Stan
Elton John Lyrics


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My tea's gone cold I'm wondering why I
Got out of bed at all
The morning rain clouds up my window
And I can't see at all
And even if I could it'll all be gray
Put your picture on my wall
It reminds me, that it's not so bad
It's not so bad

My tea's gone cold I'm wondering why I
Got out of bed at all
The morning rain clouds up my window
And I can't see at all
And even if I could it'll all be gray
Put your picture on my wall
It reminds me, that it's not so bad
It's not so bad

Dear Slim, I wrote you but still ain't callin'
I left my cell, my pager, and my home phone at the bottom
I sent two letters back in autumn, you must not-a got 'em
There probably was a problem at the post office or somethin'
Sometimes I scribble addresses too sloppy when I jot 'em
But anyways, fuck it, what's been up? Man how's your daughter?
My girlfriend's pregnant too, I'm 'bout to be a father
If I have a daughter, guess what I'm a call her?
I'ma name her Bonnie
I read about your Uncle Ronnie too I'm sorry
I had a friend kill himself over some bitch who didn't want him
I know you probably hear this everyday, but I'm your biggest fan
I even got the underground shit that you did with Skam
I got a room full of your posters and your pictures man
I like the shit you did with Rawkus too, that shit was fat
Anyways, I hope you get this man, hit me back,
Just to chat, truly yours, your biggest fan
This is Stan

My tea's gone cold I'm wondering why I
Got out of bed at all
The morning rain clouds up my window
And I can't see at all
And even if I could it'll all be gray
Put your picture on my wall
It reminds me, that it's not so bad
It's not so bad

Dear Slim, you still ain't called or wrote, I hope you have a chance
I ain't mad, I just think it's fucked up you don't answer fans
If you didn't wanna talk to me outside your concert
You didn't have to, but you coulda signed an autograph for Matthew
That's my little brother man, he's only six years old
We waited in the blistering cold for you
For four hours and you just said, "No."
That's pretty shitty man, you're like his fuckin' idol
He wants to be just like you man, he likes you more than I do
I ain't that mad though, I just don't like bein' lied to
Remember when we met in Denver, you said if I'd write you you would write back
See I'm just like you in a way
I never knew my father neither
He used to always cheat on my mom and beat her
I can relate to what you're saying in your songs
So when I have a shitty day, I drift away and put 'em on
'Cause I don't really got shit else so that shit helps when I'm depressed
I even got a tattoo of your name across the chest
Sometimes I even cut myself to see how much it bleeds
It's like adrenaline, the pain is such a sudden rush for me
See everything you say is real, and I respect you 'cause you tell it
My girlfriend's jealous 'cause I talk about you 24/7
But she don't know you like I know you Slim, no one does
She don't know what it was like for people like us growin' up, you gotta call me man
I'll be the biggest fan you'll ever lose
Sincerely yours, Stan
P.S. we should be together too

My tea's gone cold I'm wondering why I
Got out of bed at all
The morning rain clouds up my window
And I can't see at all
And even if I could it'll all be gray
Put your picture on my wall
It reminds me, that it's not so bad
It's not so bad

Dear Mister "I'm Too Good To Call Or Write My Fans"
This will be the last package I ever send your ass
It's been six months and still no word, I don't deserve it?
I know you got my last two letters, I wrote the addresses on 'em perfect
So this is my cassette I'm sending you, I hope you hear it
I'm in the car right now, I'm doing 90 on the freeway
Hey Slim, I drank a fifth of vodka
You dare me to drive?
You know the song by Phil Collins, "In the Air of the Night"
About that guy who could a saved that other guy from drowning
But didn't, then Phil saw it all, then at a a show he found him?
That's kinda how this is, you could a rescued me from drowning
Now it's too late, I'm on a thousand downers now, I'm drowsy
And all I wanted was a lousy letter or a call
I hope you know I ripped all of your pictures off the wall
I love you Slim, we coulda been together, think about it
You ruined it now, I hope you can't sleep and you dream about it
And when you dream I hope you can't sleep and you scream about it
I hope your conscience eats at you and you can't breathe without me
See Slim, shut up bitch! I'm tryin' to talk!
Hey Slim, that's my girlfriend screamin' in the trunk
But I didn't slit her throat, I just tied her up, see I ain't like you
'Cause if she suffocates she'll suffer more, and then she'll die too
Well, gotta go, I'm almost at the bridge now
Oh shit, I forgot, how am I supposed to send this shit out?

