In The Ghetto – Emotional Song Audience – Elvis Presley -1969

About The Song ” In The Ghetto” 

This song delves into the theme of poverty, depicting the story of a child trapped in his harsh environment, eventually resorting to a life of crime that leads to his tragic demise. It marked Elvis’ initial venture into songs with a socially conscious message, although he initially hesitated due to its content, recognizing its potential for success.

The songwriter behind this poignant piece is Mac Davis, who received the honor of being inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame in 2006. During the induction ceremony, Davis shared the inspiration behind the song, rooted in his personal experiences growing up alongside a young boy whose father worked alongside his own. This boy resided in a destitute area with dirt roads, a place Davis likened to a ghetto, though that term was not commonly used at the time. Davis aimed to craft a song titled ‘The Vicious Circle,’ exploring the cycle of a fatherless child perpetuating the same fate. Interestingly, the word ‘ghetto’ gained prominence in the late ’60s as a descriptor for impoverished neighborhoods. Davis also credited Freddy Weller, a friend and former guitarist for Paul Revere And The Raiders, for teaching him a guitar lick that inspired the song. In a burst of creativity, Davis wrote the song and promptly called Weller at 4 in the morning to sing it to him, recognizing the hit potential of their collaboration.

Originally, Davis named the song “In The Ghetto (The Vicious Circle),” but RCA Records decided to remove the subtitle before presenting it to Elvis.

Davis had previously penned songs for Elvis, some of which were featured in his films, such as “A Little Less Conversation” and “Clean Up Your Own Backyard.” When Elvis was making his comeback and recording in Memphis, Davis was asked if he had any suitable material. In response, Davis sent them a tape containing “In The Ghetto” and “Don’t Cry Daddy” as the first two songs, both of which Elvis recorded.

Mac Davis recounted the story in a Songfacts interview, explaining that Elvis’ interest in his songwriting led to the inclusion of his songs in the Memphis album. Despite some reservations within RCA and from Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis was determined to record “In The Ghetto” as he wanted to convey a meaningful message through his music.

This song marked a significant milestone in Elvis’ career, as it became his first Top 10 hit in the United States in four years, rekindling his chart success.

Interestingly, if Elvis had declined to record the song, it might have been performed by Rosie Grier, a minister and former football player.

The significance of Memphis in Elvis’ life cannot be overstated, and this song held a special place as the first release from his recording sessions in his hometown since 1956.

In 2007, Elvis’ daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, collaborated with her father’s original recording to create a duet of this song, reminiscent of Natalie Cole’s rendition of her father’s “Unforgettable.” A portion of the proceeds from this version was donated to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina.

In the UK, as part of a series of re-releases of Elvis’ songs in 2007, “In The Ghetto” re-entered the chart, reaching the 15th position.

Marty Lacker, a close friend of Elvis, played a pivotal role in encouraging Elvis to record in Memphis and take on “In The Ghetto.” Despite initial reluctance from Elvis and the cautionary advice from Colonel Parker about avoiding message songs, Lacker’s support and the conviction that this song could make a difference ultimately convinced Elvis to record it.

Notably, one of the backup singers on this track was Donna Jean Thatcher, who later married Keith Godchaux and became the only female member of the Grateful Dead. Donna Jean Thatcher, along with backup singers Jeanie Greene and the Holliday sisters, Mary and Ginger, began their careers in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, contributing to various recording sessions for artists like Percy Sledge and Ray Stevens.

Adding to the song’s legacy, Dolly Parton, another RCA labelmate of Elvis, recorded her own rendition for her fourth solo album, “My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy,” which reached the 50th position on the Country chart.

Watching Video Here

Lyrics

As the snow flies
On a cold and gray Chicago mornin’
A poor little baby child is born
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

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

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

Then one night in desperation
The 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

And as her young man dies,
On a cold and gray Chicago mornin’,
Another little baby child is born
In the ghetto

And his mama cries