Ghetto Child
Joe Lyrics

All the ghettos around the world
Acknowledges and addresses the global existence of poverty and urban areas of low income where a significant number of people struggle to meet their basic needs.

I'm a ghetto child
The artist identifies himself as having come from a low-income background.

Check it, out
An invitation for the audience to listen closely to the message Joe is trying to convey in the rest of the song.

There's a world out there that I wanna see
Joe expresses his ambition to broaden his horizons and explore the world beyond the ghetto where he grew up.

There's a man that I'm destined to be
The artist has aspirations to become a successful and accomplished individual who overcomes the obstacles of his humble origin.

I won't be stopped by the ghetto streets
Joe refuses to let the challenging circumstances of his surroundings prevent him from achieving his goals.

I believe inside that I can't be beat
Despite the difficulties he faces, Joe has confidence in his own abilities and is determined to succeed.

This life could be a ball and chain
Acknowledges that living in poverty can restrict opportunities for individuals and limit their mobility in society.

If you let yourself get caught in the game
Refers to the practice of engaging in criminal or risky behavior as a means of making money, which can end up trapping people in a cycle of poverty and danger.

I had some friends who sold drugs for dough
Joe has personal experience with witnessing friends who resorted to illegal activity in order to make money and support themselves.

But I don't intend to go down that road
Joe recognizes the danger of criminal behavior and is committed to finding alternative means of achieving success and financial stability.

Just because I'm a ghetto child
Joe is aware of the stereotypes and negative connotations associated with growing up in a poor community.

I won't live down to your expectations
Refuses to let other people's preconceived notions about poor, urban individuals define who he is or dictate what he can accomplish.

Can rise in the highest celebration
Despite facing adversity, Joe believes that anyone can achieve great success and be celebrated for their accomplishments.

One day I'm gonna change the world
Expresses a desire to make a positive impact on the world and contribute to positive change.

Make a better place for every boy and girl
Indicates a commitment to social justice and equality for all people, regardless of background or economic status.

Everyone in need, homeless families
Joe recognizes the plight of individuals and families who are struggling to get by and are without basic necessities like food and shelter.

Have a place to sleep and food to eat
Joe believes that access to basic necessities like shelter and food should be a fundamental right.

I'll take every gun off the streets
Joe opposes violence and believes that removing weapons from circulation can help reduce crime and make communities safer.

So another tear won't be shed in grief
Joe recognizes the devastating impact of violence and how it can leave families and communities mourning.

And every thug in every hood
Refers to the mentality of violence and aggression that some individuals embrace as part of their identity or environment.

I will make 'em change from bad to good
Joe believes in the power of change and redemption, and wants to help inspire individuals to embrace positive behavior and attitudes.

It?s not where you're from, it's where you're gonna be
Joe is emphasizing that a person's background or origin story doesn't have to define their future potential or successes.

Hey, yo', look at me in a different light
Joe wants people to see him and others with similar backgrounds as individuals who are capable of achieving great things and who deserve respect and recognition.

Spare me all about those stereotypes
Joe is asking people to look beyond preconceived notions or judgments that might be based on his ethnicity, income level, or place of origin.

Ain't no madness that'll bring me down
Joe has a strong sense of resolve and a belief in his own ability to overcome challenges or difficulties.

Gonna take this life and turn it around
Joe sees the potential for change and transformation in his own life, and is determined to create a better future for himself and others.

That's right, the sky's the limit, I won't be denied
Joe is expressing his belief in his own potential and rejecting any notion that he might be limited by his background or circumstances.

And at the end when it's said and done
Joe is envisioning a long-term goal that he is working towards, and hopes to achieve in the future.

We will all be singin' this ghetto song
Inspires inclusivity and celebration of shared experiences among those who may come from similar backgrounds.

I'm a ghetto child
Reinforces the artist's identity and roots in a low-income community.

All the children sing
A call for unison and solidarity among young individuals who share similar circumstances.