Elvis presley ” In the ghetto ” 1969

About the song

“In the Ghetto” by Elvis Presley is a powerful and socially conscious song that addresses the cycle of poverty and its devastating impact on individuals and communities. Released in 1969, this track marked a significant departure from Presley’s earlier work, showcasing his ability to tackle serious themes with sensitivity and depth. It’s more than just a pop song; it’s a social commentary, a plea for empathy and understanding.

The song’s lyrics, written by Mac Davis, tell the story of a young man born into poverty in an urban ghetto. His life is marked by hardship and desperation, leading him down a path of crime and violence. The song ends tragically, with the young man’s death, highlighting the cyclical nature of poverty and its devastating consequences. Presley’s vocal delivery, marked by its raw emotion and heartfelt sincerity, enhances the song’s poignant and thought-provoking quality.

Elvis Presley’s vocal style, characterized by its powerful baritone and emotive phrasing, imbues the song with a sense of both sorrow and compassion. He doesn’t just sing the lyrics; he embodies them, conveying the pain and desperation of the characters with a raw honesty that is both moving and relatable. This emotional depth is a hallmark of his artistry, and it’s what makes his rendition of “In the Ghetto” so impactful.

The song’s arrangement, typically dramatic and cinematic, allows Presley’s vocals and the narrative to take center stage. The orchestral backing and gospel-inspired harmonies create a sense of grandeur and tragedy, mirroring the song’s somber theme.

“In the Ghetto” is more than just a pop song; it’s a social commentary, a plea for empathy and understanding. It’s a reminder of the power of music to raise awareness about important issues and to inspire change. Elvis Presley’s performance of this song stands as a testament to his artistic growth and his ability to connect with his audience on a deep emotional level.

Video

Lyrics

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

And his mama cries
‘Cause if there’s one thing that she don’t need
It’s another hungry mouth to feed
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

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

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

And as her young man dies,
On a cold and gray Chicago mornin’,
Another little baby child is born
In the ghetto

And his mama cries