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Introduction:
Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s In the Ghetto. Released in 1969, this powerful ballad marked a significant shift in Presley’s career. While the King of Rock and Roll was known for his electrifying performances and lighter fare in the early and mid-60s, In the Ghetto showcased a newfound depth and social awareness.
Composed by Mac Davis, the song struck a chord with audiences. It wasn’t your typical Elvis tune. This wasn’t about heartbreak or fast cars. In the Ghetto presented a stark portrait of poverty and despair in the urban underbelly. The stripped-down arrangement, featuring just piano, bass, and Presley’s soulful vocals, placed the focus squarely on the lyrics.
Produced by Chips Moman at American Sound Studio in Memphis, the recording session for In the Ghetto was reportedly quite emotional. Presley himself, known for his charismatic persona, delivered a hauntingly believable performance, channeling the desperation and frustration of the song’s protagonist.
In the Ghetto wasn’t an immediate commercial success, perhaps because it strayed so far from Presley’s established sound. However, the song’s power and message resonated with critics and a growing segment of the public. It became an anthem for social justice, a call to action for those living comfortably to acknowledge the plight of the less fortunate.
In the Ghetto’s impact transcended the music charts. It sparked conversations about poverty, racial inequality, and the cycle of violence that often plagues disadvantaged communities. The song’s enduring legacy lies in its ability to bridge the gap between entertainment and social commentary. It challenged listeners to confront uncomfortable realities and, hopefully, to inspire some form of positive change.
Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock and Roll, wasn’t afraid to take risks. In the Ghetto stands as a testament to his artistic growth and willingness to use his platform to address serious social issues. The song may not have topped the charts, but its influence on American music and society is undeniable. In the Ghetto remains a powerful and timeless ballad, a reminder of the responsibility artists have to use their voice for good.
Video:
Lyrics:
“In The Ghetto”
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 ghettoPeople, 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