature.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
As the snow fliesOn a cold and gray Chicago mornin’A poor little baby child is bornIn the ghetto(In the ghetto)And his mama cries‘Cause if there’s one thing that she don’t needIt is another hungry mouth to feedIn the ghetto(In the ghetto)People, don’t you understandThe child needs a helping handOr he’ll grow to be an angry young man some dayTake a look at you and meAre we too blind to see?Do we simply turn our headsAnd look the other wayWell, the world turnsAnd a hungry little boy with a runny nosePlays in the street as the cold wind blowsIn the ghetto(In the ghetto)And his hunger burnsSo he starts to roam the streets at nightAnd he learns how to stealAnd he learns how to fightIn the ghetto(In the ghetto)Then one night in desperationThe young man breaks awayHe buys a gun, steals a carTries to run, but he don’t get farAnd his mama criesAs a crowd gathers ’round an angry young manFace down on the street with a gun in his handIn the ghetto(In the ghetto)And as her young man dies(In the ghetto)On a cold and gray Chicago mornin’Another little baby child is bornIn the ghetto(In the ghetto)And his mama cries(In the ghetto)(In the ghetto)(Ah)
