Growing up in a Christian household, the sounds of G’s childhood is that of prayer and gospel music. His aunt Andrea sung in the church choir and the soulful hymns left a huge impact on the young Ghetts. His mother recalls him as a three year old jumping out of her arms and running to the stage at a religious camp meeting in front of 15,000 people. It was then she says that she knew he was destined to be performer. Ghetts had also developed a sense of rhythm from his father who surrounded himself with jazz music. Once the beat got into him G would beating out rhythms on the tables and the floor in his house until his mother was driven to the point where she had to get him a keyboard to satisfy his musical curiosity. It was on this that Ghetts first experimented with writing songs as he’d try putting verses together over the pre-set percussion demos.
And it was music that was set to be Ghett’s saviour as his restless nature caused problems for him during his education. Unable to concentrate in class, the Plaistow citizen continually found himself getting into trouble and as a result never really being able to settle at a school. “I couldn’t really concentrate at school,” Ghetts states about his academic unrest. “The only thing I could concentrate on was music, not even girls. It was the only thing I enjoyed.” This soon transferred to the streets and like many who grow up in areas forgotten by the government, Ghetts found himself turning to crime to pacify his inattentive mind. Naturally it was only a matter of time before Ghetts found himself living at Her Majesties Pleasure. At the age of 16 Ghetts was in and out of jail at a scarily frequent rate which made G realise that if things carried on the way they were then his whole life would be spent behind bars. It was then he sought refuge in the only thing he found peace in; music.
At the age of 14 Ghetts visited a day time rave in Leyton to see the Heartless Crew. The experience cemented his ambition to make it in the music world. “I had this thing in my chest,” G reveals about the defining moment. “I could feel my heart beating and I was drawn to the mic. I knew I wanted to do something like that!” At the same time as Ghett’s legal woes, a new sound was emerging from east London. Born out of Garage; Grime was taking over the pirate airwaves and artists such as Wiley, Dizzee Rascal and Kano were beginning to get heard across the capital. Close friends with the Nasty Crew’s Sharky Major, Ghetts began reciting some of his rhymes for the Newham favourite. Sharks soon let G know that he was ready to be heard and Ghetts began recording tracks and performing on radio and at clubs with the collective. The artist known as Ghetto was born.
With a street buzz steadily growing, Ghetts developed a relationship with fellow Nasty Crew member Kano who had just begun promotion for his major label debut ‘Home Sweet Home’. Featuring on two of the tracks from the disc, including the single ‘Typical Me’, Kane took G on the promotional merry go round for the album that included taking part in tours with Nas and The Streets, as well as opening up for Juelz Santana in New York and performing at the MOBO Awards. Around this same time Ghetts released his first mixtape ‘2000 & Life’; a disc which drew on his experiences of growing up on the streets of Plaistow and of being behind bars. Still heralded as an underground classic the disc was full of angry bravado and vicious rhymes that fuelled favourites such as ‘Simple Minded MC’s’ and the anthem ‘Skinny Sort’. The experience of going on tour with Kano however soon showed Ghetts a side of England that he’d never seen before and this resulted in a change of perspective for the young MC. “Going on tour and seeing the people who would turn up the shows and the reaction they would give us, I realised that my ignorant attitude wasn’t gonna get me anywhere,” Ghetts describes of his revelation. “As soon as I got rid of my attitude things started happening for me.” It was then that Ghetts began recording his second mixtape; ‘Ghetto Gospel’.
One negative by-product of touring with Kano had been that G had been labelled as Kane’s hypeman. Wanting to be recognised as an artist in his own right and whilst also dispelling myths that he could only make angry songs; ‘Ghetto Gospel’ was filled with tracks that discussed the pitfalls of living in a deprived area as well as dedicating tracks to his best friend and his mother. “She cried when I first played it for her,” Ghetts recalls of playing ‘Closest Thing To Heaven’ to his mum on Mother’s Day. The mixtape also included a track for which Ghetts would shoot his first video; ‘Top 3 Selected’. The radio favourite sat alongside songs with fellow members of The Movement; a collective of likeminded MCs that included Scorcher, Wretch 32 and Mercston with whom G had released a CD entitled ‘Tempo Specialists’.
Ghetts quickly followed this up with ‘Freedom Of Speech’; another disc of entirely original material which channelled the reckless attitude of ‘2000 & Life’ and combined it with the refined wordplay of ‘Ghetto Gospel’ to make for a truly epic listen. Combining cold, nihilistic moments with bursts of untamed energy, the disc addressed and resolved issues that had arisen between Ghetts and other artists in the scene who had attacked G whilst he moved away from confrontational music during ‘Ghetto Gospel’. Tracks such as ‘Mountain’ and ‘Who’s Got?’ soon reasserted Ghetts as an underground favourite as well as satisfying the new fans he’d acquired from ‘Ghetto Gospel’.
