Ghetto
Akon feat. Tok Lyrics

Ghetto, ghetto
The repetitious phrase 'ghetto, ghetto' is used to emphasize that the song is about a certain aspect of life in the inner city.

Ghetto, ghetto livin'
This line further emphasizes that the song is specifically about living in poverty in the inner city.

These streets remind me of quicksand (quicksand)
The streets of the inner city can be extremely dangerous and can easily pull you under, much like quicksand.

When you're on it, you'll keep goin' down (goin' down)
Once you're caught up in the dangerous lifestyle of the inner city, it's hard to escape and you'll continue to spiral downward.

And there's no one to hold on to
When you're living in poverty, it can be hard to find someone who can help you out when you're struggling.

And there's no one to pull you out
Even if someone is willing to help, it can be hard to escape poverty once you're caught up in it.

You keep on fallin' (fallin')
This line echoes the idea that once you're caught up in the inner city lifestyle, it's hard to escape and you'll continue to struggle.

No one can hear you callin'
When you're struggling in poverty, it can feel like nobody is listening to you and your problems go unnoticed.

So you end up self-destructin'
Without a support system or a way out of poverty, it's easy to get caught up in self-destructive behaviors just to survive.

On the corner with the tuli on the waistline
This line suggests that the artist is carrying a weapon (a 'tuli') to protect themselves on the dangerous streets of the inner city.

Just got up out the bing doin' state time
The singer has just been released from jail after serving time in a state penitentiary.

Teeth marks on my back from the K-9
The artist has been attacked by a police dog ('K-9') at some point in their past.

Dark memories of when there was no sunshine
The singer has experienced some tough times in their past, and this line suggests that things have not always been easy for them.

'Cause they said that I wouldn't make it
Other people have doubted the singer's ability to rise above their circumstances and succeed in life.

I remember like yesterday
The singer is reminiscing about a time when they were told they couldn't succeed but have since proven those people wrong.

Holdin' on to what God gave me
The artist is holding onto their faith as they struggle to overcome their circumstances.

'Cause that's the life when you're livin' in the (ghetto)
This line reminds us that the song is about life in the inner city and the struggles that come with poverty.

And eatin' in the (ghetto)
This line emphasizes that even the basic necessities of life, like food, are a struggle in the inner city.

Oh, sleepin' in the (ghetto)
This line suggests that even something as simple as finding a safe place to sleep can be a challenge when you're living in poverty.

No need to cherish luxuries
People living in poverty don't have the luxury of caring about material possessions or other luxuries.

'Cause everything come and go
In the inner city, nothing is permanent, and things can change in an instant.

Even the life that you have is borrowed
This line reminds us that life is short and nobody knows how much time they have left.

'Cause you're not promised tomorrow
Nobody is guaranteed to wake up the next day, especially when living in poverty where violence and other dangers are a constant threat.

So live your life as if every day is gon' be your last (be your last)
This line suggests that we should appreciate every day we have and live life to the fullest because it could be our last.

Once you've moved forward, can't go back just pretend to remove your past (remove your past)
Even though it's difficult, it's important to try and move forward from our past mistakes and experiences, rather than pretending they never happened.

'Cause you gotta be willin' to pray
When faced with difficult circumstances, it's important to turn to faith and prayer for guidance and strength.

Yes, there gotta be, there gotta be a better way, oh
This line suggests that there has to be a better way of living, and that we should strive for better circumstances for ourselves and others, rather than giving up hope.

Whoever said that this struggle would stop today?
The struggle of living in poverty in the inner city is ongoing and doesn't show signs of stopping anytime soon.

A lot a niggas dead or locked away
This line suggests that many people in the inner city have died or been incarcerated due to the struggles they face living in poverty.

Teenage women growin' up with AIDS
This line suggests that even young people in the inner city are faced with difficult and life-threatening circumstances, such as HIV/AIDS.

Gun shots every night in the (ghetto)
Gun violence is a regular occurrence in the inner city and is something that residents have to constantly be aware of.

Crooked cops on sight in the (ghetto)
Police corruption is a problem in some inner city neighborhoods, and residents may not trust or feel safe around the police.

Everyday is a fight in the (ghetto)
Living in poverty in the inner city is a constant struggle and can feel like an everyday battle just to survive.

Got kids to feed in the (ghetto)
This line emphasizes that even in the face of all these difficulties, people living in the inner city are still responsible for taking care of their families and providing for them.

Sellin' coke and weed in the (ghetto)
Some people in the inner city may turn to illegal activities, such as drug dealing, to make ends meet and survive.

Everyday somebody bleed in the (ghetto)
Violence is a common occurrence in the inner city and many people are injured or killed as a result of it.

Oh oh oh oh oh (ghetto livin')
The repetition of 'oh' emphasizes the struggle and hardship of living in poverty in the inner city.

Oh, livin' by the (ghetto)
This line suggests that the singer doesn't just live in the inner city, but is deeply affected by it and feels its impact on their life.

Oh eatin' in the (ghetto)
This line emphasizes that even basic necessities like food are a struggle for those living in poverty in the inner city.

Ghetto
The final word of the song serves as a simple yet powerful reminder of the overarching theme: life in the inner city is a struggle and is often characterized by poverty, violence, and other hardships.