Where I was born ev`rything was dull and dingy I lived in a place they called the inner city Getting ahead huh was strictly a nono Cause nobody cares what happens to the folks That live in the ghetto Thousands of lives wasting away People living from day to day It`s a challenge just staying alive `Cause in the ghetto only the strong survive Money I ain`t got none, job can`t find one The streets raised me from a baby, ooh Thousands of lives wasting away People living from day to day It`s a challenge just staying alive `Cause in the ghetto only the strong survive Broken down homes, kids strung out They don`t even know what life`s all about Stealin` cars, robbin` bars Mugging drugs, rat infested And no one`s interested Kids dodging cars for recreation Only adds to a mother`s frustration Breakings, folks comin` home And finding all their possessions gone Oh it`s an ev`ry day thing - well well - in the ghetto Oh it`s an ev`ry day thing in the ghetto