Music Video

Mockingbird

Eminem Lyrics

Background and Context "Mockingbird" by Eminem, released in 2004, is a heartrending track froт his fifth studio album, "Encore." The song serves as a direct address to his daughter, Hailie, and niece, Alaina, offering a glimpse into his personal struggles and emotional state. Eminem, also known as Marshall Mathers, delves into his life's challenges, including his tumultuous relationship with his ex-wife, Kim, and his efforts to provide a better life for his children amidst fame and personal turmoil. The song showcases Eminem's storytelling prowess, blending raw emotion with his distinctive lyrical style. Main Message and Theme At its core, "Mockingbird" is a narrative of reaфsurance and love. Eminem uses the metaphor of the mockingbird to symbolize his desire to give his children everything they wish for, even in the face of adversity. The emotional depth of the song is underscored by its honest and candid lyricism, reflecting on themes of family, struggle, and hope. Eminem's message is one of parental love and protection, promising to shield his daughters from the hardships of life while acknowledging the reality of their situation. The track stands out in Eminem's discography for its vulnerability and the stark contrast it presents to his often aggressive and controversial material. Genre and Style "Mockingbird" falls within the genre of hip-hop, with Eminem's style marked by introspective storytelling and emotional sincerity. The song's beat is minimalistic, allowing the focus to remain on the lyrics and Eminem's delivery. This approach emphasizes the narrative's personal nature, distinguishing it from the more aggressive and confrontational tracks that have characterized much of Eminem's work. Meaning and Analysis The lyrics of "Mockingbird" are a deeply personal letter from Eminem to his daughters. He openly discusses the difficulties of his life, including financial struggles, relationship issues with their mother, and the impact of his fame on the family. The song's chorus, inspired by the traditional lullaby "Hush, Little Baby," is reimagined to convey Eminem's promises to his daughters, highlighting a father's dedication amidst personal and professional chaos. Eminem's reference to the mockingbird is particularly poignant, symbolizing his attempts to bring happiness and stability to his daughters' lives. The metaphor extends to a promise of protection and a better future, despite the challenges they face together. Through "Mockingbird," Eminem exposes his vulnerabilities, offering an intimate look into his role as a father—a contrast to his public persona. Emotional Depth "Mockingbird" is characterized by its emotional depth, with Eminem expressing a range of feelings from regret and sadness to hope and love. The song captures the complexity of familial bonds, especially the relationship between a parent and child facing adversities. Eminem's ability to convey deep emotions through his lyrics allows listeners to connect with the song on a personal level, resonating with those who have experienced similar struggles.

Mockingbird Lyrics

Mockingbird by Eminem

[Intro]
Yeah
I know sometimes things may not always make sense to you right now
But hey, what'd daddy always tell you?
Straighten up little soldier
Stiffen up that upper lip
Whatchu crying about?
You got me.

[Verse 1]
Hailie, I know u miss your mom
And I know u miss your dad when I'm gone
But I'm tryin' to give you the life that I never had
I can see your sad
Even when you smile
Even when you laugh
I can see it in your eyes
Deep inside you wanna cry
Cuz you're scared
I ain't there,
Daddy's with you in your prayers
No more cryin'
Wipe them tears
Daddy's here
No more nightmares
We gonna pull together through it
We gon' do it
Lainie's uncle's crazy ain't he, yeah
But he loves you girl and you better know it
We're all we got in this world
When it spins
When it swirls
When it whirls
When it twirls
Two little beautiful girls
Lookin' puzzled, in a daze
I know it's confusing you
Daddy's always on the move
Mama's always on the news
I try to keep you sheltered from it
But somehow it seems, the harder that I try to do that
The more it backfires on me
All the things, growin' up
As daddy, daddy had to see
Daddy don't want you to see
But you see just as much as he did
We did not plan it to be this way,
Your mother and me
But things have got so bad between us
I don't see us ever being
Together ever again
Like we used to be like when we was teenagers
But then of course
Everything always happen for a reason
I guess it was never meant to be
But it's just something
We have no control over
And that's what destiny is
But no more worries
Rest your head and go to sleep
Maybe one day we'll wake up
And this will all just be a dream

[Chorus]
Now hush little baby don't you cry
Every thing's gonna be all right
Stiffin' that upper lip up little lady I told ya
Daddy's here to hold ya through the night
I know mommy's not here right now and we don't know why
We fear how we feel inside, it may seem a little crazy
Pretty baby but I promise, Mama's gon' be alright

[Verse two]
It's funny,
I remember back one year when daddy had no money
Mommy wrapped the Christmas presents up
And stuck 'em under the tree
And said some of 'em were from me,
Cuz daddy couldn't buy 'em
I'll never forget that Christmas
I sat up the whole night crying
Cuz daddy felt like a bum,
See daddy had a job, but his job
Was to keep the food on the table for you and mom
And at the time every house that we lived in
Either kept getting broken into and robbed or shot up on the block
And your mom, was saving money for you in a jar
Tryna to start a piggy bank for you
So you could go to college
Almost had a thousand dollars
'Till someone broke in and stole it
And I know it hurt so bad it broke your mamma's heart
And it seemed like everything was just starting to fall apart
Mom and dad was arguing a lot
So mama moved back on to Chalmers in a flat
One bedroom apartment
And dad moved back to the other side of 8 mile on Novara
And that's when daddy went to California with his CD
And met Dr. Dre and flew you and Mama out to see me,
But daddy had to work, you and mama had to leave me,
Then you started seeing daddy on the TV
And mama didn't like it
And you and Lainnie were too young to understand it
Papa was a rollin' stone, mama developed a habit
And it all happened too fast for either one of us to grab it
I'm just sorry you were there and had to witness it firsthand
Cuz all I ever wanted to do was just make you proud
Now I'm sittin' in this empty house,
Just reminiscing. Looking at your baby pictures it just tricks me out
To see how much you both have grown it's almost like you're sisters now
Wow, guess you pretty much are and daddy's still here
Lainnie I'm talking to you too daddy's still here
I like the sound of that, yeah
It's got a ring to it don't it
Shhh, mama's only gone for the moment

[Chorus]
Now hush little baby don't you cry
Every thing's gonna be all right
Stiffin' that upper lip up little lady I told ya
Daddy's here to hold ya through the night
I know mommy's not here right now and we don't know why
We fear how we feel inside, it may seem a little crazy
Pretty baby but I promise, mama's gon' be alright

[End chorus]
And if you ask me to, daddy's gonna buy you a mocking bird
I'ma give you the world, I'ma buy a diamond ring for you,
I'ma sing for you, I'll do anything for you to see you smile
And if that mockingbird don't sing and that ring don't shine
I'ma break that birdie's neck, I'll go back to the jeweler
Who sold it to ya
And make him eat every carat
Don't f**k with Dad (ha ha)

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