Ghetto Child

The Spinners

About Ghetto Child

"Ghetto Child" is a 1973 song recorded by American R&B music group the Spinners (known as "Detroit Spinners" in the UK) for the Atlantic label. It was written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed. It was produced by Bell, and recorded at Philly's Sigma Sound Studios with the house band MFSB providing the backing instrumentation. It is notable for being one of few songs that all three main leads, Bobby Smith, Philippé Wynne and Henry Fambrough sing lead (Wynne and Fambrough on the verses and Smith on the songs bridge). The group's fifth hit at Atlantic, the song peaked at number four on the R&B chart and number twenty-nine on the Billboard Pop Singles chart. 


Year:
1978
3:45
136 
#1

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

When I was seventeen, I ran away from home
And from everything, I had ever known
I was sick and tired living in a town
Filled with narrow minds and hate

They used to laugh at me and children called me names
I would run and hide feeling so ashamed
Just for being born, I was just a boy
Punished for a crime that was not mine

Life ain't so easy
When you're a ghetto child
Oh babe, life ain't so easy
When you're a ghetto child

No one tried to understand
Papa did the best a man could do

A child's reality is paid for by his folks
Fancy fairy tales are bought and sold by those
Who can well afford time to make believe
Childhood dreams, can still come true

So I've been wondering, traveling all around
Guess it ain't my style to live in just one town
Still I'll never know why a child is blamed
Ridiculed and shamed, we're all the same

Life ain't so easy
When you're a ghetto child
I'm witness that life ain't so easy
When you're a ghetto child, yeah

Life ain't so easy
When you're a ghetto child
Oh baby, life ain't so easy
When you're a ghetto child

Life ain't so easy
When you're a ghetto child
(Life can be rough) life ain't so easy
(With going gets tough) when you're a ghetto child

(Yeah, but remember) life ain't so easy
When you're a (this gotta change) ghetto child (they gotta change gotta change, yeah, yeah!)
Life ain't so easy
When you're a ghetto child (I'm a ghetto oh)

Life ain't so easy

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


The Spinners

The Spinners are a soul and R&B vocal group that emerged in the 1960s. They gained popularity for their smooth harmonies and hit songs like "I'll Be Around" and "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love." The group's lineup has changed over the years, but they have remained a prominent act in the soul music genre. more »

4 fans

Written by: LINDA CREED, LINDA DIANE CREED, THOM BELL, THOMAS RANDOLPH BELL

Lyrics © Bluewater Music Corp., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Group Members
"The Spinners" were a soul music vocal group formed in 1954. By the 1970s, they were primarily composed of Billy Henderson, Henry Fambrough, Pervis Jackson, Bobbie Smith, and Philippé Wynne. They were known for their refined harmonies and dance routines.
Album Information
"Ghetto Child" is a song from the album "Mighty Love", the fourth studio album by American R&B group The Spinners. It was released on March 20, 1974, by Atlantic Records, their second album with them.
Chart Success
Despite its mature and somber theme, "Ghetto Child" did quite well in the charts. It peaked at number 4 on the U.S. R&B chart and number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973.
Song Subject
"Ghetto Child" is a socially conscientious song about the cyclical nature of poverty, centered around a child asking why he was born into such circumstances and dreaming of a better life.
Producer
The song was produced by Thom Bell, known for his work with Philadelphia soul groups and his role in establishing the sub-genre.
Songwriters
"Ghetto Child" was written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed. The duo had a successful partnership, penning several hits for various artists.
Musical Style
The song features the classic Spinners sound, which combines elements of gospel, R&B, soul, and doo-wop music. This can be heard especially in the lush harmonies and orchestral arrangements.
Recognition
While "Ghetto Child" doesn't always get as much recognition as some of the Spinners' bigger hits, it is often highlighted by critics and fans for its poignant lyrics and the group's emotive performance.
Later Recordings
The Spinners' lead singer on this track, Philippé Wynne, went on to enjoy a successful solo career after leaving the group in 1977. His distinctive voice on tracks like "Ghetto Child" played an important role in establishing the Spinners' sound.
Influence
The Spinners and their songs like "Ghetto Child" have had a lasting influence in the music industry, paving the way for future R&B and soul acts.

Discuss the Ghetto Child Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Ghetto Child Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/137917/The+Spinners/Ghetto+Child>.

    Missing lyrics by The Spinners?

    Know any other songs by The Spinners? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Ghetto Child

    359.7K
    2,765     0

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1973

    Billboard #29


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Will.i.am is best known for performing with which hip hop group?
    A N.W.A.
    B The Black Eyed Peas
    C CunninLynguists
    D LMFAO

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss The Spinners's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    The Spinners tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!