Ghetto
Akon(에이콘) Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ghetto, ghetto
Ghetto, ghetto livin'

These streets remind me of quicksand (quicksand)
When you're on it, you'll keep goin' down (goin' down)
And there's no one to hold on to
And there's no one to pull you out
You keep on fallin' (fallin')
No one can hear you callin'
So you end up self-destructin'
On the corner with the tuli on the waistline
Just got up out the bing doin' state time
Teeth marks on my back from the K-9
Dark memories of when there was no sunshine
‘Cause they said that I wouldn't make it
I remember like yesterday
Holdin' on to what God gave me

‘Cause that's the life when you're livin' in the (ghetto)
And eatin' in the (ghetto)
Oh, sleepin' in the (ghetto)
Ghetto, that's the life (ghetto livin')
When you're livin' in the (ghetto)
And eatin' in the (ghetto)
Oh, sleepin' in the (ghetto) ghetto (ghetto livin')

No need to cherish luxuries
‘Cause everything come and go
Even the life that you have is borrowed
‘Cause you're not promised tomorrow
So live your life as if every day is gon' be your last (be your last)
Once you've moved forward, can't go back just pretend to remove your past (remove your past)
‘Cause you gotta be willin' to pray
Yes, there gotta be, there gotta be a better way, oh
Yes, you gotta be willin' to pray
‘Cause there gotta be, there gotta be a better day, ay
Whoever said that this struggle would stop today?
A lot a niggas dead or locked away
Teenage women growin' up with AIDS

‘Cause that's the life when you're livin' in the (ghetto)
Oh, eatin' in the (ghetto)
Oh, sleepin' in the (ghetto)
Ghetto, that's the life (ghetto livin')
When you're livin' in the (ghetto)
Oh, eatin' in the (ghetto)
Oh, sleepin' in the (ghetto) ghetto (ghetto livin')

Gun shots every night in the (ghetto)
Crooked cops on sight in the (ghetto)
Everyday is a fight in the (ghetto)
Oh oh oh oh oh (ghetto livin')
Got kids to feed in the (ghetto)
Sellin' coke and weed in the (ghetto)
Everyday somebody bleed in the (ghetto)
Oh oh oh oh oh (ghetto livin')

That's the life when you're livin' in the (ghetto)
Oh, livin' by the (ghetto)
Oh eatin' in the (ghetto)
Ghetto

That's the life when you're livin' in the (ghetto)
Oh, sleepin' in the (ghetto)




Livin' in the (ghetto)
Ghetto, ghetto (ghetto livin')

Overall Meaning

The song "Ghetto" by Akon talks about the harsh reality of living in impoverished communities. The chorus "Ghetto, ghetto livin'" illustrates the repetitive and cyclical nature of poverty and the daily struggle to survive. The first verse describes the feeling of being stuck in a rough neighborhood - similar to quicksand - where there seems to be no escape or helping hand. The singer mentions a stint in prison and injuries sustained from law enforcement, demonstrating the criminalization and aggression towards Black people in low-income areas. The line "dark memories of when there was no sunshine" suggests that hopelessness and despair are prevalent in these areas.


In the second verse, Akon urges the listener to live each day like it is their last since the future is uncertain for those living in poverty. He highlights the importance of prayer and the need for a better way and a better day. The last lines of the verse touch on the devastating impact of systemic issues such as the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Black communities and the criminalization of Black youth. The bridge emphasizes the constant danger and violence in impoverished areas - including gunshots, corrupt police, and gang activity - and the struggle to support oneself and one's family through illegal means.


Overall, Akon's "Ghetto" sheds light on the realities of marginalized communities and the need for change and support for those living in poverty.


Line by Line Meaning

Ghetto, ghetto
The repeated phrase indicates the harsh living conditions in the ghetto.


Ghetto, ghetto livin'
Living in the ghetto comes with its own set of challenges and difficulties.


These streets remind me of quicksand (quicksand)
Life in the ghetto can feel like quicksand, pulling you down and keeping you trapped.


When you're on it, you'll keep goin' down (goin' down)
Once you're stuck in the ghetto, it's hard to escape its vicious cycle of poverty and violence.


