Eminem

Lyrics

[Chorus: Skylar Grey]
I'm about to lose my mind
You've been gone for so long
I'm runnin' out of time
I need a doctor, call me a doctor
I need a doctor, doctor
To bring me back to life
[Verse 1: Eminem]
I told the world, one day I would pay it back
Say it on tape, and lay it, record it
So that one day I could play it back
But I don't even know if I believe it when I'm sayin' that
Doubts startin' to creep in, every day, it's just so gray and black
Hope, I just need a ray of that, 'cause no one sees my vision
When I play it for 'em, they just say it's wack
But they don't know what dope is
And I don't know if I was awake or asleep when I wrote this
All I know is, you came to me when I was at my lowest
You picked me up, breathed new life in me, I owe my life to you
But for the life of me, I don't see why you don't see like I do
But it just dawned on me you lost a son
Demons fightin' you, it's dark
Let me turn on the lights and brighten me and enlighten you
I don't think you realize what you mean to me
Not the slightest clue
'Cause me and you were like a crew, I was like your sidekick
You gon' either wanna fight when I get off this fuckin' mic
Or you gon' hug me, but I'm outta options
There's nothin' else I can do 'cause—
[Chorus: Skylar Grey]
I'm about to lose my mind
You've been gone for so long
I'm runnin' out of time
I need a doctor, call me a doctor
I need a doctor, doctor
To bring me back to life

[Verse 2: Eminem]
It hurts when I see you struggle, you come to me with ideas
You say they're just pieces, so I'm puzzled
'Cause the shit I hear is crazy
But you're either gettin' lazy or you don't believe in you no more
Seems like your own opinions, not one you can form
Can't make a decision, you keep questionin' yourself
Second guessin' and it's almost like you're beggin' for my help
Like I'm your leader, you're supposed to fuckin' be my mentor
I can endure no more, I demand you remember who you are
It was you who believed in me when everyone was tellin' you
Don't sign me, everyone at the fuckin' label, let's tell the truth
You risked your career for me, I know it as well as you
Nobody wanted to fuck with the white boy
Dre, I'm cryin' in this booth
You saved my life, now maybe it's my turn to save yours
But I can never repay you, what you did for me is way more
But I ain't givin' up faith, and you ain't givin' up on me
Get up, Dre, I'm dyin', I need you
Come back, for fuck's sake, 'cause—
[Chorus: Skylar Grey]
I'm about to lose my mind
You've been gone for so long
I'm runnin' out of time
I need a doctor, call me a doctor
I need a doctor, doctor
To bring me back to life
Bring me back to life
Bring me back to life
I need a doctor, doctor
To bring me back to life

[Verse 3: Dr. Dre]
It literally feels like a lifetime ago
But I still remember the shit like it was just yesterday, though
You walked in, yellow jump suit, whole room, cracked jokes
Once you got inside the booth, told you, mic smoke
Went through friends, some of them I put on, but they just left
They said they was ridin' to the death
But where the fuck are they now, now that I need them?
I don't see none of them, all I see is Slim
Fuck all you fair-weather friends, all I need is him
Fuckin' backstabbers
When the chips were down, you just laughed at us
Now you 'bout to feel the fuckin' wrath of Aftermath, faggots
You gon' see us in our lab jackets and ask where the fuck we been?
You can kiss my indecisive ass crack, maggots
And the cracker's ass, little cracker jack beat
Makin' wack math, backwards producers; I'm back, bastards
One more CD and then I'm packin' up my bags
And as I'm leavin', I'll guarantee they'll scream:
"Dre, don't leave us like that, man", 'cause—
[Chorus: Skylar Grey]
I'm about to lose my mind
You've been gone for so long
I'm runnin' outta time
I need a doctor, call me a doctor
I need a doctor, doctor
To bring me back to life

If there's an iconic trio that's always going to produce gold in terms of rap music, it has to be "Dr. Dre," "Eminem," and "Skylar Grey." These individuals have a long history of working together to produce some of the most enduring rap records of all time, and "I Need a Doctor" is a track that simply adds to this impressive legacy. It's a reflective tune that recounts the relationship between Eminem and Dr. Dre, where the former reflects on the persistent creative blockage that Dre is facing due to personal turmoil. Eminem draws from his own experiences with grief and depression to provide an emotional and touching appeal to his legendary collaborator.

About I Need a Doctor

The song starts with Eminem's powerful verses that deal with the challenges that Dr. Dre is currently facing. It's no secret that Dr. Dre is a perfectionist who always strives to outdo himself with each piece of work he releases. However, due to personal turmoil, Dr. Dre has hit a creative block, unable to make music the way he used to. Eminem, who went through a similar experience himself after losing his best friend in 2006, is making a passionate attempt to get through to him so that Dre will start believing in his own abilities again. As he rhymes sadly, Dre's state is a 'perfectionist, bullied relentlessly, so much talent wasted.' It's a truly melancholic reflection of the personal struggles that these two music legends have faced.

With a quick change of pace, Dre takes up the mic and talks about their historical relationship. He recalls the early days of the two working together, citing the wildly successful "Guilty Conscience," and ending with the present day. In essence, Dre is commenting on the journey of both himself and Eminem, how they've grown and faced unique challenges as they pushed through to become one of the most renowned music-making teams. Dre states: 'You saved my life, now maybe it's my turn to save yours,' cementing their close-knit relationship and support for one another.

Lastly, Skylar Grey comes in with some stunning vocals, bringing the perfect touch of melody to the rap verses. Her lines focus on the need for a "doctor" to help the protagonist overcome his issues, indicating that the doctor is a metaphor for saving his spirit and self-belief, giving him the courage to create again. As the chorus hits, she sings: 'I'm about to lose my mind, you've been gone for so long, I'm running out of time, I need a doctor.' It's a powerful message that resonates with anyone who's ever faced such challenges in their life.

Overall, "I Need a Doctor" is a powerful song that touches on many emotions, including pain, regret, and self-doubt. The lyrics and melody are both powerful, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. It's a song about the journey of two individuals bonded by music, life's struggles, and friendship. Not a single aspect of this record is casual, and the authenticity of the trio's artistry shines through in every line. Powerful, beautiful and masterful, "I Need a Doctor" is a heartwarming reminder of the camaraderie that exists among some of the world's most revered music makers.

• Release Date: February 1, 2011
• Artist: Eminem