The Greatest Oldies Music

Oldies Musics

In the Ghetto – Elvis Presley

Introduction

“In the Ghetto,” a haunting and poignant ballad, is a song that touches the depths of the human soul with its powerful lyrics and soulful melodies. Written by the legendary songwriter Mac Davis and originally recorded by the iconic Elvis Presley, this timeless classic has left an indelible mark on the music world since its release in 1969.Elvis Presley's Life in Photos - Rare Photos of Elvis Presley

Did You Know?

About the Song

  • “In the Ghetto” was released as a single by Elvis Presley in 1969 and later featured on his album “From Elvis in Memphis.” The song was an instant hit, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and several other countries.
  • The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of urban poverty and its impact on a young child, offering a poignant commentary on the cycle of poverty and the need for social change. It struck a chord with listeners, resonating with their empathy and social consciousness.
  • The distinctive arrangement of “In the Ghetto” combines Presley’s powerful voice with a memorable backing choir, creating a powerful and emotional listening experience. The song has since been covered by numerous artists, further solidifying its place in music history.

About the Artist

  • Elvis Presley, often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll,” was one of the most influential and celebrated musicians of the 20th century. He was known for his charismatic stage presence and the versatility of his music, which ranged from rock and roll to gospel, country, and soul.
  • Presley’s impact on the music industry is immeasurable, and he continues to be a source of inspiration for artists across genres. His legacy lives on, with a dedicated fan base and countless awards and honors in his name.

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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

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Long before the iron gates of Graceland, Hollywood spotlights, and hysterical fans, a young Elvis was soaking in every musical current around him in Tupelo, Mississippi. He listened to spiritual gospel in church, traditional country tunes, and the raw rhythm and blues of Black artists that ultimately molded his artistic DNA. Those diverse sounds seeped straight into his soul. Decades later, when he stepped up to a microphone, it rarely felt like a standard performance—instead, it seemed as though he was completely breathing and living inside the music.

In his twilight years, Elvis Presley found himself trapped in a heartbreaking paradox. While roaring crowds would leap to their feet the second he stepped on stage, the moment the show ended, he retreated to a physical shell that was quietly failing him. Chronic exhaustion, deep-seated health struggles, insomnia, and an overreliance on prescription drugs had woven a web of declining well-being. The titan the world viewed as larger than life was revealing an intensely vulnerable, fragile humanity.

While other vocalists boasted flawless technique or the ability to hit breathtaking high notes, Elvis Presley was gifted with an uncoachable magic. His voice possessed a chameleon-like quality, shifting its character in a heartbeat. It could ooze mischief and menace one second, melt into tender vulnerability the next, and then swell with enough force to command a massive stadium. You didn’t even need to catch a glimpse of him to recognize that unmistakable sound.

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