Ghetto Life

Rick James

About Ghetto Life

"Ghetto Life" is a song written by Rick James that was first released on his 1981 album Street Songs and was later released as the third single from the album.


Year:
1981
4:20
111 
#1

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When I was a young boy
Growing up in the ghetto
Hanging out on corners
Singin' with the fellas
Lookin' for the cute chicks
Trying to find a bit of fun
Looking for some trouble
Or anyone who'll give me some

I was young and crazy
In the ghetto
Didn't know what my life would be
In the ghetto
I was dumb and oh so lazy
In the ghetto
Something had a spell on me
In the ghetto

You want to know what I'm talkin' bout?
Talkin' 'bout ghetto life
Ghetto Life
You want to know what I'm singin' 'bout?
Talkin' 'bout ghetto life
Ghetto Life

When I was a young man
Kind of free and fancy
Met this little cute girl
She said her name was Nancy
She had pigtails to her shoulders
She couldn't have been much older
She taught me what I had to know
To make a girl not want to go

She was very kinky
In the ghetto
She laid her pigtails down on me
In the ghetto
And I was feeling oh so sneaky
In the ghetto
I had to see what love could be
In the ghetto

I knew it all along
That my game was strong
But I was wrong that time
I knew I had to pray
And give myself away
Did you think I was man enough?
Yeah
Did you think I was smart enough?
Yeah
Did you think I was strong enough?
Yeah
Did you think I'd work it out?

The Ghetto Life
Sing it to ya, hit it baby baby
Talkin 'bout ghetto life
You got to get on over
Talkin 'bout ghetto life

When I was a young boy
Tenements, slums and corner bums
Playing tag with winos
The only way to have some fun
One thing 'bout the ghetto
You don't ha

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Rick James

Rick James (born James Ambrose Johnson, Jr.; February 1, 1948 – August 6, 2004) was an American singer, songwriter, musician and record producer, best known for being the major popularizer of funk music in the late 1970s and early 1980s thanks to million-selling hits such as "You and I" (1978), "Give It to Me Baby" (1981) and "Super Freak" (1981), the latter song crossing him over to pop audiences and selling over three million copies, later contributing to the success of rapper MC Hammer's "U Can't Touch This" (1990), which James sued to be credited for. James won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song with Hammer for the song, his only Grammy win. more »

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Written by: DAVE KELLY, MICHAEL JOHNSON

Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Information
"Ghetto Life" is a song by American singer Rick James, released on his 1981 album "Street Songs."
Album Success
The song is a part of the album, "Street Songs", which is considered Rick James' best and most successful album. "Street Songs" achieved multi-platinum status.
Lyrics and Theme
The lyric's content of "Ghetto Life" describes Rick James' experiences and struggles of being raised up in the Buffalo ghetto.
Music Composition
The song is known for its blend of punk funk sound, a fusion of soul, funk, and R&B genres which Rick James was well known for pioneering.
Real-life References
James took his experiences from the time he spent in Buffalo, New York, and turned them into the song "Ghetto Life" showing the gritty reality of life in the inner city.
Song Length
The track "Ghetto Life" has a length of 4:20 minutes.
Live Performances
"Ghetto Life" often made it to James' live performances where he would captivate the audience with his energetic stage presence.
Influence
The song also influenced several hip hop songs, with its catchy beats being sampled by many artists.
Critical Reception
"Ghetto Life" is still regarded as a classic and a prominent symbol of James's career, even though it didn't top the charts like some of his other singles.
Cultural Impact
The song is often featured in media pieces highlighting the reality of life in American inner-city neighborhoods, emphasizing its cultural significance.

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