About the song
**Elvis Presley – In The Ghetto (1969)** is a poignant and socially conscious ballad that marks a significant departure from the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s usual musical style. Released in 1969, the song embodies a blend of **country**, **pop**, and **soul**, reflecting the evolving cultural landscape of the late 1960s. Written by **Mac Davis**, it tells the story of a young boy born into poverty in a rundown neighborhood, with the lyrics exploring the cyclical nature of poverty and the harsh realities of inner-city life.
At first glance, **In The Ghetto** might seem like a simple narrative, but it is infused with a deep sense of social commentary. Elvis, known for his powerful voice and stage presence, uses his vocal ability here to convey a raw emotional weight, adding a layer of **empathy** that connects with listeners of all generations. The song’s sparse arrangement—a stark contrast to many of his more upbeat hits—lets the message take center stage, emphasizing the heartbreak and inevitability in the story. It’s a sharp contrast to the glamour associated with **Presley**’s name, offering an unflinching look at the struggles of the less fortunate.
The 1960s was a time of significant social and political change, and **In The Ghetto** tapped into this climate, offering a perspective that wasn’t often heard in popular music at the time. By embracing such a subject matter, **Elvis Presley** not only broadened his musical scope but also demonstrated his awareness of the struggles that existed outside the celebrity sphere. His role as an artist became one of social relevance, helping to illuminate important issues like **poverty**, **race**, and the **cycle of violence** that often accompanies disenfranchisement.
**In The Ghetto** stands as a testament to **Elvis Presley**’s versatility as an artist, showcasing his ability to tackle serious, reflective topics while maintaining his status as a cultural icon. Its message remains as relevant today as it was over fifty years ago, a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by the less privileged, and an example of music’s power to reflect, comment, and influence society.
Video
Lyrics
As the snow flies
On a cold and gray Chicago mornin’
A poor little baby child is born
In the ghetto
(In the ghetto)
And his mama cries
‘Cause if there’s one thing that she don’t need
It is another hungry mouth to feed
In the ghetto
(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
(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
(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
(In the ghetto)
And as her young man dies
(In the ghetto)
On a cold and gray Chicago mornin’
Another little baby child is born
In the ghetto
(In the ghetto)
And his mama cries
(In the ghetto)
(In the ghetto)
(Ah)
