In the Ghetto
Urban Struggles: Elvis's Tale of Desperation and Hope
Lyrics
As the snow flies
Introduction to the setting, describing a cold and snowy Chicago morning.
On a cold and gray Chicago mornin'
Continuation of the cold and gray atmosphere in Chicago.
A poor little baby child is born
Highlighting the birth of a baby in impoverished conditions.
In the ghetto (in the ghetto)
Emphasizing that the child is born "in the ghetto," suggesting a disadvantaged urban area.
And his mama cries
The mother's emotional reaction to the challenging situation.
'Cause if there's one thing that she don't need
Expressing the mother's struggle with the prospect of additional mouths to feed.
It's another hungry mouth to feed
Describing the economic hardship faced by the family.
In the ghetto (in the ghetto)
Reiterating the difficult circumstances by mentioning "in the ghetto" again.
People, don't you understand
Calling for understanding from society regarding the plight of the child.
The child needs a helping hand
Stressing the importance of support and assistance for the child.
Or he'll grow to be an angry young man some day?
Warning about the potential negative consequences if the child does not receive help.
Take a look at you and me
Encouraging self-reflection by asking people to look at themselves.
Are we too blind to see?
Questioning whether society is oblivious to the struggles of the less fortunate.
Do we simply turn our heads and look the other way?
Challenging society's tendency to ignore or avoid addressing social issues.
Well, the world turns
Transitioning to a broader perspective on the world and its continual rotation.
And a hungry little boy with a runny nose
Depicting the dire conditions of a hungry boy playing in the street.
Plays in the street as the cold wind blows
Highlighting the harsh weather conditions affecting the boy.
In the ghetto (in the ghetto)
Repeating the phrase "in the ghetto" to emphasize the challenging environment.
And his hunger burns
Expressing the intense hunger felt by the boy.
So he starts to roam the streets at night
Describing the boy's nocturnal activities as he seeks ways to survive.
And he learns how to steal, and he learns how to fight
Detailing the negative behaviors the boy learns in order to cope.
In the ghetto (in the ghetto)
Reiterating the difficult circumstances of life "in the ghetto."
Then one night in desperation
Describing a pivotal moment where the young man takes desperate actions.
The young man breaks away
Depicting the young man's attempt to break free from his difficult circumstances.
He buys a gun, steals a car
Listing the drastic measures the young man takes, such as buying a gun and stealing a car.
Tries to run, but he don't get far
Describing the unsuccessful attempt to escape from the challenges he faces.
And his mama cries
Returning to the mother's perspective, depicting her anguish.
As a crowd gathers 'round an angry young man
Describing the aftermath of the young man's desperate actions and the public reaction.
Face down on the street with a gun in his hand
Depicting a tragic scene with the young man lying on the street with a gun.
In the ghetto (in the ghetto)
Repeating the phrase "in the ghetto" to emphasize the cycle of hardship.
And as her young man dies (in the ghetto)
Expressing the grief of the mother as her son succumbs to the challenges of life.
On a cold and gray Chicago mornin'
Returning to the cold and gray Chicago morning, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life.
Another little baby child is born
Introducing the birth of another child, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
In the ghetto (in the ghetto)
Reiterating the challenging environment with the phrase "in the ghetto."
And his mama cries (in the ghetto)
Repeating the mother's cries, highlighting the ongoing pain and struggle.
(In the ghetto)
Repeating the phrase "in the ghetto" for emphasis and reflection.
(Ah)
An exclamation, perhaps expressing sorrow or resignation.
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