Eminem
Lyrics
[Segue from "Steve Berman (Skit)"]
...Man, whatever
[Intro]
Dre, just let it run
Ayo, turn the beat up a little bit
Ayo
This song is for anyone
Fuck it, just shut up and listen
Ayo
[Verse 1]
I sit back with this pack of Zig-Zag's and this bag
Of this weed, it gives me the shit needed to be
The most meanest MC on this, on this Earth
And since birth I've been cursed with this curse to just curse
And just blurt this berserk and bizarre shit that works
And it sells and it helps in itself to relieve
All this tension, dispensin' these sentences
Gettin' this stress that's been eatin' me recently off
Of this chest and I rest again peacefully (Peacefully)
But at least have the decency in you
To leave me alone, when you freaks see me out
In the streets when I'm eatin' or feedin' my daughter
To not come and speak to me (Speak to me), I don't know you
And no, I don't owe you a motherfuckin' thing
I'm not Mr. *NSYNC, I'm not what your friends think
I'm not Mr. Friendly, I can be a prick
If you tempt me, my tank is on empty (Is on empty)
No patience is in me and if you offend me
I'm liftin' you ten feet (You ten feet) in the air
I don't care who was there and who saw me just jaw you
Go call you a lawyer, file you a lawsuit
I'll smile in the courtroom and buy you a wardrobe
I'm tired of all you (Of all you), I don't mean to be mean
But that's all I can be, it's just me
[Chorus]
And I am whatever you say I am
If I wasn't, then why would I say I am?
In the paper, the news, every day I am
Ha, radio won't even play my jam
'Cause I am whatever you say I am
If I wasn't, then why would I say I am?
In the paper, the news, every day I am
Ha, I don't know, that's just the way I am
[Verse 2]
Sometimes I just feel like my father, I hate to be bothered
With all of this nonsense, it's constant
And, "Oh, it's his lyrical content
The song 'Guilty Conscience' has gotten such rotten responses"
And all of this controversy circles me
And it seems like the media immediately
Points a finger at me (Finger at me)
So I point one back at 'em, but not the index or pinkie
Or the ring or the thumb, it's the one you put up
When you don't give a fuck, when you won't just put up
With the bullshit they pull, 'cause they full of shit too
When a dude's gettin' bullied and shoots up his school
And they blame it on Marilyn (On Marilyn) and the heroin
Where were the parents at? (Parents at?) And look where it's at!
Middle America, now it's a tragedy
Now it's so sad to see, an upper-class city
Havin' this happenin' (This happenin') then attack
Eminem 'cause I rap this way (Rap this way) but I'm glad
'Cause they feed me the fuel that I need for the fire to burn
And it's burnin', and I have returned
[Chorus]
And I am whatever you say I am
If I wasn't, then why would I say I am?
In the paper, the news, every day I am
Radio won't even play my jam
'Cause I am whatever you say I am
If I wasn't, then why would I say I am?
In the paper, the news, every day I am
Ha, I don't know, that's just the way I am
[Verse 3]
I'm so sick and tired of bein' admired
That I wish that I would just die or get fired
And dropped from my label, let's stop with the fables
I'm not gonna be able to top a "My Name Is"
And pigeon-holed into some poppy sensation
To cop me rotation at rock 'n' roll stations
And I just do not got the patience (Got the patience)
To deal with these cocky Caucasians who think
I'm some wigger who just tries to be Black 'cause I talk
With an accent and grab on my balls so they always
Keep askin' the same fuckin' questions (Fuckin' questions)
What school did I go to, what hood I grew up in
The why, the who, what, when, the where, and the how
'Til I'm grabbin' my hair and I'm tearin' it out
'Cause they drivin' me crazy (Me crazy), I can't take it
I'm racin', I'm pacin', I stand and I sit
And I'm thankful for every fan that I get
But I can't take a shit in the bathroom without
Someone standin' by it! (Standin' by it) No, I won't sign your autograph
You can call me an asshole, I'm glad
[Chorus]
'Cause I am whatever you say I am
If I wasn't, then why would I say I am?
In the paper, the news, every day I am
Radio won't even play my jam
'Cause I am whatever you say I am
If I wasn't, then why would I say I am?
In the paper, the news, every day I am
Ha, I don't know, that's just the way I am
(Way I am)
[Produced by Eminem]
When it comes to Eminem, it’s safe to say that his music is incredibly influential and deeply personal. One of his most popular and heartfelt tracks is “The Way I Am”. This song, released on his “Marshall Mathers LP” in the year 2000, garnered widespread attention for its raw and emotional lyrics. The track has become one of his most revered and beloved hits, and its longevity speaks to its staying power in the world of audio entertainment.
About The Way I Am
"The Way I Am" is the second single from Eminem’s "Marshall Mathers LP" and also featured on his 2005 album "Curtain Call: The Hits." In the tradition of most Eminem singles, “The Way I Am” has a much darker and emotionally charged sound than the album’s lead single, “The Real Slim Shady”. However, it was actually recorded before “The Real Slim Shady” as a result of the record company putting pressure on Eminem to create a pop-inspired first single for the album. Despite the pressure, Eminem remained true to his artistic voice and defiance.
This track is considered one of the only rap songs to rely heavily on anapestic tetrameter — four anapestic feet (da-da-DUM) per line. In fact, the entire track except the hook uses this meter. The form is not usually associated with anger, yet Eminem uses it to great effect to convey his emotional distress, particularly at the time of the recording.
The song has a unique structure that allows it to remain timeless even decades after its release. Eminem’s vocals and hard-hitting style are perfectly complemented by a nuanced and intricate instrumental arrangement that showcases the genius of one of the greatest rappers of all time. This song highlights Eminem’s ability to connect with his audience on a deeply personal level, producing a track that is both relatable and inspired.
The Sound of the Song
Unlike some of Eminem’s more upbeat tracks, “The Way I Am” is a deep and emotional track that highlights his personal experiences and emotions. The lyrics delve into Eminem’s struggles with fame and the music industry, pulling no punches when it comes to critiquing those around him. The song aims to provide a glimpse into the mind of a famous artist and shed light on the difficulties that arise when an artist becomes popular.
The song has been remixed by Danny Lohner featuring Marilyn Manson, with the two performers having played the song live on stage to great success. The performance is a testament to the enduring popularity and relevance of the song twenty years after its release.
Why it Matters
The Way I Am has a unique place among rap songs. It tackles difficult themes and explores the inner workings of an artist's mind. The song also highlights Eminem's technical abilities as a rapper, emphasizing his ability to use unique styles and meters to deliver his message to a worldwide audience.
The track has remained an inspiration to countless artists throughout the world. Its longevity speaks to the enduring presence of Eminem in the world of music, and the messages it conveys continue to resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
In conclusion, “The Way I Am” by Eminem is a powerful and deeply emotional song that has resonated with audiences worldwide since its release. Eminem’s masterful vocal delivery combined with his unique style and powerful lyrics make it an unmissable song for hardcore Eminem fans and newcomers alike.
- Release Date: May 23, 2000
- Artist: Eminem