Ghetto
Ghostface Killah Lyrics


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I was born and raised in the ghetto
I was born and raised in the ghetto
I was born and raised in the ghetto
Listen to me

Far killed project 18 pound
Put it down that's the model
Regular
I know it's hidden in the gray labs
Visualize the shepherd and the green jets
I'm in the O.V. the cash
I know it's part of the green bags
Visualize the shepherd and the green jets
Wait until I get on the haters is gonna hate it
And miss young Chris

Brother listen to me
Listen to me
How do you make your pride in the ghetto?
How do you make your pride in the ghetto?
How do you make your pride in the ghetto?

We make pride in the ghetto by selling that cracks
Niggas make pride by busting the gang
Might stick a niggas up making a gap
So dirty bag game but we give them the stacks
Pride game better add to fame
Some sell to weed ain't no joke
Might sell anything as long as we got
So if we are getting that bread will you come for your dope
Raising with a brother might too for the pride
Violate the rolls until your family is
Get bread in the ghetto while we ducking the feds
To the ghetto got to his heads

Brother listen to me
Listen to me
How do you make your pride in the ghetto?
How do you make your pride in the ghetto?
How do you make your pride in the ghetto?

So we ask them stuff them in the black bags
Throw the off the window
Take care the rats in the ghetto
Slap the medal
Fat guys get like
Billed a when the gun

How do you raise your kids in the ghetto?
How do you raise your kids in the ghetto?
How do you raise your kids in the ghetto?
Feed one child and starve another

We like brothers
We came from the same
Fuck the same horrors
Spread that name on the same wall
If that's what it is
Then that's what it is
Die just to live




Show me the competition
Friends got lost

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Ghostface Killah's "Ghetto" take us on a journey through life in the ghettos of America. The rapper begins by repeating the phrase, "I was born and raised in the ghetto," reminding the listener of where he comes from and the harsh realities of life there. He goes on to describe the violence and drug culture prevalent in these areas, with lines like "We make pride in the ghetto by selling that cracks/Niggas make pride by busting the gang" detailing the criminal behaviors that are often seen as the only way out. The rapper also touches on the struggle of raising children in this environment, with the heartbreaking lines "Feed one child and starve another."


The song's chorus asks the listener, "How do you make your pride in the ghetto?" making it clear that despite the violence and despair, there is a sense of community and pride that can be found in these neighborhoods. Ghostface Killah seems to suggest that while the cycle of poverty and crime is difficult to break, it is still possible to find strength and hope in the face of adversity.


Overall, "Ghetto" is a powerful commentary on the realities of life for many Americans, particularly those who have grown up in poverty-stricken areas. The song is a reminder that while there are certainly issues within these communities, there is also beauty and resilience to be found there.


Line by Line Meaning

I was born and raised in the ghetto
I grew up in a neighborhood with poor living conditions, crime, and violence.


Listen to me
Pay attention to what I have to say.


Far killed project 18 pound
Some people from the community are involved in killing others for money.


Put it down that's the model
This is how things operate here.


Regular
This happens all the time.


I know it's hidden in the gray labs
Illegal activities are often concealed from authorities.


Visualize the shepherd and the green jets
Imagine a leader and their followers executing illegal activities for profit.


I'm in the O.V. the cash
I'm making money with my criminal activities.


I know it's part of the green bags
The money made from these activities is kept in large amounts.


Wait until I get on the haters is gonna hate it
My success and wealth will upset those who doubted me or opposed me.


And miss young Chris
A reference to Christopher Wallace, aka The Notorious B.I.G., who was killed in a drive-by shooting in 1997. This serves as a reminder of the violence and mortality present in the ghetto.


How do you make your pride in the ghetto?
How do you maintain your sense of self-worth and dignity in this environment?


We make pride in the ghetto by selling that cracks
Some people in the ghetto derive pride from selling drugs, which earns them money and respect among their peers.


Niggas make pride by busting the gang
Others gain pride by being involved in gang activity and committing violent acts.


Might stick a niggas up making a gap
Robbery and theft are common ways to acquire money and status.


So dirty bag game but we give them the stacks
Although these activities are illegal and risky, they offer financial rewards that are tempting to those living in poverty.


Pride game better add to fame
Being known and respected as a successful criminal is a source of pride for some.


Some sell to weed ain't no joke
Selling drugs, specifically marijuana, is a common way to earn money and respect in the ghetto.


Might sell anything as long as we got
People will sell whatever they can to make money, no matter how dangerous or illegal it may be.


So if we are getting that bread will you come for your dope
If we make a lot of money, will you try to steal from us?


Raising with a brother might too for the pride
Some people see gaining wealth and status as a way to provide for themselves and their family.


Violate the rolls until your family is
People are willing to break the law and commit acts of violence to protect and provide for their family.


Get bread in the ghetto while we ducking the feds
Making money from illegal activities while avoiding getting caught by law enforcement is a constant risk and challenge.


To the ghetto got to his heads
The high risk and reward of these activities can lead people to become addicted to this lifestyle and power.


So we ask them stuff them in the black bags
If someone betrays or threatens us, we will kidnap and maybe even kill them.


Throw the off the window
We will dispose of their body by tossing it out a window.


Take care the rats in the ghetto
We must eliminate individuals who snitch on us to the authorities.


Slap the medal
We want to be recognized and respected for our illegal activities, and will use violence to make sure we get it.


Fat guys get like
Even the most unlikely people can become involved in criminal activities in the ghetto.


Billed a when the gun
Brandishing a weapon is a way to assert power and intimidate others in the ghetto.


How do you raise your kids in the ghetto?
How do you provide for and protect your children in this harsh environment?


Feed one child and starve another
With limited resources, it can be difficult to provide for all children equally in the ghetto.


We like brothers
Despite the violence and conflict in the ghetto, some people feel a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood with their peers.


We came from the same
Many people in the ghetto share similar backgrounds and experiences of poverty and hardship.


Fuck the same horrors
People in the ghetto have experienced and witnessed traumatic events and tragedy together.


Spread that name on the same wall
People in the ghetto memorialize their fallen peers by writing their names on walls.


If that's what it is
This is the reality of life in the ghetto, and we must accept it for what it is.


Then that's what it is
We must deal with the challenges and risks that come with living in the ghetto.


Die just to live
Some people in the ghetto are willing to risk their lives for the chance to make money and attain status.


Show me the competition
People in the ghetto are competitive and want to prove themselves to their peers.


Friends got lost
The violence and crime in the ghetto can lead to the loss of friends and loved ones.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Songtrust Ave, Missing Link Music
Written by: FAITH EVANS, MICHAEL SAULBERRY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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