Ghetto Ghetto
Will.I.Am Lyrics

Ghetto, ghetto,
Referring to the struggles and harsh realities of living in the ghetto.

Oh, I've been, I've been praying for you
Expressing a desire for healing and change in the ghetto.

Hallelujah.
A religious exclamation of hope and gratitude.

(Lord save this church) It is easy as 1, 2, 3,
Asking for divine intervention to help fix the problems in the ghetto, which should be as easy as the simple process of counting from 1 to 3.

I wanna be what's on TV,
Ambition to escape the poverty of the ghetto and attain the material wealth and fame that is showcased on television.

And if that's wrong, please don't blame me,
Defending oneself against criticism for wanting to leave the ghetto and chase their dreams.

'Cause where I live we have nothing
Explaining the dire circumstances of living in the ghetto, where opportunity and resources may be scarce.

Little kids growing up without no education,
Acknowledging the lack of education that children in the ghetto often receive, which can limit their future prospects.

Mom's on drugs, 'cause that's her only medication.
Recognizing that drug addiction is a coping mechanism for some parents in the ghetto who may not have access to adequate healthcare or support.

Nobody's home, but they ain't on a vacation,
Pointing out the absence of parents or guardians due to work or other circumstances, which can leave children unsupervised and vulnerable.

But they left the kids alone watching the TV station.
Highlighting the potential negative influence of mass media on children who lack guidance and supervision.

What's wrong with the picture, please, someone give me the answers
Asking why the cycle of poverty, crime, and drug dependency persists in the ghetto despite efforts to combat it.

They be wondering why the girls grow up to be dancers
Questioning why some people in the ghetto may resort to exotic dancing to earn a living or feel a sense of power and control.

Then we wonder why the boys grow up to be dealers
Asking why some young men in the ghetto may turn to drug dealing as a means of survival or to attain status and respect.

And they be angry at the whole world ready to kill us.
Recognizing the anger and desperation that some people in the ghetto may feel towards the society that has neglected and mistreated them.

Aye, after we start to resolve the whole problems
Proposing a solution to the problems of the ghetto, which requires a comprehensive approach instead of just addressing individual issues.

How we let our little children just turn into goblins
Expressing disappointment and concern that the lack of opportunity and positive influences can cause children in the ghetto to become involved in crime and violence.

Why we got them all killing and stealing and robbing
Questioning why some people in the ghetto resort to criminal activities despite their potential and desire to succeed.

We need to plan a little seed to prevent the mobbing
Suggesting that investment in education, support systems, and mentorship can help prevent the spread of crime and violence in the ghetto.

Why don't we teach them that science to reach for the stars?
Advocating for education in the sciences and other high-earning professions to empower and inspire children in the ghetto to pursue ambitious careers and goals.

'Cause they can be defiant with a future worse than ours
Arguing that a lack of education and opportunity can result in a dire future for children in the ghetto, and that they deserve better options and support.

Don't want them looking in the past and covering scars
Encouraging children in the ghetto to move beyond their trauma and challenges, and to keep their focus on achieving a better future.

They need a path out the ghetto, ghetto, hello.
Reiterating the need for a clear plan to help children in the ghetto escape poverty and instability, and pursue fulfilling lives.

Little boy had a dream of being a ball player
Emphasizing the innocence and ambition of children in the ghetto, who have dreams and aspirations despite their challenging circumstances.

'His little homie wanna grow to be a rhyme slayer,
Showing that children in the ghetto have a variety of passions and goals, including music and performing arts.

Little missy wanna grow to be a model
Demonstrating that young girls in the ghetto may have aspirations to become models or other types of successful professionals.

While the momma at home just drinking on the bottle.
Highlighting the profound lack of parental guidance and support that many children in the ghetto face, which can impair their ability to succeed and thrive.

Aye, how come little one to grow and be a councilman?
Asking why children in the ghetto are not encouraged to become engaged in politics and pursue leadership roles that can bring about change.

Senator or governor, a mayor politician
Envisioning a future where children in the ghetto have the opportunity and support to become successful politicians and leaders who can effect change in their communities.

Probably 'cause the politicians keep tricking 'em
Conveying the idea that the government and politicians often make empty promises to the ghetto without actually implementing effective solutions or providing significant resources.

Promise that they fixing it but they ain't really fixing it.
Repeating the idea that politicians and officials often fail to follow through on their promises to address the problems of the ghetto, causing disillusionment and mistrust among residents.

Aye, that's why they want to be like me
Acknowledging that some children in the ghetto may aspire to become successful musicians or celebrities like the artist behind the song.

Like Jigga like B and Nicky and Ri
Naming other popular musicians who may serve as role models or sources of inspiration for children in the ghetto.

Every day in the ghettos is an emergency
Stressing the sense of urgency and crisis that characterizes daily life in the ghetto, where residents may face threats to their safety and wellbeing.

But the powers that be don't emerge and seek
Pointing out the lack of engagement and assistance from those in positions of authority and power, which can perpetuate the cycle of poverty and struggle in the ghetto.

That's why you see killing, that's why you see crimes,
Explaining that the lack of resources, opportunity, and support in the ghetto can lead to crime and violence as a survival mechanism or means of attaining power and resources.

That's why you see the homies in the prison doing time
Showing that the criminal justice system often disadvantages those in the ghetto, leading to high rates of incarceration and limiting opportunities for rehabilitation and change.

That's why you see crack, that's why you see blacks trap
Clarifying that the prevalence of drug addiction and trafficking in the ghetto is not an individual failing, but is related to systemic issues of poverty, oppression, and limited opportunity.

With no access out the ghetto, ghetto.
Reiterating the idea that poverty and oppression can limit the ability of people in the ghetto to escape their circumstances and achieve lasting success and stability.

It is easy as 1, 2, 3,
Repeating the previous sentiment that addressing the problems of the ghetto should be as simple as counting from 1 to 3, but that in reality, it is a complex issue that requires significant attention and resources.

I wanna be what's on TV,
Repeating the idea that some people in the ghetto may aspire to become celebrities or achieve fame and success as a way to escape their circumstances.

And if that's wrong, please don't blame me,
Repeating the defense against criticism for wanting to leave the ghetto and pursue success and opportunity.

'Cause where I live we have nothing
Repeating the sentiment that the ghetto is characterized by poverty, struggle, and limited access to resources and opportunity.

In the ghetto, ghetto, ghetto.
Repeating the central theme of the song that the ghetto is a place of hardship, struggle, and limited opportunity, but also of resilience, determination, and hope.

Oh Lord, I've been, I've been praying for you
Reiterating the continuous hope and desire for healing and change in the ghetto, and for divine intervention to help those struggling and in need.

Hallelujah, Lord save these children
Concluding the song with a plea to protect and support the most vulnerable and innocent victims of the ghetto, the children who deserve brighter futures and better opportunities.