White America
°¢Ä·EMINEM Lyrics

I never would've dreamed in a million years I'd see
I never imagined that I would find so many people who share my beliefs.

So many motherfuckin' people who feel like me
There are a lot of people who are frustrated with the government and society, just like me.

Who share the same views and the same exact beliefs
We all believe that the government is corrupt and that we're not being heard.

It's like a fuckin' army marchin' in back of me
It feels like we're all working together to create change and fighting against the system.

So many lives I touch, so much anger aimed
My music reaches many people who feel angry and frustrated with their lives and the country.

In no particular direction
The anger is unfocused; it's not directed at any specific target.

Just sprays and sprays
The anger is being expressed broadly and without a clear target.

And straight through your radio waves it plays and plays
My music is being played on the radio and is reaching many people across the country.

'Til it stays stuck in your head for days and days
People can't stop thinking about my music and the message it conveys.

Who woulda thought
No one could have predicted the impact my music would have.

Standing in this mirror bleachin' my hair, with some peroxide
I was just a kid trying to express myself when I started making music.

Reachin' for a t-shirt to wear
I was just like any other kid trying to fit in and find my identity.

That I would catapult to the forefront of rap like this?
No one could have predicted that my music would become so popular.

How could I predict my words would have an impact like this
I had no idea that my music would become so influential and have such a broad impact on society.

I must've struck a chord, with somebody up in the office
My music is clearly getting on the radar of people in positions of power.

Cause Congress keeps telling me I ain't causin' nothin' but problems
The government is responding to my music with criticism and trying to silence me.

And now they're sayin' I'm in trouble with the government
The government is trying to create problems for me and silence my message.

I'm lovin' it, I shoveled shit all my life, and now I'm dumping it on White America!
I've been through a lot in my life and I'm glad to be able to express my frustration and anger through my music.

I could be one of your kids Little Eric looks just like this Erica loves my shit
My music is popular with young people across the country, regardless of race or background.

I go to T-R-L, look how many hugs I get
I'm very popular with young people and I get a lot of support from my fans.

Look at these eyes baby blue baby just like yourself If they were brown Shady lose
If my eyes were a different color, my music probably wouldn't be as popular or influential.

Shady sits on the shelf But Shady's cute Shady knew Shady's dimples would help Make ladies swoon baby (ooh baby) Look at myself!
I'm aware of my image and how it contributes to my popularity and success.

Let's do the math If I was black I woulda sold half
I'm aware of how race can impact one's success in the music industry and society as a whole.

I ain't have to graduate from Lincoln High School to know that But I can rap so fuck school I'm too cool to go back
I recognize that school isn't necessary for me to be successful, especially since I have my talent as a rapper.

Gimme the mic Show me where the fuckin' studios at
All I need is a microphone and a studio to create music that has a powerful impact on people.

When I was underground No one gave a fuck I was white No labels wanted to sign me Almost gave up, I was like "Fuck it"
Before I became famous, nobody was interested in my music because I was white and didn't fit the mold of a typical rapper.

Until I met Dre The only one who looked past Gave me a chance And I lit a fire up under his ass Helped him get back to the top
Dr. Dre saw something special in me and gave me a chance to create music that would change the industry.

Every fan black that I got Was probably his in exchange for every white fan that hes got Like damn we just swapped
Dr. Dre and I represent a crossover success - black fans listen to both of our music, and white fans listen to both of our music, breaking down racial barriers.

Sittin' back look at this shit wow I'm like "My skin, is it startin' to work to my benefit now?"
My skin color is no longer a barrier to my success - in fact, it may be making me more popular and influential.

See the problem is I speak to suburban kids Who otherwise woulda never knew these words exist Whose mom's probably woulda never gave two squirts of piss 'Til I created so much muthafuckin' turbulence
I'm connecting with a new audience that is typically sheltered and unaware of the realities of the world.

Straight out the tube right into ya livin' rooms I came And kids flipped When they knew I was produced by Dre
My music was broadcast directly into people's homes, and people were amazed to find out that Dre was my producer.

That's all it took And they were instantly hooked right in And they connected wit' me too because I looked like them
People were drawn to my music because it spoke to their experiences and frustrations, and because I looked like them.

That's why they put my lyrics up under this microscope Searchin' wit' a fine toothed comb It's like this rope waitin' to choke Tightenin' around my throat Watchin' me while I write this like "I dont like this, no!"
My lyrics are being scrutinized and analyzed by the media, and it feels like there's a concerted effort to silence me and control my message.

All I hear is Lyrics lyrics constant controversy Sponsors workin' round the clock To try to stop my concerts early
I'm constantly facing criticism and backlash for my lyrics, and sponsors are trying to silence my message by limiting where I can perform.

Surely hip hop is never a problem In Harlem only in Boston After it bothered ya fathers Of daughters startin' to blossom
Hip hop is often demonized and criticized, especially when it brings up issues that some people find uncomfortable.

Now I'm catchin' the flack from these activists When they raggin' Actin' like I'm the first rapper to smack a bitch and say fagot Shit,
Activists are criticizing me for my lyrics, even though I'm not the only rapper who uses offensive language.

Just look at me like I'm ya closest pal A poster child The muthafuckin' spokesman now for
People see me as someone they can relate to, and I've become a spokesperson for a generation that feels disconnected from society.

So to the parents of America I am the derringer aimed at little Erica To attack her character
My music is threatening to the status quo, and parents are worried about its impact on their children.

The ring leader of the circus of worthless pawns Sent to lead the march right up to the steps of Congress And piss on the lawns of the White House
I'm leading a movement to challenge the government and expose its corruption.

To burn the casket and replace it with a parental advisory sticker To spit liquor in the faces of this democracy of hypocrisy Fuck you Ms. Cheney Fuck you tipper Gore Fuck you with the free-ness of speech this Divided states of embarrassment will allow me to have Fuck you!
I'm challenging the hypocrisy of our democracy, and speaking out against those who would try to silence me or control my message.

Ha ha ha! I'm just playin' America, you know I love you
Despite the controversy surrounding my music, I still love my country and want to see it changed for the better.