My tea's gone cold I'm wondering why I
Got out of bed at all
The morning rain clouds up my window
And I can't see at all
And even if I could it'll all be gray
Put your picture on my wall
It reminds me, that it's not so bad
It's not so bad

Dear Stan, I meant to write you sooner but I just been busy
You said your girlfriend's pregnant now, how far along is she?
Look, I'm really flattered you would call your daughter that
And here's an autograph for your brother
I wrote it on the Starter cap
I'm sorry I didn't see you at the show, I must of missed you
Don't think I did that shit intentionally just to diss you
But what's this shit you said about you like to cut your wrists too?
I say that shit just clownin' dog, come on, how fucked up is you?
You got some issues Stan, I think you need some counseling
To help your ass from bouncing off the walls when you get down some
And what's this shit about us meant to be together?
That type of shit will make me not want us to meet each other
I really think you and your girlfriend need each other
Or maybe you just need to treat her better
I hope you get to read this letter, I just hope it reaches you in time
Before you hurt yourself, I think that you'll be doin' just fine
If you relax a little, I'm glad I inspire you but Stan
Why are you so mad? Try to understand, that I do want you as a fan
I just don't want you to do some crazy shit
I seen this one shit on the news a couple weeks ago that made me sick
Some dude was drunk and drove his car over a bridge
And had his girlfriend in the trunk, and she was pregnant with his kid
And in the car they found a tape, but they didn't say who it was to




Come to think about, his name was, it was you
Damn!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Stan" by Eminem featuring Elton John depict the story of a fictional obsessive fan named Stan who bombards Eminem with letters and ultimately takes his own life after feeling rejected by his idol. The repetitive chorus highlights Stan's stagnant state of mind and how he is struggling to find motivation to carry on, even when he looks at a picture of Eminem on his wall. The first verse implies how challenging it is for Stan to wake up in the morning since his routine consists of overwhelmingly negative thoughts. Stan's second letter to Eminem has a tone of resentment and feelings of neglect towards the rapper. He calls out Eminem for not answering his letters and not acknowledging his presence at his concert. The final verse is Eminem's reply to Stan, where he expresses his concerns about Stan's mental state and encourages him to seek professional help.


Line by Line Meaning

My tea's gone cold I'm wondering why I
I feel disconnected and lost, questioning my actions


Got out of bed at all
Regretting getting up and facing the day


The morning rain clouds up my window
My negative emotions cloud my perspective


And I can't see at all
Feeling hopeless and unable to find clarity


And even if I could it'll all be gray
Even if I could see, everything would still seem dull and lifeless


Put your picture on my wall
Having a reminder of something positive to hold on to


It reminds me, that it's not so bad
Finding solace in the fact that things could be worse


It's not so bad
There is still some hope amidst the difficulties


Dear Slim, I wrote you but still ain't callin'
Expressing disappointment and longing for attention


I left my cell, my pager, and my home phone at the bottom
Trying to reach out in multiple ways, but receiving no response


I sent two letters back in autumn, you must not-a got 'em
Believing that the messages were not received


There probably was a problem at the post office or somethin'
Considering possible reasons for the lack of response


Sometimes I scribble addresses too sloppy when I jot 'em
Acknowledging mistakes that may have hindered communication


But anyways, fuck it, what's been up? Man how's your daughter?
Shifting the focus to personal concerns and curiosity about the other person


My girlfriend's pregnant too, I'm 'bout to be a father
Sharing personal news and expressing excitement


If I have a daughter, guess what I'm a call her?
Revealing plans and aspirations for the future


I'ma name her Bonnie
Announcing the chosen name for the potential child


I read about your Uncle Ronnie too I'm sorry
Expressing condolences for a personal loss


I had a friend kill himself over some bitch who didn't want him
Sharing a tragic personal experience and empathizing with Eminem's past struggles


I know you probably hear this everyday, but I'm your biggest fan
Asserting unwavering admiration for Eminem


