Song meaning of Across 110th Street (demo version) by Bobby Womack

The lyrics of the song "Across 110th Street" by Bobby Womack convey a powerful message about the struggles and reality of life in the ghetto. The narrator, as the third brother of five, admits to doing whatever it took to survive. The lyrics acknowledge that these actions may not have been right, but the fight to break free from the confines of the poverty-stricken neighborhood was a day-to-day battle.

The repeated line "Been down so long, getting up didn't cross my mind" expresses the hopelessness and despair that permeated the narrator's life. However, deep down, the narrator knew there had to be a better way of life.

The song touches upon the themes of pressure, addiction, and the vicious cycle present in these neighborhoods. The references to pimps, pushers, junkies, and tricks highlight the harsh realities and dangerous elements that exist on the streets. While there is a strong sense of struggle and suffering, the lyrics also provide a glimmer of hope and a call for change. The lyrics encourage those trapped in the cycle to find a better way out, to be strong, and to choose between living and dying.

Moreover, the mention of the upper-class family depending on the presence of “the ghetto around" emphasizes the socio-economic divide and the significance of these neighborhood problems. The song portrays Harlem as a symbol of every ghetto town, emphasizing the widespread nature of these struggles.

Overall, "Across 110th Street" serves as a social commentary that sheds light on the harsh realities of life in the ghetto. It implores individuals to seek a way out, to resist the destructive influences of the streets, and to strive for a better life.