In the Ghetto – Elvis Presley

Introduction:

“In the Ghetto” by Elvis Presley, released in 1969, is a poignant social commentary on poverty, violence, and the cycle of despair that affects underprivileged communities. Written by songwriter Mac Davis, the song tells the story of a young boy born into poverty in a Chicago ghetto who, due to a lack of opportunities, turns to crime and meets a tragic end. The chorus, repeating “In the ghetto,” highlights the inescapable nature of the environment that leads to the boy’s demise.

This track was a key part of Elvis’s career resurgence during his “comeback” era. It was recorded during the famous American Sound Studio sessions in Memphis, where Presley worked on several other iconic tracks like “Suspicious Minds” and “Don’t Cry Daddy.” “In the Ghetto” became his first U.S. Top 10 hit in four years and was included on his 1969 album From Elvis in Memphis.

The song’s release came at a time when discussions around poverty, civil rights, and social justice were prominent in American society, adding weight to its powerful message. Elvis’s heartfelt performance and the song’s haunting narrative made it a timeless reflection on societal issues that, unfortunately, remain relevant today.

Elvis’s interpretation of the song was lauded for its emotional depth, demonstrating his ability to address more serious and challenging themes in his music. “In the Ghetto” remains one of Elvis’s most impactful and critically acclaimed songs.

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