Composing himself as a complete artist, G signalled his growth by changing his performance name to Ghetts and begun work on his debut album which is due for release in 2009. “I’m ready to make the best album I can make,” G affirms of his mind state. “It’s a bit like the TV programme ‘Heroes’. I’m just finally learning how to use my powers.” The first single from the album – ‘Sing For Me’ is already a favourite and has been snapped up by record label All Around The World to come out in early in the new year. As a division of Universal and home to artists such as N-Dubs, the track is set to be Ghetts’ first chart hit and finally propel him into the mainstream – an accolade well deserved and long overdue. “I made this tune for the clubs,” he speaks on the single. “When I’m in there I feel like I wish that it was my tune that everyone was dancing to so that’s why I made that.” And now that he’s had his first taste of success is Ghetts likely to turn his back on the Grime scene that has bred him? “I do Grime!” he proudly boasts. “I love Grime and it’s in my roots. It has been from when I saw Heartless all them years ago. A lot of people ain’t comfortable with that but I’m telling you from now that I’m gonna be a Grime star!”
These Words
Ghetts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So I keep a hidden message in my topics
Even when I see my coffin
I'll never be forgotten you'll remember me
Even if your memory needs unlocking
Check my legacy passion in my voice
You can hear my pour my heart out
And I don't give a fuck if
As long as I change a life
Or two when I'm writing tunes
Even though these industry folks
Don't like my views
Still I've decided to never hide the truth
Clever minds'll prove
Pac tried to tell 'em in '92
And Lauryn tried to tell 'em too
And everyone's acting like say
They never knew damn, I don't get it
There's a war going on outside
No man is safe from
You think there's no harm in
Kids watching Harry wave wands?
Please switch your brain on, the real hero
Ain't comin with no cape on
And you won't know what hunger feels like
Until your plate's gone
I'm livin in a whole generation of atheists
Just cause it's hard to keep
Faith and remain strong
I hope we're on the same page, don
Oh yeah, I know you hear me
Well you can jot me out
Of all your conspiracy theories
Dark times, my nigga I'm weary
But this is delivered sincerely
Some think I'm spittin theory
Well, listen cleary and you should know that
Even when I'm dead and I'm gone
I know that I will always live on
With these words these words
Keep playing on the strings of your soul
And I know the day that I'm no longer
Meant for this earth
And my body is returned to the dust
These words, these words
Will remain until the days go cold
And there's no more
After the first verse I bet
They wanna shoot the messenger
Or describe as a madman
Whose views are irregular
And even though my music is secular
The devil don't approve when I'm
Telling ya the truth
So don't be surprised if I'm
Abused by an editor
Bad reviews on my repertoire
Once upon a time I was a lost cause
Me and my dawgs throwing
Dudes in the reservoir
I never said that I was perfect
But show me a person
On this earth's surface that
Weren't born a sinner
The world's cold, of course we shiver
And if you try sleeping on what I say
I'll pull ya pillow from underneath ya head
Let my words go straight into your brain
Like a bullet right after I pull the trigger
And now you've got an open mind
So analyse these words as they go inside
And you'll be so inspired, close your eyes
We've all been told a load of lies
The truth is what they don't supply
The devil wants my soul, he can't afford it
It's over-priced
Nowadays I'm feeling close to Christ
Remove the evil out my way
I've prayed for most of my life
Staring in the face of temptation
Every day I've sent Satan a
Message to them Pagans
The sensation you feel is gonna
End with an Amen
The lyrics to Ghetts's song "These Words" convey a sense of purpose and determination. Ghetts sees himself not just as an MC, but as a prophet, using his music to deliver hidden messages and leave a lasting legacy. He is unapologetic about expressing his views and believes in using his platform to change lives, even if it means going against the grain of the industry. Ghetts references influential artists such as Tupac and Lauryn Hill, who also tried to convey important messages through their music.
The song touches upon societal issues, criticizing the obsession with fantasy and escapism while ignoring the real-world problems. Ghetts urges listeners to switch their brains on, questioning the harm in children watching fictional characters like Harry Potter while turning a blind eye to the deeper issues in society. He emphasizes that true heroes don't wear capes, and hunger can only be understood when resources are depleted. Ghetts also highlights the difficulties of maintaining faith and strength in a generation of atheists, where keeping faith can be challenging.
Ghetts faces backlash and rejection, acknowledging that he may be seen as a madman or receive bad reviews for his outspokenness. He reflects on his past mistakes, acknowledging that nobody is perfect but also emphasizing that everyone is born a sinner. He challenges listeners to open their minds and analyzes his words, promising that they will be inspired and empowered. Ghetts mentions his struggle against the devil's temptations and his desire to remove evil from his life, expressing a closeness to Christ and the importance of prayer in his journey.
