The Ghetto
Sparkle Lyrics

Can I talk about the ghetto?
May I speak about the place I call home where I was brought up?

That's where I'm from
I come from the ghetto, it is my hometown and part of my identity.

Just ridin' through the neighborhood
I'm driving around my area, observing everything that's going on.

What I see don't look too good
Unfortunately, the things I'm witnessing do not appear positive.

All my brothers hustlin'
Most of the men in my community are involved in illegal activities to make a living.

All my sisters strugglin'
The women in my neighborhood have to deal with many challenges and obstacles.

Just to make it through another day
Surviving is an ongoing struggle for everyone here, every single day.

That's just the way it is (Just the way it is) When you're living
Unfortunately, these are the harsh realities of living in the ghetto.

(Living in the ghetto) Trying to make it seems so hard
It's incredibly challenging for people living in the ghetto to make something of their lives.

(Living in the ghetto) Unemployment, don't even have no jobs
Unemployment is unfortunately common here, and job opportunities are scarce.

(Living in the ghetto) Whoa (I grew up in the ghetto) In the ghetto, ghetto whoa
Being from the ghetto shapes my identity and who I am, no matter where I am living now.

Still got so many memories (Memories)
There are still many memories that I hold dear from my upbringing in the ghetto.

Growing up with my family (Oh family)
Family is incredibly important to me, and growing up together has been an integral part of my experience.

Still westside 'till I die (Throw it up)
My allegiance and loyalty to my community and upbringing will last a lifetime.

And even though I'm living in a highrise
Despite where I live now, the ghetto will always hold a special place in my heart.

It's not where you are but it's where you're from
My identity and roots are more important than my current location or living situation.

Daddy told me long ago That's why I'll never forget my days
My father instilled in me the importance of remembering where I came from, which I will always hold dear.

(Never forget my days, no)
I will never forget the struggles and hardships I endured while living in the ghetto.

(Living in the ghetto) People don't got no where to go
Many people in the ghetto feel like they have no escape from the difficult circumstances they are in.

(Living in the ghetto) Pimps and hustlers everybody knows
Prostitution and illegal activity is distressingly prevalent in the ghetto.

(Living in the ghetto) Whoa (I grew up in the ghetto) In the ghetto, in the ghetto
Being from the ghetto has greatly impacted my life, and I am proud of my roots.

This is for my queens
This message is for all the women in the ghetto.

Keep your hopes high
It's important to have hope and to believe that things can get better.

Stay down on your knees
Prayer and faith can be a valuable source of strength and comfort during difficult times.

Praying every night
Prayer can be a helpful tool in coping with the many challenges of living in the ghetto.

There'll be days like these Mama used to say
My mother taught me that there are difficult days, but that they will pass in time.

Ain't no need to worry
Worrying won't change the challenges we face, so it's important to remain hopeful and keep moving forward.

And this is for my kings
This message is for all the men in the ghetto.

Don't forget respect
Respect for oneself and for others is essential while navigating life in the ghetto.

Gotta keep moving on Cause it ain't over yet
We must keep pushing forward, even though the journey is not easy and there are still more obstacles to overcome.

Keep your head about it 'Bout it, 'bout it, 'bout it
Stay alert and focused on the path ahead.

While you're living (Living in the ghetto)
Living in the ghetto can be incredibly difficult, and it's important to acknowledge this fact.

See I'll never forget where I'm from, no, no (Living in the ghetto)
I will not forget my roots, and where I came from.

And how far I've come, see I've come too far (Living in the ghetto)
Despite the challenges, I have come a long way and achieved a lot.

In the ghetto, who (I grew up in the ghetto) In the ghetto, the ghetto
The ghetto is part of who I am and something that has shaped me greatly.

(Living in the ghetto) So many kids out in the streets
There are many children in my neighborhood who must grow up too fast and learn to survive in harsh circumstances.

(Living in the ghetto) 2 o'clock in the morning when they need to be at home asleep
The streets are not safe, especially at night, so it's important for people to stay inside and avoid danger.

(Living in the ghetto) In the ghetto, in the ghetto
Living in the ghetto shapes every aspect of life, from daily routines to long-term goals and aspirations.