I even got the underground shit that you did with Skam
Showing dedication by owning rare and lesser-known Eminem works


I got a room full of your posters and your pictures man
Displaying a collection of memorabilia as a testament to fandom


I like the shit you did with Rawkus too, that shit was fat
Praising specific collaborations and appreciating Eminem's versatility


Anyways, I hope you get this man, hit me back,
Desperately seeking acknowledgement and a response


Just to chat, truly yours, your biggest fan
Expressing genuine desire for a connection with Eminem


This is Stan
Signing off as the persona of a devoted fan named Stan


Dear Slim, you still ain't called or wrote, I hope you have a chance
Continuing to express disappointment and a longing for communication


I ain't mad, I just think it's fucked up you don't answer fans
Feeling hurt and neglected by the lack of response


If you didn't wanna talk to me outside your concert
Reflecting on a missed opportunity for interaction


You didn't have to, but you coulda signed an autograph for Matthew
Requesting a small gesture of recognition for a younger sibling


That's my little brother man, he's only six years old
Highlighting the youth and innocence of a family member


We waited in the blistering cold for you
Describing an effort made to support Eminem


For four hours and you just said, 'No.'
Expressing disappointment at being denied a simple request


That's pretty shitty man, you're like his fuckin' idol
Feeling disillusioned by the idol's actions


He wants to be just like you man, he likes you more than I do
Revealing the high level of admiration the little brother has


I ain't that mad though, I just don't like bein' lied to
Expressing mixed emotions about the situation


Remember when we met in Denver, you said if I'd write you you would write back
Recalling a promise made by Eminem during a previous encounter


See I'm just like you in a way
Drawing a parallel between themselves and Eminem


I never knew my father neither
Sharing a common experience of growing up without a father figure


He used to always cheat on my mom and beat her
Opening up about a history of familial struggles and abuse


I can relate to what you're saying in your songs
Finding solace and connection through Eminem's music


So when I have a shitty day, I drift away and put 'em on
Seeking escapism and emotional release through Eminem's songs


'Cause I don't really got shit else so that shit helps when I'm depressed
Finding comfort and relief in Eminem's music during difficult times


I even got a tattoo of your name across the chest
Showing extreme dedication and loyalty by permanently marking their body


Sometimes I even cut myself to see how much it bleeds
Revealing self-destructive behaviors as a means to cope with emotional pain


It's like adrenaline, the pain is such a sudden rush for me
Describing the addictive nature of self-inflicted pain and the temporary relief it brings


See everything you say is real, and I respect you 'cause you tell it
Appreciating Eminem's authenticity and raw storytelling as a source of respect


My girlfriend's jealous 'cause I talk about you 24/7
Facing challenges in a romantic relationship due to excessive focus on Eminem


But she don't know you like I know you Slim, no one does
Believing in a unique connection and understanding of Eminem


She don't know what it was like for people like us growin' up, you gotta call me man
Believing in shared experiences and requesting a personal conversation


I'll be the biggest fan you'll ever lose
Promising unwavering loyalty and support


Sincerely yours, Stan
Closing the letter with a sincere and devoted sign-off


P.S. we should be together too
Expressing a desire for a closer relationship or connection


Dear Mister 'I'm Too Good To Call Or Write My Fans'
Using sarcasm and frustration to criticize Eminem's perceived attitude


This will be the last package I ever send your ass
Threatening to sever ties and end any future correspondence


It's been six months and still no word, I don't deserve it?
Expressing hurt and confusion due to the prolonged silence


I know you got my last two letters, I wrote the addresses on 'em perfect
Asserting that the previous letters were properly addressed and should have been received


So this is my cassette I'm sending you, I hope you hear it
Sending one final piece of personal expression, hoping for acknowledgement


I'm in the car right now, I'm doing 90 on the freeway
Sharing the current state of being and urgency of the situation


Hey Slim, I drank a fifth of vodka
Revealing intoxication and impaired judgment


You dare me to drive?
Challenging societal norms and consequences


You know the song by Phil Collins, 'In the Air of the Night'
Drawing a parallel between a song and a real-life scenario


