Ghetto
Notorious B.I.G./Akon Lyrics

Ghetto, ghetto
Life in the underprivileged community is full of hardship and challenges.

Ghetto, ghetto livin'
This is the reality of the people who live in the ghetto, struggling through life to survive.

These streets remind me of quicksand (quicksand)
Living in the ghetto leads you toward a downward spiral that is hard to fight against, much like quicksand.

When you're on it, you'll keep goin' down (goin' down)
Once you get caught in the dangers and challenges of the ghetto environment, it's hard to ever escape.

And there's no one to hold on to
Living in the ghetto can be lonely and isolating, with few support systems or safety nets available.

And there's no one to pull you out
Despite the many struggles and obstacles that ghetto dwellers face, there are few resources available to help them out.

You keep on fallin' (fallin')
In the face of adversity and difficulties, it can feel like one is constantly stumbling and falling behind.

No one can hear you callin'
Amidst the noise and chaos of the ghetto, individual voices can be drowned out and unheard.

So you end up self-destructin'
For many people living in the ghetto with no support or guidance, it can be hard to stay on track and avoid negative behaviors and choices.

On the corner with the tuli on the waistline
Being armed and ready to defend oneself is a common reality for many living in the ghetto.

Just got up out the bing doin' state time
Criminal justice involvement is widespread in the ghetto, with many experiencing incarceration and the challenges that come with it.

Teeth marks on my back from the K-9
Pursuits from law enforcement and crime dogs are a common occurrence in impoverished areas.

Dark memories of when there was no sunshine
Reflecting on past hardships and struggles before experiencing success or prosperity can be a difficult and painful task.

‘Cause they said that I wouldn't make it
Society can often write off people who come from the ghetto, leading to negative stereotypes and low expectations.

I remember like yesterday
Memories of facing doubt and hardship can be poignant and stay with a person for a long time.

Holdin' on to what God gave me
Individuals living in the ghetto often rely on faith in a higher power to get them through the tough times.

No need to cherish luxuries
In the face of such daily struggles, material things and comfort can seem hollow and pointless.

‘Cause everything come and go
Life in the ghetto can be unstable and uncertain, with little that is reliable or predictable.

Even the life that you have is borrowed
For many, living in the ghetto can feel like their very existence is temporary and fleeting.

‘Cause you're not promised tomorrow
The future is far from certain in the ghetto, with many unexpected challenges and hardships to face.

So live your life as if every day is gon' be your last (be your last)
Embracing each day and living fully in the moment is important when the future is uncertain and unpredictable.

Once you've moved forward, can't go back just pretend to remove your past (remove your past)
Continuing to move forward and make progress is important in the ghetto, even when it feels like the past is holding you back.

‘Cause you gotta be willin' to pray
Many people in the ghetto rely on prayer and faith to get them through their struggles and hardships.

Yes, there gotta be, there gotta be a better way, oh
Despite the challenges and obstacles, there remains hope that there is a better path and future for those living in the ghetto.

Whoever said that this struggle would stop today?
The systemic issues and challenges of living in the ghetto are not easily solved or eliminated overnight.

A lot a niggas dead or locked away
The impacts of poverty and crime can be seen in the high rates of death and incarceration in the ghetto community.

Teenage women growin' up with AIDS
Health crises like HIV/AIDS disproportionately affect many in the ghetto community, particularly young women.

Gun shots every night in the (ghetto)
The sounds of violence and crime are a constant reality for those living in the ghetto.

Crooked cops on sight in the (ghetto)
Law enforcement can often seem corrupt or unreliable in impoverished communities.

Everyday is a fight in the (ghetto)
Surviving day-to-day and facing a multitude of challenges is a constant battle in the ghetto.

Got kids to feed in the (ghetto)
Providing for one's family and loved ones can be a difficult task when living in the ghetto with few resources or opportunities.

Sellin' coke and weed in the (ghetto)
Criminal activity like drug dealing can seem like a solution for many in the ghetto, despite the risks.

Everyday somebody bleed in the (ghetto)
Violence and injury are common in impoverished communities, leading to injury and even death.

Ghetto
Living in the ghetto is a harsh reality that affects many individuals and communities across the world.