Every Ghetto Every City
Ms. Lauryn Hill Lyrics

I was just a little girl Skinny legs, a press and curl My mother always thought I'd be a star But way before my record deal, The streets that nurtured Lauryn Hill Made sure that I'd never go too far
Growing up as a young girl, my mother always saw something special in me, but even before I became a successful musician, the streets I grew up on instilled in me a sense of humility and kept me grounded.

Every ghetto, every city and suburban place I've been Make me recall my days in the New Jerusalem
No matter where I go, I am constantly reminded of my roots and where I came from.

Story starts at Hootaville grew up next to Ivy Hill When kids were stealing quartervilles for fun Kill the guy in Carter park Rode a Mongoose 'til it's dark Watching kids show off the stolen ones Every ghetto, every city and suburban place I've been Make me recall my days in New Jerusalem
My childhood was filled with experiences that were unique to the place where I grew up. From stealing quartervilles with other kids to witnessing more serious crimes like murder, my upbringing was far from perfect. Despite this, I still have fond memories of my childhood and appreciate where I came from.

A bag of Bontons, twenty cents and a nickel Springfield Ave. had the best popsicles Saturday morning cartoons and Kung-Fu Main street roots tonic with the dreds A beef patty and some coco bread Move the patch from my Lees to the tongue of my shoe 'Member Frelng-Huysen used to have the bomb leather Back when Doug Fresh and Slick Rick were together Looking at the crew, we thought we'd all live forever
Despite the hardships of my childhood, there were also simple pleasures like enjoying a bag of candy or a treat from the local shop. I also have nostalgic memories of watching Saturday morning cartoons and hanging out with friends. Music was also a huge part of my life, and I remember when Doug Fresh and Slick Rick were popular artists.

Drill teams on Munn street Remember when Hawthorne and Chancellor had beef Moving Records was on Central Ave. I was there at dancing school South Orange Ave. at Borlin pool Unaware of what we didn't have Writing your friends' names on your jeans with a marker July 4th races off of Parker Fireworks at Martin stadium The Untouchable P.S.P., where all them crazy niggas be And car thieves got away through Irvington Hillside brings beef with the cops Self-Destruction record drops And everybody's name was Muslim Sensations and '88 attracted kids from out-of-state And everybody used to do the wop Jack, Jack, Jack ya body Nah, the Biz Mark used to amp up the party I wish those days, they didn't stop Every ghetto, every city and suburban place I've been Make me recall my days in New Jerusalem
These are all memories of specific places and events that happened in my childhood. From drill teams to neighborhood rivalries, I have vivid memories of places like Munn street and Central Ave. I also remember spending time at dancing school and the local pool, and how writing on my jeans with a marker was all the rage. Holidays like July 4th were a big deal, with races and fireworks being common occurrences. I also remember how music brought people together, with popular artists like Biz Mark and their songs like 'Jack ya body' being a huge hit at parties. As I reflect on these memories, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia and longing for those simpler times.

You know it's hot, don't forget what you've got Looking back Looking back, looking back, looking back You know it's hot, don't forget what you've got Looking back Looking back, looking back, looking back You know it's hot, don't forget what you've got Looking back Looking back, looking back, looking back Looking back, looking back, looking back Looking back, looking back, looking back Looking back, looking back, looking back Looking back, looking back, looking back
Throughout the whole song, I keep repeating the phrases 'You know it's hot, don't forget what you've got' and 'Looking back'. These phrases serve as a reminder to cherish the memories and experiences from our past, and to never forget where we came from. It's important to stay grounded and appreciate what we have, and this song is a testament to that sentiment.