Line by Line Meaning
I ain't an MC, I'm a prophet
I am not just a rapper, I am a visionary with a message to deliver
So I keep a hidden message in my topics
I embed important ideas within my songs to make people think
Even when I see my coffin
Even after I die
I'll never be forgotten you'll remember me
People will always remember me and my impact
Even if your memory needs unlocking
Even if you need to remember or understand the significance
Check my legacy passion in my voice
My passion and influence can be heard in my voice
You can hear my pour my heart out
I express my deepest emotions through my music
And I don't give a fuck if
I don't care if
I never make a 'Pass Out'
I never achieve mainstream success or popularity
As long as I change a life
As long as I have a positive impact on someone's life
Or two when I'm writing tunes
Even if it's just a few individuals
Even though these industry folks
Despite the disapproval from people in the music industry
Don't like my views
Who disagree with my perspectives
Still I've decided to never hide the truth
I have made the choice to always be honest and speak the truth
Clever minds'll prove
Intelligent individuals will recognize and validate
Pac tried to tell 'em in '92
Tupac tried to convey this message in 1992
And Lauryn tried to tell 'em too
Lauryn Hill also attempted to convey this message
And everyone's acting like say
And everyone is pretending or acting as if
They never knew damn, I don't get it
They were unaware or oblivious, which I find perplexing
There's a war going on outside
There is a conflict or battle happening in the world
No man is safe from
No one is immune to the effects or consequences
You think there's no harm in
You believe there are no negative consequences in
Kids watching Harry wave wands?
Children being exposed to fictional magic
Please switch your brain on, the real hero
Please start thinking critically, the true heroes
Ain't comin with no cape on
Don't wear capes or have superpowers
And you won't know what hunger feels like
You won't understand the struggle of poverty or deprivation
Until your plate's gone
Until you no longer have enough to eat
I'm livin in a whole generation of atheists
I am surrounded by a generation that lacks faith in a higher power
Just cause it's hard to keep
Because it is challenging to maintain
Faith and remain strong
Belief in something greater and stay resilient
I hope we're on the same page, don
I hope we share the same understanding or viewpoint
Oh yeah, I know you hear me
I am aware that you are listening to my words
Well you can jot me out
You can disregard or dismiss me
Of all your conspiracy theories
Regarding all your outlandish beliefs
Dark times, my nigga I'm weary
Difficult and troubling times, my friend, I am tired
But this is delivered sincerely
But I am conveying this with genuine conviction
Some think I'm spittin theory
Some believe I am just expressing theoretical ideas
Well, listen cleary and you should know that
Well, listen carefully and you will understand
Even when I'm dead and I'm gone
Even after I have passed away
I know that I will always live on
I am confident that my legacy will endure
With these words, these words
Through the power of my words, my message
Keep playing on the strings of your soul
Continue to resonate deeply within you
And I know the day that I'm no longer
And I know that when I am no longer
Meant for this earth
Meant to exist in this world
And my body is returned to the dust
And my physical form returns to the earth
These words, these words
My words, my message
Will remain until the days go cold
Will endure until the end of time
And there's no more
And there is nothing left
After the first verse I bet
After the initial part of the song, I'm sure
They wanna shoot the messenger
They want to criticize or attack the messenger
Or describe as a madman
Or portray me as crazy
Whose views are irregular
Whose perspectives are unusual or unconventional
And even though my music is secular
And even though my music is not religious
The devil don't approve when I'm
The devil disapproves of me when I
Telling ya the truth
Speak the truth to you
So don't be surprised if I'm
So, do not be shocked if I am
Abused by an editor
Subjected to criticism or mistreatment by a journalist
Bad reviews on my repertoire
Negative critiques of my body of work
Once upon a time I was a lost cause
There was a time when I seemed hopeless or without direction
Me and my dawgs throwing
My friends and I were involved in
Dudes in the reservoir
Throwing people into bodies of water
I never said that I was perfect
I never claimed to be flawless
But show me a person
Find me an individual
On this earth's surface that
Alive in this world who
Weren't born a sinner
Was not born with inherent flaws or tendencies towards wrongdoing
The world's cold, of course we shiver
The world is harsh and unforgiving, so it is natural to feel fear or discomfort
And if you try sleeping on what I say
And if you underestimate or disregard my message
I'll pull ya pillow from underneath ya head
I will jolt you out of your ignorance or indifference
Let my words go straight into your brain
Allow my words to penetrate your mind
Like a bullet right after I pull the trigger
With the same impact as a bullet being fired
And now you've got an open mind
And now you have a receptive and open mindset
So analyse these words as they go inside
So, deeply examine and understand my words as they resonate within you
And you'll be so inspired, close your eyes
And you will feel a surge of inspiration, close your eyes
We've all been told a load of lies
We have all been deceived or misled
The truth is what they don't supply
They intentionally withhold the truth from us
The devil wants my soul, he can't afford it
The devil desires to control me, but he is unable to
It's over-priced
It comes at a steep cost
Nowadays I'm feeling close to Christ
These days, I feel a spiritual connection to Jesus Christ
Remove the evil out my way
Get rid of the negativity that stands in my path
I've prayed for most of my life
I have been praying for a significant portion of my existence
Staring in the face of temptation
Confronting and resisting the allure of temptation
Every day I've sent Satan a
Every day, I have been sending a message to Satan
Message to them Pagans
Message to those who are not religious or follow different beliefs
The sensation you feel is gonna
The intense feeling you experience will
End with an Amen
Conclude with a final affirmation of faith or agreement
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALEXANDRA KOLLANTAI MILLS, CHERICE LEACHMAN, CHRISTOPHER MARTYN CROWHURST, JUSTIN JUDE CLARKE SAMUEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind