About the song
Elvis Presley’s “In the Ghetto”: A Timeless Lament
In the annals of American music, few songs have resonated as deeply or as enduringly as Elvis Presley’s “In the Ghetto”. Released in 1969 at a pivotal moment in American history, this haunting ballad offers a poignant commentary on the cycle of poverty and inequality that has plagued marginalized communities for generations.
Penned by Mac Davis, “In the Ghetto” paints a vivid picture of a life trapped by circumstance. The song follows a young boy born into poverty, doomed to repeat the mistakes of his predecessors. Through Presley’s soulful vocals, we witness the cyclical nature of hardship, where one generation’s struggles become the legacy of the next.
The song’s lyrics are both simple and profound. Davis’s masterful storytelling weaves a tale of despair and hope, inviting listeners to empathize with the protagonist’s plight. The lines, “And then that night when the man came and took him away, They said he was a thief, but I saw him say: ‘Come on baby, don’t you cry, I’ll love you till I die,'” are particularly poignant, highlighting the destructive impact of poverty on human relationships.
Beyond its social commentary, “In the Ghetto” is a testament to Presley’s versatility as an artist. While he is perhaps best known for his rock and roll anthems, this ballad showcases his ability to convey a wide range of emotions with nuance and depth. Presley’s performance is both restrained and powerful, allowing the lyrics to take center stage.
The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to several factors. First, its timeless message resonates with audiences across generations. The cycle of poverty and inequality remains a pressing issue in many parts of the world, making “In the Ghetto” as relevant today as it was when it was first released. Second, the song’s musical arrangement is both beautiful and haunting, creating a mood that is both sorrowful and hopeful. Finally, Presley’s iconic status ensures that “In the Ghetto” will continue to be discovered by new generations of listeners.
In conclusion, Elvis Presley’s “In The Ghetto” is a masterpiece of American songwriting. Its powerful lyrics, combined with Presley’s soulful performance, have made it a timeless classic. The song continues to inspire and challenge listeners to consider the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and inequality.
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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)
