The song "In the Ghetto" was originally written and performed by American singer-songwriter Bobbie Gentry in 1969. It tells the tragic story of a baby born into poverty in the ghettos of Chicago. The song begins by portraying a cold and gray morning where a poor baby is born in the ghetto. The baby's mother cries because she already struggles to provide for her family and doesn't need another hungry mouth to feed. The song highlights the cycle of poverty and how it affects families. Gentry emphasizes the societal neglect and lack of understanding for the struggles faced by people living in poverty. She sings, "People, don't you understand, a child needs a helpin' hand, or he'll grow to be an angry young man someday." She questions if society is too blind or apathetic to acknowledge the need for assistance. The narrative follows the life of a young boy growing up in the ghetto. As he faces hunger and desperation, he turns to the streets to survive. Gentry describes how the boy learns to steal and fight in order to meet his basic needs. Eventually, the child becomes an angry young man who breaks away from his circumstances. He resorts to crime, purchasing a gun and stealing a car. However, his desperate escape attempt fails, resulting in his demise. The song depicts the heartbreaking scene of the young man lying face down on the street, with his mother mourning by his side. Through this tragic story, Gentry highlights the perpetual cycle of poverty, desperation, and violence that can arise from growing up in disadvantaged areas. The song serves as a poignant reflection on the harsh realities faced by individuals and families living in the ghettos, and the need for compassion and assistance to break this cycle of despair. "In the Ghetto" urges listeners to open their eyes and hearts to those struggling in impoverished conditions, emphasizing the importance of providing support and understanding to prevent further generational poverty.
