Gil Scott-Heron - Get Out Of The Ghetto Blues Lyrics

(What we want to discuss here
are routes out of the ghetto.
This is called
the "Get Out of the Ghetto" blues.)

I know you think you're cool--
LORD, if they bus your kids to school...
I know you think you're cool,
Just cuz they bus your kids to school.
But you ain't got a thing to lose;
You just got the get out of the ghetto blues.

I know you think you're cool
If you're gettin' two WELFARE checks;
You done TOLD me you think you're cool
Because you're gettin' two WELFARE checks.
Yea! But you got ten years to lose (if they catch you)
Just tryin' to fight that get out of the ghetto blues.

(what it is, what it is.)

If he don't catch you in the wash,
LORD knows he'll catch you in the rinse.

I know you think you're cool
Just 'cuz you shooting that stuff in your arm.
I seen you nodding
'Cuz you shoot that STUFF into your arm.
And it don't matter which pine box you choose:
You got the get out of the ghetto blues.

Yeah.