Ghetto Child

Shaggy · Other Songs - Shaggy

All the ghettos around the world

Dig this, ghetto Fabulous Joe

Shaggy

All the children sing



I'm a ghetto child

I'm a ghetto child

(Check it, out)



There's a world out there that I wanna see

There's a man that I'm destined to be

I won't be stopped by the ghetto streets

I believe inside that I can't be beat



This life could be a ball and chain

If you let yourself get caught in the game

I had some friends who sold drugs for dough

But I don't intend to go down that road



Just because I'm a ghetto child

I won't live down to your expectations

Just believe that a ghetto child

Can rise in the highest celebration



Know that I am a ghetto child

But I can see the best in me, can you

I'm a ghetto child

All the ghettos around the world, dig this



One day I'm gonna change the world

Make a better place for every boy and girl

Everyone in need, homeless families

Have a place to sleep and food to eat



I'll take every gun off the streets

So another tear won't be shed in grief

And every thug in every hood

I will make 'em change from bad to good



I believe that it can be done

Gotta start somewhere and I'm that one

All the children sing

(Yeah, yeah)

All the children sing

(Yeah, yeah)



Just because I'm a ghetto child

I won't live down to your expectations

Just believe that a ghetto child

Can rise in the highest celebration



Know that I am a ghetto child

But I can see the best in me, can you

I'm a ghetto child

(Ooh, yeah, ooh)



Hey, yo', look at me in a different light

Spare me all about those stereotypes

Ain't no madness that'll bring me down

Gonna take this life and turn it around



That's right, the sky's the limit, I won't be denied

Ain't no stoppin' me, I'm a ghetto child

And at the end when it's said and done

We will all be singin' this ghetto song



I believe that it can be done

Gotta start somewhere and I'm that one

All the children sing

(Yeah, yeah)

All the children sing

(Yeah, yeah)



Just because I'm a ghetto child

I won't live down to your expectations

Just believe that a ghetto child

Can rise in the highest celebration



Know that I am a ghetto child

But I can see the best in me, can you

I'm a ghetto child

(Let's go to church now)



Just because I'm a ghetto child

I won't live down to your expectations

(Take me to church now)

Just believe that a ghetto child

Can rise in the highest celebration



Know that I am a ghetto child

But I can see the best in me, can you

I'm a ghetto child

(Hey, ghetto child, oh)



Just because I'm a ghetto child

I won't live down to your expectations

(Sing a song for me)

Just believe that a ghetto child

(Sing a song for me)

Can rise in the highest celebration

(Everybody sing it now, yeah)



Know that I am a ghetto child

But I can see the best in me, can you

I'm a ghetto child

(So I can see the best in me, can you)



It's not where you're from, it's where you're gonna be

It's not where you're from, it's where you're gonna be

Ghetto Child

Shaggy's 1992 single "Ghetto Child" stands as a defining track of the late 80s and early 90s dancehall and reggae fusion era. Released during a period when the artist was rapidly establishing his international profile, the song blends Caribbean rhythms with polished pop production to create a sound that bridged cultural gaps. As one of his most recognizable hits, it exemplifies the genre's ability to merge authentic dancehall vocals with mainstream appeal, contributing significantly to the global popularity of reggae dancehall music in the 1990s. The recording captures the upbeat, rhythmic energy characteristic of the time, featuring Shaggy's distinctive vocal delivery over a driving beat that became a staple in club and radio play worldwide.