Where I was born everything was dull and dingy
I lived in a place they called 'The Inner City'
Getting ahead was strictly a no no
'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 survives

Broken down homes, kids strung out
They don't even know what life's all about
Stealin' cars, robbin' bars, muggings, drugs, rat infested
And no one's interested

Kids dodging cars for recreation
Only adds to a mother's frustration
Break-ins, folks comin' home
And finding all their possessions gone