About the song
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed music aficionados, tonight we delve into a poignant narrative, a ballad that transcends mere melody and delves into the heart of social commentary. We speak, of course, of Elvis Presley’s seminal work, “In the Ghetto.”
This is not merely a song; it is a tableau, vividly painted with lyrics that resonate with the realities of poverty, inequality, and the cyclical nature of disadvantage. Released in 1969, at a time of great social upheaval and introspection, “In the Ghetto” dared to confront the uncomfortable truths that many preferred to ignore.
Elvis, with his unparalleled vocal prowess, imbued the song with a soulful depth that belied his image as a rock and roll icon. He channeled the pain, the desperation, and the quiet resilience of those trapped in circumstances beyond their control. It is a performance that transcends entertainment, becoming a powerful statement of empathy and understanding.
The lyrics, penned by Mac Davis, are a masterclass in storytelling. They paint a vivid picture of life in the impoverished neighborhoods of America, where opportunity is limited and hope often seems like a distant dream. The imagery is stark, the emotions raw, and the message undeniable: we cannot turn a blind eye to the plight of those less fortunate.
“In the Ghetto” is more than just a song; it is a cultural artifact, a testament to the power of music to illuminate the human condition. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope, a spark of resilience that refuses to be extinguished.
Tonight, as we listen to Elvis’s voice fill this room, let us not merely be entertained. Let us be moved, let us be challenged, and let us be inspired to make a difference in the world around us. For the story of “In the Ghetto” is not just a song; it is a reflection of our shared humanity, a call to action that echoes across generations.
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)
