In The Ghetto (2007 Bonus Concert) Lyrics
Elvis Presley

Lyrics
As the snow flies
On a cold and gray Chicago mornin'
A poor little baby child is born
In the ghetto (in the ghetto)
And his mama cries
'Cause if there's one thing that she don't need
It's another hungry mouth to feed
In the ghetto (in the ghetto)
People, don't you understand
The child needs a helping hand
Or he'll grow to be an angry young man some day?
Take a look at you and me
Are we too blind to see
Do we simply turn our heads, and look the other way?
Well, the world turns
And a hungry little boy with a runny nose
Plays in the street as the cold wind blows
In the ghetto (in the ghetto)
And his hunger burns
So he starts to roam the streets at night
And he learns how to steal, and he learns how to fight
In the ghetto (in the ghetto)
Then one night in desperation
A young man breaks away
He buys a gun, steals a car
Tries to run, but he don't get far
And his mama cries
As a crowd gathers 'round an angry young man
Face down on the street with a gun in his hand
In the ghetto (in the ghetto)
And as her young man dies
On a cold and gray Chicago mornin'
Another little baby child is born
In the ghetto (in the ghetto)
And his mama cries (in the ghetto)
(In the ghetto)
(Aah-aah)
Song & Lyrics Facts
Elvis Presley's "In the Ghetto" is a classic song from his 1969 album, From Elvis in Memphis. Written by Mac Davis, it was released as a single on April 14th of that same year and became an instant hit, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
It has since been re-released many times, including on the 2007 bonus concert release, Elvis: The Concert Years. The song tells the story of a young man born into poverty who eventually turns to crime out of desperation. Its lyrics are filled with emotion, painting a vivid portrait of life in the ghetto. Musically, it features a simple arrangement of guitar, bass, drums, organ, and choir, all backed up by Elvis' powerful vocals. The members of his band at the time included James Burton (guitar), Norbert Putnam (bass), Jerry Carrigan (drums), Glen D. Hardin (piano) and The Imperials Quartet (choir).