Living In The Ghetto

Toots And The Maytals · Other Songs - Toots And The Maytals

Some of the rich men get their riches from the ghetto

As far as I can see

All the poor ones, that live in the ghetto

They put all their trust in vanity

And that's why, the rich ones shall be richer

And the poor ones shall be poorer



That's how it goes, that's where it's at



You must first see the kingdom of Zion

Then all things will be hurried unto you

You will never want, hungering or thirsting

You will feed off this cup of life



And then you will weep no more

Know that it's God and God and God alone



That set us free from our misery

Really set us free



You sick with your soul brother

You sick with your soul sister

I say, you wrong with my God

It's not my God, wrong with you



You sick with your soul brother

You sick with your love sister

I say, you wrong with my God

It's not my God, wrong with you



You must first sit in the kingdom of Zion

Then all things, will be hurried unto you

You will never want, hungering or thirsting

You will feed off this cup of life



And then you will know yourself

And know that it's love and purity, that set us free

That set us free from all this misery



Hey! I'm from the ghetto

People living in the ghetto

Let me sing it to you

Can you hear what I say?



That's how it goes

As far as I can see

Living In The Ghetto

Toots and the Maytals' 'Living In The Ghetto' stands as a defining anthem of the ska and reggae revival, capturing the gritty reality of urban life through their signature up-tempo sound. Recorded in the mid-1990s, the track exemplifies the band's mastery of the two-step rhythm and their ability to blend social commentary with infectious energy. As a staple of their discography, the song has transcended its original release to become a cultural touchstone, frequently covered by artists across genres and adopted by major film and television productions. Its enduring popularity highlights the group's influence on modern dancehall and their commitment to addressing systemic issues through music, making it an essential listening experience for fans of Caribbean roots music.