V1 I was born in the heart of the city In a place, people don't wanna go The streets full of fear with no pity  It's a harsh life, but it's all that I know Pre  Sirens clang, gang members race to escape The enforcer man Children watch on as their mind's takin' shape Their future Looks dull 'cause there ain't no plan Chorus This Ghetto life... is loud  It cuts like a knife… it'll strike you down The dirty air fills, its a battle of wills,  Fighting just to stay alive  People hustlin'... to survive In this Ghetto life V2 It don't matter if it's day or if it's night Bill collectors knock at every door Crimes' long reach, there ain't no place to hide Mother's crying, so much she can't ignore Pre  Behind graffiti walls, you hear the blues plays Every day's Like a bitter street brawl No one would choose to live this way And Ain't no one come running when you call Chorus This Ghetto life... is loud  It cuts like a knife… it'll strike you down The dirty air fills, its a battle of wills,  Fighting just to stay alive  People hustlin'... to survive In this Ghetto life Instrumental Outro