In the Ghetto was written by country music songwriter and singer Mac Davis. I’ve never been a big fan of the music by Elvis, but I appreciate his greatness and influence on music and there are some songs which hit home for me. This is one such song. Oh, and it appears based on audience feedback, Baz Luhrmann did a good job recently with his Elvis biopic – Elvis.
Regarding today’s song: the following listener’s quote of the song struck me:
Thankfully I had a very strong single mother who wouldn’t let me out of her sight hardly. At the time I resented it, but she did the right thing and kept me out of an unwise path. I pray for everyone in poverty.
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)
The Ghetto was originally titled The Vicious Cycle. It was part of Elvis’ comeback album and was his first top 10 hit in 4 years and he included it in his setlist during his return to live performances at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. Now isn’t it strange – In the Ghetto was a staple played to the richest able to see Elvis in Las Vegas. Interestingly “In the Ghetto” was covered by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and was their debut single.
References:
1. In the Ghetto – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
Probably my favourite Elvis song too.
Suspicious Minds is my favourite, but this one is up there.
What a huge song this is…so much feeling to it. Out of later Elvis songs I did like his cover of Promise Land also.
I’ll check it out Max. Thanks a lot.
A great song, and one of Presley’s best.
I’m not so familiar with his discography, but from what I have heard, I like this a lot. I’m you did too. Thanks Jeff.