[Intro: Gil Scott-Heron]
What we want to discuss here are routes out of the ghetto. This is called “The Get Out of the Ghetto Blues”

[Verse 1: Gil Scott-Heron]
I know you think you're cool
Lord, if they bus your kids to school
I know you think you're cool
Just because 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

[Verse 2: Gil Scott-Heron]
I know you think you're cool
If you getting two welfare checks
You done told me you think you're cool
Because you're getting two welfare checks
Yeah, but you got ten years to lose (If they catch you)
Just trying to fight that get-out-of-the-ghetto blues

[Interlude 1: Gil Scott-Heron]
What it is, what it is
Lord
Whoo!
If he don't get you in the washing, Lord knows he'll catch you in the rinse

[Verse 3: Gil Scott-Heron]
I know, I know you think you're cool
Just 'cause you shooting that stuff in your arm
I seen you nodding
‘Cause 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, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah