The Get out of the Ghetto Blues
Escaping Despair: The Struggle Behind the Get Out of the Ghetto Blues
Lyrics
I know you think you're cool
I know you believe you're fashionable or trendy.
Lord if they bus your kids to school
Expressing concern about the busing of your children to school.
I know you think you're cool
Reiteration of the belief in one's coolness.
Just cause they bus your kids to school
Highlighting that being bused to school doesn't make you invulnerable.
But you ain't got a thing to lose
Despite appearances, you have nothing to gain.
You just got the get out of the ghetto blues
Having the blues (struggles) associated with trying to escape the ghetto.
I know you think you're cool
Reiteration of the belief in one's coolness.
If you're gettin' two welfare checks
If you receive two welfare checks, you might feel self-assured.
You done told me you think you're cool
Confirmation of the belief in one's coolness due to receiving welfare.
Because you're gettin' two welfare checks
Linking the perception of coolness to receiving two welfare checks.
Yea but you got ten years to lose (if they catch you)
Despite the coolness, there's a significant risk of losing ten years (imprisonment).
Just tryin' to fight that get out of the ghetto blues
Struggling against the challenges associated with escaping the ghetto.
If he don't catch you in the wash
If law enforcement doesn't catch you in one situation,
Lord knows he'll catch you in the rinse
If not caught earlier, law enforcement will catch you eventually.
I know you think you're cool
Reiteration of the belief in one's coolness.
Just cause you shooting that stuff in your arm
Feeling cool despite engaging in drug use.
I seen you nodding
Observing someone under the influence, possibly nodding off.
Cause you shoot that stuff in your arm
Repeating the theme of drug use affecting coolness.
And it don't matter which pine box you choose
Regardless of the consequences, there's no favorable outcome.
You got the get out of the ghetto blues
The struggles associated with trying to escape the ghetto persist.
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