Ghetto
Too $hort Lyrics

Talking bout the ghetto, funky funky ghetto
Referencing the difficult living conditions faced in impoverished areas

Trying to survive, trying to stay alive
Struggling to make it through each day and survive in dire circumstances

Even though the streets are bumpy, lights burned out
Living in a neighborhood with broken infrastructure and high crime rates

Dope fiends die with a pipe in their mouths
Drug addiction and abuse leading to tragic deaths

Old school buddies not doing it right
Friends from the past succumbing to negative influences

Every day it's the same, and it's the same every night
A repetitive, difficult and overwhelming existence

I wouldn't shoot you bro but I'd shoot that fool
Frustrations leading to violent retaliations against people who test one's patience

If he played me close and tried to test my cool
Responding violently if someone challenges, disrespects or threatens one's safety

Every day I wondered just how I'll die
Reflecting on the dangerous conditions and wondering when death may come

Only thing I know is how to survive
Coping and adapting to harsh realities in order to stay alive

There's only one rule in the real world
Looking out for oneself and one's immediate family is crucial in a harsh environment

And that's to take care of you, only you and yours
Prioritizing one's own well-being over others in a tough situation.

Keep dealing with the hard times day after day
Continuing to face difficulties and obstacles on a daily basis

Might deal me some dope but then crime don't pay
Considering illegal activities to make ends meet, but knowing that it will only lead to trouble

Black man tried to break into my house again
Dealing with crime and security issues in the neighborhood

Thought he got off the dope doing time in the pen
Assuming that someone has stopped using drugs after serving time in prison

Even though my brothers do me just like that
Even though people close to you may cause harm or betray you

I get a lot of love so I'm giving it back to the
Returning the kindness and support received from others in the same community

Even though they put us down and call us animals
Facing discriminatory stereotypes and being dehumanized by others

We make real big banks and buy brand new clothes
Succeeding financially in spite of being undervalued and oppressed

Drive fancy cars, make love to stars
Enjoying the luxuries and privileges that come with success despite societal barriers

Never really saying just who we are
Keeping one's personal identity and background private and undefined

We use alias names like Too $hort
Adopting a stage name or pseudonym to establish a persona or brand

Sell your stuff you might kill for
Being drawn into criminal activities and risking one's life for financial gain

Young kids grow up and that's all they know
Growing up in the same harsh conditions and facing the same struggles as previous generations

Didn't teach him in school now he's slangin' dope
Lack of education leading to illegal activities and drug dealing

But will he kill another brother before he dies?
Questioning whether someone will resort to violence against members of their own community

In the ghetto, you keep one eye open
Being vigilant and aware of one's surroundings in a dangerous place

All day long, just hoping and hoping
Hoping for better circumstances and improved living conditions

You can pay your bills and not drink too much
Striving for stability and avoiding addictive behaviors

Then the problems of life you'll be throwing up
Experiencing difficulties and feeling overwhelmed

Ten years from now, where will you be?
Questioning where one's life will be in the future given the current circumstances

Blacks can't be white and whites can't be black
Racial identity cannot be changed, despite society's pressures or injustices

Why you want to act like someone else?
Questioning why one would want to conform to societal norms or expectations

All you gotta do is just be yourself
Expressing the importance of being true to oneself and embracing individuality

Short Dog's in the house you'd better listen to me
Acknowledge Too $hort's authority and respect his perspective

Never be ashamed of what you are
Embracing one's identity and not being ashamed of who you are

Proud to be black stand tall at heart
Feeling pride and confidence in one's Black identity and heritage.

Be intelligent, when you put em in check
Asserting oneself and standing up for one's rights in a smart and strategic manner

Cause when you're ignorant, you get treated that way
Encouraging education and personal growth in order to avoid being mistreated

And when they throw you in jail you got nothing to say
Warning against engaging in criminal activities that will result in incarceration

So if you don't listen it's not my fault
Disclaiming blame for someone else's actions and decisions

I'll be getting paid while you'll be paying the cost
Benefiting financially from one's own success while others face the consequences of their actions

Sitting in the jailhouse running your mouth
Being imprisoned and unable to fulfill one's potential because of poor choices

While me and my peoples try to get out
Working hard to escape the hardships of the ghetto and pursue better opportunities.