Ghetto

Akon

About Ghetto

"Ghetto" is the second single from American singer-songwriter Akon's debut studio album, Trouble. The single was released on December 21, 2004, exclusively in Latin America and certain countries of Europe. The single peaked at #92 on the U. S. Billboard Hot 100. Akon describes the meaning of the song, reflected in the song's lyrics, as "a description of the cycle of poverty experienced by those living in poor, inner-city areas" (see ghetto). Additionally, it describes the physical and psychological oppression with which these residents must deal on a regular basis. The music video for the track was filmed in New Jersey, New Mexico, and the Navajo Nation reservation in Arizona. 


Year:
2004
3:55
38 

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Ghetto, ghetto
Ghetto, ghetto livin'

These streets remind me of quicksand (quicksand)
When you're on it, you'll keep goin' down (goin' down)
And there's no one to hold on to
And there's no one to pull you out
You keep on fallin' (fallin')
No one can hear you callin'
So you end up self-destructin'
On the corner with the tuli on the waistline
Just got up out the bing doin' state time
Teeth marks on my back from the K-9
Dark memories of when there was no sunshine
'Cause they said that I wouldn't make it
I remember like yesterday
Holdin' on to what God gave me

'Cause that's the life when you're livin' in the (ghetto)
And eatin' in the (ghetto)
Oh, sleepin' in the (ghetto)
Ghetto, that's the life (ghetto livin')
When you're livin' in the (ghetto)
And eatin' in the (ghetto)
Oh, sleepin' in the (ghetto) ghetto (ghetto livin')

No need to cherish luxuries
'Cause everything come and go
Even the life that you have is borrowed
'Cause you're not promised tomorrow
So live your life as if every day is gon' be your last (be your last)
Once you've moved forward, can't go back just pretend to remove your past (remove your past)
'Cause you gotta be willin' to pray
Yes, there gotta be, there gotta be a better way, oh
Yes, you gotta be willin' to pray
'Cause there gotta be, there gotta be a better day, ay
Whoever said that this struggle would stop today?
A lot a niggas dead or locked away
Teenage women growin' up with AIDS

'Cause that's the life when you're livin' in the (ghetto)
Oh, eatin' in the (ghetto)
Oh, sleepin' in the (ghetto)
Ghetto, that's the life (ghetto livin')
When you're livin' in the (ghetto)
Oh, eatin' in the (ghetto)
Oh, sleepin' in the (ghetto) ghetto (ghetto livin')

Gun shots every night in the (ghetto)
Crooked cops on sight in the (ghetto)
Everyday is a fight in the (ghetto)
Oh oh oh oh oh (ghetto livin')
Got kids to feed in the (ghetto)
Sellin' coke and weed in the (ghetto)
Everyday somebody bleed in the (ghetto)
Oh oh oh oh oh (ghetto livin')

That's the life when you're livin' in the (ghetto)
Oh, livin' by the (ghetto)
Oh eatin' in the (ghetto)
Ghetto

That's the life when you're livin' in the (ghetto)
Oh, sleepin' in the (ghetto)
Livin' in the (ghetto)
Ghetto, ghetto (ghetto livin')

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Akon

Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam (born April 16, 1973), professionally known as simply Akon, is a Senegalese American R&B and hip hop recording artist, songwriter, record producer and businessman. He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of "Locked Up", the first single from his debut album Trouble. more »

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Written by: ALIAUNE THIAM, BUTHERDE DARIUS, JAMES TARVER

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Release date
"Ghetto" by Akon was officially released on December 21, 2004.
Album
The song "Ghetto" is from Akon's debut album, "Trouble."
Music genre
The song belongs to the genres of R&B and hip hop.
Chart performance
Although it wasn't a huge chart hit, it did achieve considerable success in certain charts worldwide including the UK, Norway, and New Zealand.
Inspiration
Akon, who spent much of his childhood in Africa, was inspired to write this song based on the poverty and problematic challenges he witnessed in those areas.
Lyrics
The lyrics of the song talk about Akon's experiences growing up in unpleasant, disadvantaged circumstances.
Remix versions
The song has two official remixes, one of them features the American rapper, 2Pac, and the notorious B.I.G., and the other one features Ali B and Yes-R.
Impact
"Ghetto" resonated with many listeners around the world due to the socio-economic realities it portrays in its lyrics.
Music Video
The music video for "Ghetto," directed by Gil Green and Tara Razavi, supplements its lyrics - showcasing the struggles people in destitute communities deal with.
Song Writer/Producer
"Ghetto" was written by Akon, the same person who also produced the song.
Song Duration
The song "Ghetto" has a duration of 3 minutes and 58 seconds.
Critical Reception
While the song generally received positive reviews, it was often praised for its stark imagery and the emotional honesty of its lyrics.

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    Ghetto

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 2005

    Billboard #92


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