Ghetto Pain
Duane Stephenson Lyrics


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From day to day we live
searching for our identity
while the rich man says
we are a menace to society
but they dont know what its like (they dont know)
what its really like
what its really like
Chorus
To face real ghetto pain
to face real ghetto pressure
to face real ghetto pain
to face real ghetto pressure

Verse 2
On and on we go
for it we try to uphold
our brothers turn to crime
killing each other for a dime
while the opressor say
that turnin to qualities
is the only way

Chorus
We face real ghetto pain
we face pain pressure
we face real ghetto pain
we face real pressure

Verse 3
One day one day the table will turn
and to all me out there (to all me out there)
beware for our barriers will burn (burn burn burn)

Verse 3

Chorus





repeats verse 3 and chorus

Overall Meaning

In Duane Stephenson's song "Ghetto Pain," the lyrics explore the struggles of living in poverty in the ghetto. The song discusses the search for identity that many individuals from impoverished communities experience, while simultaneously being viewed as threats to society by the wealthy. Despite the rich man's negative perception of those from the ghetto, they do not understand the true pain that comes with living in such conditions. The chorus calls attention to the real pressure and pain faced in the ghetto on a daily basis.


The second verse explores the impact that the oppressor's label of being a "menace to society" has on individuals. It explains that despite efforts to uphold oneself, some people turn to crime, even killing one another for a small amount of money. The oppressor claims that turning to "qualities" (presumably education and ethics) is the only way out of poverty, falsely suggesting that everyone has the same opportunities to do so.


Line by Line Meaning

From day to day we live
Every day we go about our lives


searching for our identity
Trying to understand who we are as individuals and as a community


while the rich man says
Meanwhile, the wealthy individuals in society believe that we are a threat to their way of life


we are a menace to society
They view us as a dangerous force that needs to be controlled


but they dont know what its like (they dont know)
However, they don't understand the struggles that we face every day


what its really like
The true hardships that come with living in poverty


Chorus
We face the harsh realities of living in the ghetto every day


On and on we go
Despite the challenges, we continue to persevere


for it we try to uphold
We do our best to maintain our dignity and pride in our culture and heritage


our brothers turn to crime
Sadly, some members of our community resort to illegal activities to survive


killing each other for a dime
This often leads to violence and tragedy within our own community


while the opressor say
Meanwhile, those in power tell us that conformity and assimilation is the only way to succeed


that turnin to qualities
They try to convince us that abandoning our culture and values is the only path to success


is the only way
Ignoring our heritage is the only way to integrate into society


Verse 3
We hold onto hope that one day things will change


One day one day the table will turn
Someday, we believe that the power dynamic will shift in our favor


and to all me out there (to all me out there)
We call out to all those who share our struggles


beware for our barriers will burn (burn burn burn)
We will break down the walls that society has built around us, and rise above our adversary's expectations




Writer(s): Duane Stephenson Copyright: Duane Stephenson

Contributed by Aaron T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@emmanuelbanda9538

2024 still listing to this uplifting songs ❤❤❤

@maxwellkukacha4030

Malawi on my way to south Africa listen to this song while driving a track full volume jah jah be blessed Duane.

@chimwemwemwakhuyu504

Please keep liking this comment so that I should always listen to this master piece....

@geanmitchell5066

This song is truly a source of inspiration to those who was raised in the Getto but tell you there is still hope. Don't give up. Thanks to Duane Stephenson. Grenada love

@enieshaswaby5358

Who listening in 2020? 🙋🏽‍♀️

@georgenjuguna9712

ghetto pressure

@patiencewanjiru9476

🙋🏿

@JustinTaba

🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪

@djikaicva1009

People still suffering

@carolalexander6206

These kind of music never dies

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