Elvis Presley’s “In the Ghetto” is a powerful ballad about the cycle of poverty and violence in inner cities. It was released in 1969 as the lead single from his album From Elvis in Memphis. The song was written by Mac Davis, who was inspired by a news story about a young man who was shot and killed in the Chicago ghetto.
The song begins with the birth of a child in a ghetto. The child’s mother is poor and struggling to make ends meet. She knows that her son’s life will be difficult, and she sings about how he will grow up to be an “angry young man” someday.
The song then follows the young man as he grows up in the ghetto. He sees the violence and poverty all around him, and he becomes angry and resentful. He eventually buys a gun and steals a car, but he doesn’t get far. He is shot and killed by the police, and his mother cries over his body.
The song ends with the birth of another child in the ghetto. The cycle of poverty and violence continues.
“In the Ghetto” was a controversial song when it was released. Some people criticized it for being too negative and for promoting violence. However, others praised it for its realism and its powerful message. The song was a commercial success, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was also a critical success, winning the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1970.
Over the years, “In the Ghetto” has become one of Elvis Presley’s most popular and enduring songs. It has been covered by many other artists, including Michael Jackson, Tupac Shakur, and U2. The song has also been featured in numerous films and TV shows.
“In the Ghetto” is a powerful song that remains relevant today. It is a reminder of the challenges faced by people living in poverty, and it is a call to action to address the root causes of violence in our society.
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Lyric
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)