The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
You've come a long way baby,
From wealth and food stamp lines,
You're moving on up,
And leaving poverty behind.
You've had a good education,
And seen the best of the schools,
But when you take a drink,
The ghetto comes out of you.
[Chorus]
I took you out of the ghetto,
(I took you out of the ghetto)
I took you out of the ghetto,
(I took you out of the ghetto)
I took you out of the ghetto,
(I took you out of the ghetto)
But I could not get that ghetto out of you.
You're a foxy lady,
Your mamma had a beautiful child,
You're built like a brick house,
And that's no lie.
When we go to the disco,
You drive the fellas wild,
When you shake your booty,
Ghetto style.
[Chorus]
You're a hunk of raw sugar,
Got some real sweet hips,
Your love, your love, your love,
Is like a honey drip.
Your roots are in the mean streets,
That'll never change,
Ghetto mamma,
Stay the same.
[Chorus]
[Repeat x5]
Ghetto mamma, don't you change,
Ghetto mamma, stay the same.
From wealth and food stamp lines,
You're moving on up,
And leaving poverty behind.
You've had a good education,
And seen the best of the schools,
But when you take a drink,
The ghetto comes out of you.
[Chorus]
I took you out of the ghetto,
(I took you out of the ghetto)
I took you out of the ghetto,
(I took you out of the ghetto)
I took you out of the ghetto,
(I took you out of the ghetto)
But I could not get that ghetto out of you.
You're a foxy lady,
Your mamma had a beautiful child,
You're built like a brick house,
And that's no lie.
When we go to the disco,
You drive the fellas wild,
When you shake your booty,
Ghetto style.
[Chorus]
You're a hunk of raw sugar,
Got some real sweet hips,
Your love, your love, your love,
Is like a honey drip.
Your roots are in the mean streets,
That'll never change,
Ghetto mamma,
Stay the same.
[Chorus]
[Repeat x5]
Ghetto mamma, don't you change,
Ghetto mamma, stay the same.
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings, edited by ksdip
Out of the Ghetto Lyrics as written by Isaac Hayes
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Heh: I'll tell you what it means. The famous composer of Steely Dan's most blatant song about interracial sex, "Babylon Sisters", has finally come out of the closet with these lyrics as a lover of black women. Here, Donald Fagen is addressing an African-American woman he's given money to, and lusts after, and is presumably doing, and dates, but notices she becomes "uncomfortably black" after having a drink.
Told ya Fagen was into sistas :)
Sorry, but this song wasn't written by Fagan (see top of lyric sheet for writing credit). Further, I don't believe Babylon mentions anything about race at all. Thanks for playing tho.
@heatherfer - not that its not true that Fagen probably is "into the sistas". I'd be surprised if that wasn't the case. ;)