We continue to be fascinated by “where Harlem begins and ends”. Not just in terms of Harlem’s physical boundaries. But in terms of the many changes happening in and around Harlem which alter day to day life within Harlem, as well as people’s perceptions of what Harlem has been, is and can/will be.
Which is why it’s important to stay connected to artifacts connecting us to Harlem’s past.
To that end, a reader from Central Harlem and attending Columbia University reintroduced us to Bobby Womack’s “Across 110th Street. Thank you!
The video and lyrics are presented below. Please take a moment to listen, enjoy, reflect and perhaps most importantly – share.
VIDEO
LYRICS
I was the third brother of five
Doing whatever I had to do to survive
I’m not saying what I did was alright
Trying to break out of the ghetto was a day to day fight
Been down so long, getting up didn’t cross my mind
I knew there was a better way of life and I was just trying to find
You don’t know what you’ll do until you’re put under pressure
Across 110th Street is a hell of a tester
Across 110th Street
Pimps trying to catch a woman that’s weak
Across 110th Street
Pushers won’t let the junkie go free
Across 110th Street
Woman trying to catch a trick on the street, ooh baby
Across 110th Street
You can find it all in the street, oh
I got one more thing I’d like to yell about right now
Hey brother, there’s a better way out
Snorting that coke, shooting that dope man, you’re copping out
Take my advice, it’s either live or die
You’ve got to be strong, if you want to survive
The family on the other side of town
Would catch hell without a ghetto around
In every city you find the same thing going down
Harlem is the capital of every ghetto town
Help me sing it
Across 110th Street
Pimps trying to catch a woman that’s weak
Across 110th Street
Pushers won’t let the junkie go free
Oh, across 110th Street
A woman trying to catch a trick on the street, ooh baby
Across 110th Street
You can find it all in the street
Yes, he can
Oh, look around you, look around you
Look around you, look around you, yeah
Songwriters
WOMACK, BOBBY
Published by
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Read more: Bobby Womack – Across 110th Street Lyrics | MetroLyrics
-Herve Jean-Baptiste
Thank you.
“Harlem is a state of mind”. LOVE IT!
110Th Street has been considered the beginning of Central Harlem. Mahattan Avenue and Mornineside Avenue the Western Boundry. Morningside Park is part of Harlem as it is located below Morningside Heights. West Harlem or Manhattanville generally goes from West 125Th Street up to West 135Th. Street and the Hudson to the West. The Eastern border is probably St. Nicholas Ave up to 135Th Street. East Harlem begins at 96Th Street where the trains emerge from the tunnel. The East River is the boundary and in general East Harlem’s Western boundary is Fifth Avenue. The Hell’s Gate and the Harlem River form the northern boundary.
You can look on any Manhattan Street map, subway or bus map. Harlem is a state of mind, a certain attitude, a style of dress and élan. I’ve lived in Harlem since 1988. There have been many changes over the years. I only hope that the existing population does not get gentrified out. We need affordable housing more than ever. Thanks for reading. Susan
nice post, herve