25 to Life
Eminem Lyrics

Too late for the other side
It is now too late for reconciliation or repair of the relationship.

Caught in a chase, twenty-five to life
The singer is trapped in a situation that will lead to a long-term, difficult result.

Yeah, too late
Reinforces the finality of the situation and the end of the relationship.

I don't think she understands the sacrifices that I've made
The artist feels undervalued and taken for granted by their partner.

Maybe if this bitch had acted right, I would've stayed
The artist blames their partner's actions for the relationship's breakdown and feels justified in leaving.

But I've already wasted over half my life, I would've laid down and died for you, I no longer cry for you, no more pain
The singer has given more than they feel they should have and will no longer suffer to maintain the relationship.

Bitch, you took me for granted
The partner has shown a lack of care or appreciation for the singer's contributions to the relationship.

Now my respect, I demand it
The artist demands to be treated with respect in the relationship going forward.

I'ma take control of this relationship, command it
The artist will now assert themselves as the dominant force in the relationship.

So you better hear me out, this much you owe me
The artist feels entitled to their partner's attention and respect after sacrificing so much for the relationship.

I gave up my life for you, totally devoted to you, I have stayed
The singer feels that they have given up a significant portion of their life for their partner and expects that to be recognized.

But you keep treatin' me like a staircase, it's time to fuckin' step
The partner has used the artist for their own benefit, stepping on them like a staircase, and now it is time for the artist to walk away.

And I won't be comin' back, so don't hold your fuckin' breath
The singer is leaving the relationship for good and does not plan to return.

I told you you'd be sorry if I fuckin' left, I'd laugh while you wept
The singer predicted their partner's regret and plans to take satisfaction in their remorse.

How's it feel now? Yeah, funny, ain't it? You neglected me
The singer takes a certain delight in their partner's suffering after being neglected in the relationship.

My spirit free, you've set, but a special place for you in my heart, I have kept
The artist feels liberated after leaving the relationship, but still holds some sentimental attachment to their former partner.

I feel like when I bend over backwards for you (too late)
The artist feels that they have gone to great lengths to please their partner, with little acknowledgement or appreciation.

All you do is laugh 'cause that ain't good enough
The partner does not value the singer's efforts to maintain the relationship, finding them inadequate.

Don't think I'm loyal, all I do is rap
The singer feels misunderstood and undermined in their passion for their career as a rapper.

I'm divorcing you, go marry someone else and make 'em famous
The artist is moving on from the relationship and challenges their partner to try to find someone better suited for them.

Feed 'em the same shit that you made me eat, I'm moving on, forget you
The artist wishes ill on their partner and will not look back as they move on from the relationship.

But in my sickness and addiction, you're addictive as they get
The artist acknowledges their unhealthy attachment to their partner, despite all of the negative aspects of the relationship.

My friends keep askin' me why I can't just walk away from
The singer feels pressure from their friends to end the toxic relationship, but is unable to leave.

I'm addicted to the pain, the stress, the drama, I'm drawn to
The artist is drawn to the negative aspects of the relationship, addicted to the emotions they elicit.

Ain't changin' my mind, I'm climbin' out this abyss
The singer is resolute in their decision to leave the relationship, despite the difficulties it may entail.

You're screamin' as I walk out that I'll be missed
The partner is in disbelief that the singer is leaving and insists that they will be missed.

But when you spoke of people who meant the most to you, you left me off your list
The singer feels hurt and overlooked by their partner, who did not prioritize them in conversations about important people in their life.

Fuck you, hip hop, I'm leavin' you
The artist blames their career as a rapper and the hip hop industry for contributing to the downfall of their relationship.

My life sentence is served, bitch
The artist feels that their relationship was a prison sentence, and is now free from it.