Plastic Man
Survival Struggles: Life in the Ghetto
Lyrics
Where I was born ev'rything was dull and dingy
Describes the dull and grim environment of the narrator's birthplace.
I lived in a place they called "The Inner City"
The narrator resided in a location referred to as "The Inner City."
Getting ahead was strictly a no no
Progressing or succeeding was difficult or impossible.
'Cause nobody cares what happens to the folks
There's a lack of concern or interest in the well-being of people from the ghetto.
That live in the ghetto
Emphasizes the residence of people in poverty-stricken areas.
Thousands of lives wasting away
Many lives are being wasted or not reaching their potential.
People living from day to day
Individuals surviving one day at a time.
It's a challenge just staying alive
Life is a struggle merely to survive.
'Cause in the ghetto only the strong survive
Strength is necessary to endure the difficulties of life in the ghetto.
Money I ain't got none, job can't find one
The narrator lacks money and employment opportunities.
The streets raised me from a baby, ooh
Implies a lack of parental guidance, suggesting the streets influenced the narrator's upbringing.
Thousands of lives wasting away
Reiteration of lives being wasted or not fully lived.
People living from day to day
People surviving day by day, struggling to get by.
It's a challenge just staying alive
Emphasizes the challenging nature of survival.
'Cause in the ghetto only the strong survive
Highlights the necessity for strength to endure the harsh realities of the ghetto.
Broken down homes, kids strung out
Describes the deteriorated state of homes and children affected by drugs.
They don't even know what life's all about
Children growing up without understanding the true essence of life.
Stealin' cars, robbin' bars
Engagement in criminal activities like stealing cars and robbing.
Mugging, drugs, rat infested
Mentions illegal activities and the presence of rats in the area.
And no one's interested
Indicates a lack of concern or help from external sources.
Kids dodging cars for recreation
Children risking their lives for fun, adding to their mothers' worries.
Only adds to a mother's frustration
Further challenges and stress for mothers due to their children's risky behavior.
Break-ins, folks comin' home
Instances of home invasions, causing distress upon returning home.
And finding all their possessions gone
Victims discovering their possessions missing due to thefts.
Oh it's an every day thing, well well, in the ghetto
Reiteration of the everyday struggles faced by people living in the ghetto.
Oh it's an every day thing in the ghetto
Emphasizes the regularity of challenges and hardships in the ghetto.
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