As the snow flies on a cold and gray Chicago morn
A poor little baby child is born in the Ghetto and his mama cries
Cause there's one thing that she don't need
Is another little hungry mouth to feed in the Ghetto.
People don't you understand the child needs a helping hand
He'll grow to be an angry young man someday
Take a look at you and me are we too blind to see
Do we simply turn our heads and look the other way
As the world turns.
A hungry little boy with a running nose
Plays in the streets 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
And he buys a gun and he steals a car and he tries to run
But don't get far and his mama cries.
As a crowd gathers round and the angry young man
Paces down the street with a gun in his hand in the Ghetto
As the young man dies.
On a cold and gray Chicago morn
Another little baby child is born in the Ghetto
And his mama cries
(In Ghetto, oh, oh...)
"In The Ghetto" by Merle Haggard is a powerful song that tells the story of a young boy growing up in poverty and despair. The song opens with the image of a cold and gray Chicago morning, setting the tone for the hardships that lie ahead. The lyrics depict a mother who is overwhelmed and crying as she struggles to provide for her child in the ghetto.
The song speaks to the heart of the human condition, highlighting the cycle of poverty and desperation that can trap individuals in certain communities. It sheds light on the harsh reality that many people face, where hunger and the fight for survival become daily battles. Haggard's poignant and emotive vocals bring these struggles to life, making the listener empathize with the characters portrayed in the song.
When listening to "In The Ghetto," it is impossible not to think about the biblical call to care for the poor and the marginalized. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the importance of showing compassion and extending a helping hand to those in need. In the book of Proverbs, it says, "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done" (Proverbs 19:17). This verse reminds us that our actions towards the less fortunate have eternal significance.
The song also serves as a reminder of the impact that early life experiences can have on an individual's trajectory. The young boy in the song is depicted as growing up in a harsh environment, where crime and violence become a way of life. As he grows older, he becomes an angry and desperate young man, resorting to theft and violence as a means of survival. This narrative raises questions about the role of society in shaping the lives of its citizens and the importance of providing opportunities and support to those who are trapped in difficult circumstances.
"In The Ghetto" is a reflection on the societal issues that still persist today. It sheds light on the systemic inequalities and injustices that prevent individuals from breaking free from the cycle of poverty. The song challenges us to examine our own role in addressing these issues and to consider how we can be a voice for change.
Merle Haggard's rendition of this song is particularly powerful, as his own upbringing in poverty resonates with the theme of the song. Haggard, who grew up in a troubled household, drew from his own experiences to bring authenticity and raw emotion to the lyrics. His delivery captures the pain and desperation felt by those living in the ghetto, making the song all the more impactful.
"In The Ghetto" is a timeless song that continues to resonate with listeners today. Its powerful message and emotional delivery make it a standout track in Merle Haggard's discography. The song serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and action in addressing the social issues that plague our society. It challenges us to reflect on our own privilege and to consider how we can make a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate.
