In the Ghetto – Elvis Presley – 1969

About The Song

“In the Ghetto” is a poignant and socially conscious song recorded by Elvis Presley in 1969, written by Mac Davis. Here are five facts about this iconic track:

1. Narrative of Poverty: “In the Ghetto” tells the story of a young boy named Tommy, born into poverty in the ghetto of Chicago. The song reflects on the cycle of poverty and violence that often traps individuals in urban areas.
2. Recording Session: Elvis recorded “In the Ghetto” on January 20, 1969, during the famous Memphis sessions at American Sound Studio. The song’s emotive lyrics and powerful delivery resonate with listeners, making it one of Elvis’s most memorable recordings.
3. Social Impact: Upon its release, “In the Ghetto” received widespread acclaim for its social commentary and relevance to contemporary issues. It reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became one of Elvis’s signature songs.
4. Music Video: A music video was produced for “In the Ghetto,” featuring footage of Elvis performing the song interspersed with scenes depicting urban poverty. The video helped to visually reinforce the song’s message and increase its impact.
5. Cultural Legacy: “In the Ghetto” remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Its themes of poverty, inequality, and the cycle of violence are sadly still relevant today, ensuring the song’s enduring significance in popular culture.

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)