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Title: In the Ghetto
Artist: Elvis Presley
Genre: Rock, Gospel
Release Date: April 14, 1969
Album: From Elvis in Memphis
Writers: Mac Davis
Key Themes: “In the Ghetto” is a poignant and socially conscious song that tells the story of a young man born into poverty in a struggling neighborhood. The lyrics explore the cycle of poverty and its impact on individuals, emphasizing the need for societal change to break the cycle and provide hope for the next generation.
Musical Style: Elvis Presley’s rendition of “In the Ghetto” blends rock and gospel elements. The song starts with a gentle acoustic guitar and builds to include orchestral arrangements and backing vocals, adding depth and emotional resonance to the narrative. Elvis’s delivery is heartfelt and adds a sense of urgency to the message.
Cultural Impact: The song gained significant acclaim for its socially relevant themes and Elvis’s powerful performance. It became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. “In the Ghetto” marked a departure from Elvis’s earlier rock and roll sound, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Legacy: “In the Ghetto” has left a lasting impact and is considered one of Elvis Presley’s more socially conscious and meaningful songs. Its themes remain relevant, and the song has been covered by various artists over the years. It stands as a testament to Elvis’s ability to use his platform to address important issues through his music.
Elvis Presley’s “In the Ghetto” is not only a powerful musical piece but also a socially relevant commentary on poverty and social inequality. Its enduring resonance underscores the capacity of music to address important societal issues and evoke empathy from listeners.
Video
Lyrics
“In The Ghetto”
As the snow flies
On a cold and gray Chicago mornin’
A poor little baby child is born
In the ghettoAnd 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