Jean moved to Brooklyn, New York when he was nine, then to Northern New Jersey, where he began playing the guitar and studying jazz in his high school. In 1987, Jean, his friend (so close they told people they were cousins growing up) Prakazrel Michel (Pras) and his classmate, Lauryn Hill, formed a group called the Tranzlator Crew before becoming The Fugees. Wyclef worked as a cabdriver.
Recently he has been finding success as a collaborator - with his turn on Shakira's 2006 track 'Hips Don't Lie' hitting number one in many countries around the world.
In August of 2010, Jean announced his intent to seek the presidency of Haiti. This move came after his increasingly-high profile humanitarian work in the wake of the earthquake that devastated that nation.
Ghetto Religion
Wyclef Jean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I heard him saying,
Tomorrow no more
Pay me now or leave
But we didn't have anything to give(ah can you feel me)
Searching for restoration(and we need restoration)
Make the church my family
This is my song
And I can sing it all night long I tell you why because,
[Chorus]
The ghetto is a part of my religion(the only thing my eyes can see)
The only thing my eyes can see(and I tell you there ain't no man)
There ain't no man gonna stop the vision(I'm a part of the ghetto)
The ghetto is a part of me
Children cry no more(children cry no more)
Because heaven is upon you
Please put down your guns
And we shall overcome
Thought your load may be heavy
Know that the weight makes you strong
Take my life for example
While I sing my song
Mr. Kelly help me sing this song
[Chorus X2]
La la la la la lala la..X3 (fade out)
The ghetto is a part of me
The ghetto is a part of my religion
In Wyclef Jean's song "Ghetto Religion," he speaks about the struggles of living in the ghetto and how it has formed a significant part of his identity and belief system. The song's opening lines describe the constant presence of poverty and debt in the ghetto, as the landlord threatens to evict them for unpaid rent. The desperation of their financial situation is evident as they have nothing to give, highlighting the harsh realities of life in the ghetto.
However, Wyclef finds hope and solace in the church, which he considers to be his family. He refers to his personal experiences with the church, indicating that it has helped him overcome the difficulties he has faced. He furthers his point by highlighting that the ghetto is an essential part of his religion and that his eyes only see what is around him. He even stresses that nothing can stop his vision, which is to remain steadfast in his beliefs and continue to forge ahead.
The song's chorus is indicative of the hope that the people living in the ghetto hold onto despite the challenging circumstances. Wyclef believes that while children suffer from the effects of poverty, heaven is upon them, and they should keep hope alive. He also pleads with the people in the ghetto to drop their guns and unite together to overcome adversity.
In summary, Wyclef's "Ghetto Religion" highlights the reality of life in the ghetto, shedding light on the poverty and suffering that people experience daily. However, he remains hopeful that things can be better and that the ghetto community can come together to create a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Had the landlord at my door
The singer encountered their landlord and was notified of an impending eviction due to unpaid rent.
I heard him saying, tomorrow no more
The landlord informed the singer that they would have to vacate the premises by tomorrow.
Pay me now or leave, but we didn't have anything to give (ah can you feel me)
The landlord demanded immediate payment, but the singer did not have the necessary funds to satisfy the debt. The singer is asking the listener if they can relate to their struggle.
Searching for restoration (and we need restoration)
The artist is seeking to restore their financial stability and a sense of place in their community.
Make the church my family
The artist sees the church as a sanctuary that can provide communal support and become a surrogate family in times of need.
This is my story, this is my song, and I can sing it all night long I tell you why because,
The singer asserts that they are the author of their own narrative and despite their hardships, they can continue to sing and find joy in their music.
[Chorus] The ghetto is a part of my religion (the only thing my eyes can see) The only thing my eyes can see (and I tell you there ain't no man) There ain't no man gonna stop the vision (I'm a part of the ghetto) The ghetto is a part of me
The singer identifies with the struggles and culture of their impoverished community, which has become an integral part of their identity and spirituality. They are resolute and determined to overcome adversity and are unfazed by external obstacles.
Children cry no more (children cry no more) Because heaven is upon you Please put down your guns And we shall overcome
The artist advocates for peace and non-violence, linking their message to a divine mandate. They reassure children that their plight will improve if they avoid violence and believe in the possibility of triumphing over adversity.
Thought your load may be heavy Know that the weight makes you strong Take my life for example While I sing my song Mr. Kelly help me sing this song
The artist encourages listeners to recognize that their burdens and struggles can build and strengthen their resilience. They use their own life and artistry to demonstrate how one can still find joy in the midst of hardship, and collaboratively call upon Mr. Kelly to express their collective need for hope and inspiration.
[Chorus X2] La la la la la lala la..X3 (fade out) The ghetto is a part of me The ghetto is a part of my religion
The chorus is repeated twice, underscoring the importance of the artist's connection to their community and faith in the midst of their challenging circumstances. The song ends with a melodic refrain that reinforces these themes.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DUPLESSIS, JEAN, KELLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Cassandra Clapp
Listening to this as I enter my ghetto apartment. Knowing if I work hard save every cent not only will I be a positive influence on my children but I'll get us out of here one day. And then think of the character my children would have coming from a humbled beginnings in a one bedroom apartment I think they would really appreciate the things they end up have in life. Anyone else in the situation just know that you're not alone and positivity and change and saving up your money can totally change around a situation keep your head up I love you
oneyee
Best of luck and courage to you
oneyee
Music is powerful, especially a superbly written and performed song that speaks to your heart like this. It really touches me every time I listen to it
Annie Belton
I love this song, just discovered it, and I can't stop playing it. A very meaningful one. The beat, melody and words are awesome.
joy marks
Loved it from the 1st time I heard probably over a decade ago now!
Igyu Mathias
I discovered it when i was 16, that was in 2003 and i'm still listening in 2018.
Tina Horton
I was the same when I heard it 😀
Mayowa Okunoye
Me too.I used to hear the song on radio stations. This is my first time of getting very close to the song. But though since I have been hearing the song I had fallen in love with it.
monika dunns
How can I forget this song ? I remember I was listening it for the first time when I was on my way to put up my keys for my first property I bought. I was just jamming to it while on my way to and fro. This song brings back lovely memories.
KARAMA EMMY
Thank God monika dunns