Ghetto
Akon Lyrics

Ghetto, ghetto
The repetition of 'ghetto' emphasizes the harsh realities of living in a poverty-stricken neighborhood.

Ghetto, ghetto livin'
Living in the ghetto is a never-ending struggle that encompasses all aspects of daily life.

These streets remind me of quicksand (quicksand)
The ghetto is a dangerous trap that slowly pulls you down, making it hard to move forward.

When you're on it, you'll keep goin' down (goin' down)
Once you're caught in the cycle of poverty and violence, it's hard to break free and move towards a better life.

And there's no one to hold on to
People living in the ghetto often lack a support system to help them overcome their struggles.

And there's no one to pull you out
Without any outside help or resources, it's difficult to escape the cycle of poverty and violence in the ghetto.

You keep on fallin' (fallin')
The longer you stay in the ghetto, the harder it is to overcome the obstacles and challenges you face.

No one can hear you callin'
People who are struggling in the ghetto often feel ignored and forgotten by society.

So you end up self-destructin'
The constant stress and negativity of ghetto life can lead to self-destructive behavior and poor choices.

On the corner with the tuli on the waistline
A reference to carrying a gun for protection in the dangerous streets of the ghetto.

Just got up out the bing doin' state time
A reference to being released from prison or serving time for a crime committed in the ghetto.

Teeth marks on my back from the K-9
A reference to being bitten by a police dog during an arrest in the ghetto.

Dark memories of when there was no sunshine
The poverty and violence in the ghetto can make it hard to find any positivity or hope for a brighter future.

'Cause they said that I wouldn't make it
People from the ghetto are often judged and underestimated by society, making it a challenge to break free from the expectations placed on them.

I remember like yesterday
The memories of past struggles and hardships are still fresh in the songwriter's mind.

Holdin' on to what God gave me
Faith is a powerful tool for those living in the ghetto, providing a sense of hope and strength to endure the challenges they face.

'Cause that's the life when you're livin' in the (ghetto)
Living in the ghetto means constantly facing obstacles and challenges that affect all aspects of daily life.

And eatin' in the (ghetto)
Even basic necessities like food can be difficult to access or afford in the ghetto.

Oh, sleepin' in the (ghetto)
Finding a safe and comfortable place to sleep can be a challenge in the dangerous and overcrowded conditions of the ghetto.

Ghetto, that's the life (ghetto livin')
Living in the ghetto is a harsh reality that many people face every day.

No need to cherish luxuries
People in the ghetto often do not have access to basic luxuries like healthcare, education or safe housing, so they learn to live without them.

'Cause everything come and go
In the ghetto, nothing is permanent or guaranteed, and people learn not to take anything for granted.

Even the life that you have is borrowed
Life in the ghetto can be dangerous and unpredictable, and people learn to appreciate and value each day they have.

'Cause you're not promised tomorrow
In the ghetto, life expectancy is often shorter due to violence, poverty and lack of access to healthcare.

So live your life as if every day is gon' be your last (be your last)
People in the ghetto learn to cherish each moment and live life to the fullest, not knowing if it could be the last.

Once you've moved forward, can't go back just pretend to remove your past (remove your past)
Moving beyond the hardships of the ghetto is difficult, and people often have to work hard to create a new life for themselves while still dealing with past traumas and experiences.

'Cause you gotta be willin' to pray
Religion and faith are important tools for many in the ghetto, providing hope, comfort and strength to overcome their struggles.

Yes, there gotta be, there gotta be a better way, oh
Despite the struggles and hardships of the ghetto, people hold onto the hope that there is a better way of life out there.

Whoever said that this struggle would stop today?
Overcoming the obstacles of ghetto life is an ongoing battle that takes time and resilience.

A lot a n*****s dead or locked away
The violence and lack of opportunity in the ghetto often leads to premature death or incarceration for many young people.

Teenage women growin' up with AIDS
The lack of affordable healthcare, education and protection in the ghetto can lead to the spread of diseases like AIDS.

Gun shots every night in the (ghetto)
The sound of gunshots has become a regular occurrence in the ghetto, indicating the prevalence of violence and lack of safety.

Crooked cops on sight in the (ghetto)
Police brutality and corruption are major issues that affect many in the ghetto, leading to feelings of distrust and resentment towards law enforcement.

Everyday is a fight in the (ghetto)
The struggle to survive and overcome obstacles is a daily reality for those living in the ghetto.

Got kids to feed in the (ghetto)
Parents in the ghetto struggle to provide for their families and provide basic necessities like food, shelter and healthcare for their children.

Sellin' coke and weed in the (ghetto)
The lack of job opportunities and other legal means of making money can lead people in the ghetto to resort to selling drugs as a means of survival.

Everyday somebody bleed in the (ghetto)
The prevalence of violence and lack of safety in the ghetto often leads to people getting hurt or killed on a regular basis.

Oh, livin' by the (ghetto)
The conditions of ghetto life can be so harsh that they start to bleed into other surrounding areas and affect the people living there.

Sleepin' in the (ghetto)
Finding a safe and comfortable place to sleep can be a challenge in the dangerous and overcrowded conditions of the ghetto.

Livin' in the (ghetto)
Living in the ghetto means constantly facing obstacles and challenges that affect all aspects of daily life.

Ghetto
The repetition of 'ghetto' emphasizes the harsh realities of living in a poverty-stricken neighborhood.

Ghetto, ghetto (ghetto livin')
Living in the ghetto is a never-ending struggle that encompasses all aspects of daily life.