The song "Story Of The Pauper" by Ghetts is a powerful commentary on the struggles faced by people in lower-income communities, particularly during times of economic hardship and unemployment. The lyrics depict the harsh reality of individuals losing their jobs and the impact it has on their families and communities. The song begins by highlighting the widespread issue of redundancy, with the artist's own family and friends being affected. Ghetts emphasizes the dependence on a lump sum payment and mentions that some people may not even receive a salary at the end of the month. This leads to desperation and potentially criminal activity, as portrayed when he questions how one can tell a child not to resort to robbery when their role models have lost their jobs. Ghetts also addresses the struggles faced by those on job seekers' allowances, acknowledging that it is not a viable solution for everyone. He recognizes that relying on a pellet gun (symbolic of a powerless weapon) can no longer provide any real power or help. The artist highlights the story of the pauper, where the rich continue to accumulate wealth while the poor become even poorer. He acknowledges that only a small proportion of individuals manage to escape their circumstances, but these cases are rare and not easily achieved. Ghetts also explores the pressures and obstacles faced by individuals attempting to break free from their disadvantaged backgrounds. He mentions the sacrifices and efforts made by successful figures like Naomi Campbell and Levi Roots, emphasizing the lengths they had to go through to achieve success. The song also touches on the challenges faced by individuals from impoverished communities in trying to progress. Ghetts describes how people from the same background often hinder one another, making it difficult to escape the cycle of poverty. He refers to the "bulletproof" mentality that individuals develop to protect themselves from these setbacks. The artist also criticizes those from more privileged backgrounds, implying that they may not understand or relate to the struggles faced by lower-class communities. He questions whether their lives are truly as perfect as they seem and suggests that they may hide their own struggles behind closed doors. Throughout the song, Ghetts expresses his own personal experiences and frustrations, speaking from a place of understanding the struggles faced by those living in poverty. He touches on the pressure to maintain appearances and acknowledges his own battles with depression and stress. Ultimately, "Story Of The Pauper" serves as a call to shed light on the systemic issues faced by lower-income communities and the need for society to address these inequalities. It encourages listeners to question and challenge the narratives presented by the government and the media, urging them to empathize and understand the hardships faced by those less fortunate. Overall, the song is a thought-provoking and introspective piece that explores the realities of poverty, unemployment, and social inequality, highlighting the struggles faced by individuals within disadvantaged communities.