And there's no one to hold on to
The lack of support and resources in the ghetto can make it difficult to make positive changes in life.


And there's no one to pull you out
Overcoming the challenges of the ghetto is something that must be done independently, as there is nobody to help you out of these struggles.


You keep on fallin' (fallin')
The downward spiral of the ghetto can be overwhelming and difficult to overcome.


No one can hear you callin'
The despair of the ghetto can leave you feeling alone and unheard.


So you end up self-destructin'
Without the necessary support and resources to escape the ghetto, it's all too easy to turn to destructive behaviors and activities.


On the corner with the tuli on the waistline
Describes the common sight of individuals carrying guns in the ghetto, often for protection or self-defense.


Just got up out the bing doin' state time
The singer has recently been released from prison after serving time for a crime, another common storyline in the ghetto.


Teeth marks on my back from the K-9
This line points to the violent nature of police activity in the ghetto, where police dogs (K-9 units) are often used to control situations.


Dark memories of when there was no sunshine
The memories of difficult and traumatic experiences in the ghetto are long-lasting and haunting.


'Cause they said that I wouldn't make it
Others may doubt your ability to succeed due to the challenges of living in the ghetto.


I remember like yesterday
Reflecting on memories of past struggles in the ghetto is a common experience.


Holdin' on to what God gave me
Despite the struggles in the ghetto, the artist holds onto their faith as a source of hope and strength.


No need to cherish luxuries
Material possessions are not a focus or priority in the ghetto given the daily hardships facing its residents.


'Cause everything come and go
Nothing in life is guaranteed or permanent, especially in the struggles of the ghetto.


Even the life that you have is borrowed
Life is a fleeting and temporary thing, a reminder to live each day to the fullest in the ghetto.


'Cause you're not promised tomorrow
The future is uncertain, and this is especially true in the challenging environment of the ghetto.


So live your life as if every day is gon' be your last (be your last)
Life in the ghetto is unpredictable, so it's important to live fully each day and cherish the small moments in life.


Once you've moved forward, can't go back just pretend to remove your past (remove your past)
Once you've made progress in the ghetto, it's important to keep moving forward and not to let your past define you.


'Cause you gotta be willin' to pray
Faith and prayer are important coping mechanisms in the hardships of the ghetto.


Yes, there gotta be, there gotta be a better way, oh
Despite the difficulties faced in the ghetto, hope and optimism remain for a better future.


Whoever said that this struggle would stop today?
The struggle of the ghetto is ongoing, and there is no immediate end in sight.


A lot a niggas dead or locked away
The violence, crime, and drugs in the ghetto lead many to premature death or incarceration.


Teenage women growin' up with AIDS
The lack of access to healthcare and safe sex education leads to the proliferation of HIV/AIDS in the ghetto.


Gun shots every night in the (ghetto)
Violence is a constant and likely occurrence in the ghetto.


Crooked cops on sight in the (ghetto)
Police corruption and brutality are rampant in the ghetto.


Everyday is a fight in the (ghetto)
The daily battles faced in the ghetto can be overwhelming and exhausting.


Got kids to feed in the (ghetto)
The responsibility of providing for one's family is a challenge in the ghetto given the limited opportunities available.


Sellin' coke and weed in the (ghetto)
Illegal drug sales are a common source of income in the ghetto, often as a result of limited job opportunities.


Everyday somebody bleed in the (ghetto)
Violence and injury are common in the ghetto, affecting its residents daily.


Oh, livin' by the (ghetto)
The artist is immersed in the lifestyle and community of the ghetto, unable to escape its grasp.


Oh, sleepin' in the (ghetto)
The harsh realities of living in the ghetto affect every aspect of daily life, even sleep.


Livin' in the (ghetto)
The artist is a resident of the ghetto and struggles with the various challenges and dangers that come with this environment.


Ghetto, ghetto (ghetto livin')
The song emphasizes the difficult realities of life in the ghetto, repeatedly pointing out the challenges and dangers faced by its residents.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALIAUNE THIAM, BUTHERDE DARIUS, JAMES TARVER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions