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The Ghetto
The Shivers Lyrics
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Parking garage
Stiletto, stiletto barrage
Stay here,
Love seats
'Till nature's chasing
Impossible dreams
I know what you need
But I can't give it to you
And I can't make my heart true
No, I can't give it to you
But I know if I did
Things could change
You're beautiful
Why would you wanna die?
You're beautiful
Why would you wanna die?
You're beautiful
Why would you wanna die?
Hasidic Jews
Are praying in the corner
Of the ghetto
Parking garage
As New York City's rock girls
File out of the rock show
In a stiletto barrage
I know what they want
I know what they really need
But I can't give it to them
And I can't make my heart friends
No, I can't give it to them
But I know if I do
Things could change
You're beautiful
Why would you wanna die?
You're beautiful
Why would you wanna die?
You're beautiful
Why would you wanna die?
The lyrics to The Shivers' song The Ghetto express a sense of disconnect and despair in the setting of a urban ghetto. The imagery of a parking garage and stiletto barrage creates a certain sense of danger and discomfort, while also attracting attention to the fleeting nature of urban life. The chorus, with its repetition of the phrase "you're beautiful / why would you want to die?" is addressed to an unidentified person or persons, possibly to draw attention to the fact that life, despite its inherent difficulties, is still worth living.
The inclusion of the Hasidic Jews praying in the corner of the garage gives the impression of a diverse and fiercely individual community existing within the larger setting of the city. The singer seems to understand the struggles of those around him, and communicates a sense of understanding and support, even if he is unable to do anything to help them.
In the final chorus, the phrase "you're beautiful / why would you want to die?" takes on a different meaning, addressing the universal human struggle with existential despair. The lyrics seem to be an appeal to keep fighting through the difficulties of life, even when it seems impossible.
Overall, the lyrics of The Ghetto convey a deep sense of empathy and understanding for the underprivileged and marginalized in society, and encourage a message of hope.
Line by Line Meaning
The ghetto
Referring to an impoverished urban area with social and economic difficulties.
Parking garage
A structure that provides parking space for vehicles in the area known as the ghetto.
Stiletto, stiletto barrage
A large number of women wearing high-heeled shoes, commonly known as stilettos, passing through the parking garage.
Stay here, love seats
As the women pass through, the artist invites someone to stay with him on the love seats that are placed in the parking garage.
'Till nature's chasing impossible dreams
Until the end of time, when nature (death) is chasing after them, and they still have unfulfilled dreams.
I know what you want
The singer understands what someone desires.
I know what you need
The singer understands what someone requires.
But I can't give it to you
The artist is unable to provide what someone wants and/or needs.
And I can't make my heart true
The artist cannot change their heart or their feelings towards someone.
No, I can't give it to you
The artist repeats that they cannot provide what someone is seeking.
But I know if I did, things could change
If the singer were to provide what someone wants or needs, circumstances might improve or alter.
You're beautiful, why would you wanna die?
The artist compliments someone's appearance and questions why they would consider ending their life.
Hasidic Jews are praying in the corner
A group of Hasidic Jews, practitioners of Orthodox Judaism, are gathered in the corner of the ghetto.
Of the ghetto parking garage
The same parking garage as previously mentioned, located in the ghetto.
As New York City's rock girls file out of the rock show
Women who attended a rock concert in New York City are exiting the venue.
In a stiletto barrage
The women are leaving the concert while wearing high-heeled shoes, also called stilettos.
No, I can't give it to them
The artist indicates that they cannot provide what the group of women desires or needs either.
But I know if I do, things could change
Similarly to before, if the singer were to provide what someone is seeking, things might improve in some way.
Contributed by Alexis H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
jakeandjeani
the best.......the best.......love this band...........
AreEyeVeeEeAre
Very underrated band. Absoloutly love it. Ill post you guys around get some revenue...maybe link you to a local radio station textline
jakeandjeani
lou reed, anybody hear a little violent femmes here?
PatrickTK21
I always got a Tom Waits vibe from this tune.