The Ghetto
George Benson featuring Joe Sample Lyrics
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Looking at the sky, starry-eyed
Searchin' for the place, weary-eyed
Crying in the night, teary-eyed
Don't you know that it's true
That for me and for you
The world is a ghetto
Don't you know that it's true
That for me and for you
The world is a ghetto
The song "The World Is a Ghetto" by George Benson is a powerful commentary on the state of the world we live in. The opening lines talk about the singer wandering down a street, looking up at the sky with "starry-eyed" wonder, but also being weighed down by the pollution and smog, causing "smoggy-eyed" discomfort. The lines suggest the beautiful sky above is unreachable, just as the world's problems are beyond reach.
The singer is searching for something, and is "weary-eyed" in the process, implying a sense of exhaustion and frustration with the search. This triumphs into a moment of powerlessness where the singer cries in the night with "teary-eyes". The repetition of the word 'eyes' suggests that the singer is conscious of their surroundings and understands that the world is not a pretty place, hence creating an experience of stress on their mental and physical health.
The refrain "The world is a ghetto" is a powerful statement and likely the reason the song has endured as a classic for over 45 years. It speaks to the fact that no matter where we go, there are problems to be faced - violence, poverty, racism, environmental degradation, and more. No matter how beautiful or wealthy a place may seem, there are always underlying issues that exist. The song emphasizes that we are all in this together and need to work together to make the world a better place.
Line by Line Meaning
Walkin' down the street, smoggy-eyed
As he walks down the street, his eyes are filled with smog, indicating pollution and possibly a sense of hopelessness in his surroundings.
Looking at the sky, starry-eyed
Despite the smog, he looks up at the sky with wonder and awe, as if searching for something greater than his current circumstances.
Searchin' for the place, weary-eyed
He is on a quest to find a better, more fulfilling place in the world, though his eyes show signs of exhaustion and fatigue from the search.
Crying in the night, teary-eyed
The search has brought him sadness and tears, likely from facing disappointment and setbacks along the way.
Don't you know that it's true
The artist is emphasizing that the following statement is a universal truth that applies to everyone.
That for me and for you
He is including the listener in the universal truth that he is about to reveal, creating a sense of shared experience and understanding.
The world is a ghetto
The world is a difficult, oppressive place that makes it hard for anyone to find true happiness and fulfillment.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Charles Miller, Harold Brown, Howard Scott, Jerome Washington, LeRoy Jordan, Mark Green, Morris Dickerson, Terry Gray, Thomas Allen, Lee Levitin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jim Rosand
I've listened to Donnie's original version for years and I enjoyed this performance more than Donny Hathaway's. What monster musicians and spectacular arrangement. WOW! I absolutely loved it. Thank you so much for a brilliant performance of an outstanding tune.
Bogdan Gheorghe
incredible musicians!
Raye Maxwell
Stanley Banks, incredible Bass player. Also plays the tambourine with his foot while jamming. I met him at an airport restaurant years ago and asked him how he did the tambourine thing. He quickly pulled the tambourine out of his bag and demonstrated to me.
The restaurant patrons were amazed because only two of us present knew who he was.
Sizwe Ndlanzi
I remember we played this piece myself and a friend in SOWETO! It got LIT! GEORGE BENSON is a LEGEND! RIP JOE SAMPLE thank you so much for your contribution!
Howard Riesel
Truly the most gifted guitarist and vocalist on the planet. What an incredible career!
Mark Allen
The best scat+guitar in the land. Thanks George!
Not Me But You
Lord, it ought to against the law to post something this magnificent!!! Two of the best at their craft! Saw Joe Sample in concert and it was phenomenal!! Thanks for wonderful upload!!❤❤❤❤❤
Indira Erendira Cruz Cardenas
Sensacional ritmo!!!
ЭнТАВРИС
Великолепно! Красавчики! The great performance!!!
albina hajd
pure artists on one places