About the song
Elvis Presley’s In the Ghetto is one of the most powerful and emotionally stirring songs of his career. Released in 1969 as part of his album From Elvis in Memphis, the song marked a significant departure from Presley’s earlier rock and roll hits. Written by Mac Davis, In the Ghetto is a socially conscious ballad that tells a heartbreaking story of poverty, violence, and a cycle of hardship that many families face. The song’s message remains relevant even decades after its release, making it one of Elvis’s most poignant and thought-provoking recordings.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young boy growing up in the harsh environment of an urban ghetto. The child, born into poverty, struggles to survive in a world that offers him little hope. As he grows older, desperation leads him to crime, and ultimately, his life comes to a tragic end. The song’s sorrowful refrain, “And his mama cries,” emphasizes the pain and helplessness of a mother who can only watch as her child becomes another victim of an unjust system. The cycle repeats itself when another child is born into the same dire circumstances, highlighting the ongoing nature of poverty and violence.
Elvis’s vocal performance is deeply moving, filled with sincerity and compassion. His voice carries a quiet intensity, making the song’s message even more impactful. The arrangement, featuring gentle guitar and subtle orchestration, complements the storytelling without overpowering it. This balance allows the lyrics to take center stage, ensuring that the song’s message is clearly conveyed.
In the Ghetto was a major success upon its release, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard charts. It was also a critical success, proving that Elvis was more than just a rock and roll icon—he was an artist capable of delivering music with profound meaning. The song remains one of his most enduring recordings, a testament to his ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
Video
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)
And as her young man dies
(In the ghetto)
On a cold and gray Chicago mornin’
Another little baby child is born
In the ghetto
(In the ghetto)
And his mama cries
(In the ghetto)
(In the ghetto)
(Ah)
