Ghetto

Album: Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Arie started this lament about the poor with songwriter/producer Shannon Sanders several years previously and completed it during a soul-searching sojourn in Hawaii as she recovered from a painful relationship break-up. She explained in publicity materials: "I wrote ten songs in ten days in Hawaii, and when I came back, that inspiration was still so alive, I wrote five more." She added: "'Ghetto' and 'Yellow' I started with Shannon Sanders while we were touring (2001 debut album) Acoustic Soul, and I was surprised at how much new life was breathed into them."
  • Arie explained the theme of Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics: "These songs symbolize being more empowered, honoring feelings more. Not fitting in anyone's box anymore. This album sounds like me, now, not trying to live something or capture something. It's just now. A sonic representation of who I am."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Butch Vig

Butch VigSongwriter Interviews

The Garbage drummer/songwriter produced the Nirvana album Nevermind, and Smashing Pumpkins' Gish and Siamese Dream.

Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root

Michael Glabicki of Rusted RootSongwriter Interviews

Michael tells the story of "Send Me On My Way," and explains why some of the words in the song don't have a literal meaning.

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.

Paul Stanley of Kiss, Soul Station

Paul Stanley of Kiss, Soul StationSongwriter Interviews

Paul Stanley on his soul music project, the Kiss songs with the biggest soul influence, and the non-make-up era of the band.

Crystal Waters

Crystal WatersSongwriter Interviews

Waters tells the "Gypsy Woman" story, shares some of her songwriting insights, and explains how Dennis Rodman ended up on one of her songs.

Victoria Williams

Victoria WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

Despite appearances on Carson, Leno and a Pennebaker film, Williams remains a hidden treasure.