About that guy who could a saved that other guy from drowning
Referencing the lyrics of a song that relate to a missed opportunity for help


But didn't, then Phil saw it all, then at a show he found him?
Describing a fictional event in reference to the missed opportunity


That's kinda how this is, you could a rescued me from drowning
Comparing the concept of rescue and assistance to the current situation


Now it's too late, I'm on a thousand downers now, I'm drowsy
Expressing the emotional and mental state, heavily influenced by substances


And all I wanted was a lousy letter or a call
Expressing a simple desire for communication and acknowledgment


I hope you know I ripped all of your pictures off the wall
Acting out of frustration and anger by removing symbols of fandom


I love you Slim, we coulda been together, think about it
Expressing intense feelings of love and longing for a connection


You ruined it now, I hope you can't sleep and you dream about it
Placing blame and wishing for emotional turmoil on the receiver


And when you dream I hope you can't sleep and you scream about it
Desiring the other person to experience discomfort and distress


I hope your conscience eats at you and you can't breathe without me
Wishing for guilt and dependence in the other person's life


See Slim, shut up bitch! I'm tryin' to talk!
Becoming agitated and defensive, interrupting the imagined conversation


Hey Slim, that's my girlfriend screamin' in the trunk
Revealing a disturbing and violent act involving a significant other


But I didn't slit her throat, I just tied her up, see I ain't like you
Justifying the violence by drawing a distinction between themselves and the perceived actions of Eminem


'Cause if she suffocates she'll suffer more, and then she'll die too
Rationalizing the harm caused as a twisted form of mercy


Well, gotta go, I'm almost at the bridge now
Revealing the intention to commit suicide


Oh shit, I forgot, how am I supposed to send this shit out?
Realizing the logistical challenge of sending the letter amidst the impending act


Dear Stan, I meant to write you sooner but I just been busy
Apologizing for the delayed response and explaining the reason


You said your girlfriend's pregnant now, how far along is she?
Showing genuine interest and concern for Stan's personal life


Look, I'm really flattered you would call your daughter that
Expressing gratitude for naming a child after Eminem


And here's an autograph for your brother
Offering a token of appreciation for Stan's little brother


I wrote it on the Starter cap
Explaining the location of the autograph for reference


I'm sorry I didn't see you at the show, I must of missed you
Acknowledging the missed opportunity to meet Stan in person


Don't think I did that shit intentionally just to diss you
Clarifying that the absence was not intentional or meant to disrespect Stan


But what's this shit you said about you like to cut your wrists too?
Expressing surprise and concern about self-harm mentioned by Stan


I say that shit just clownin' dog, come on, how fucked up is you?
Downplaying the severity of the statement while questioning Stan's mindset


You got some issues Stan, I think you need some counseling
Recognizing the deeper problems and suggesting professional help


To help your ass from bouncing off the walls when you get down some
Offering a solution to cope with intense emotional lows


And what's this shit about us meant to be together?
Rejecting the idea of a romantic relationship and questioning its validity


That type of shit will make me not want us to meet each other
Expressing discomfort and concern over the intensity of Stan's feelings


I really think you and your girlfriend need each other
Encouraging a focus on the existing relationship with Stan's girlfriend


Or maybe you just need to treat her better
Suggesting that improvement in the relationship could address some of Stan's underlying issues


I hope you get to read this letter, I just hope it reaches you in time
Expressing a desire for this letter to have an impact and reach Stan before it's too late


Before you hurt yourself, I think that you'll be doin' just fine
Offering reassurance that Stan has the strength to overcome his challenges


If you relax a little, I'm glad I inspire you but Stan
Acknowledging the influence and inspiration, but emphasizing the importance of self-care


Why are you so mad? Try to understand, that I do want you as a fan
Questioning Stan's anger and reiterating that Eminem values the fan support


I just don't want you to do some crazy shit
Expressing concern and wanting to prevent any harmful actions by Stan


I seen this one shit on the news a couple weeks ago that made me sick
Recalling a disturbing and tragic news story that affected Eminem


Some dude was drunk and drove his car over a bridge
Describing the incident and its consequences


And had his girlfriend in the trunk, and she was pregnant with his kid
Providing details about the tragic event involving a pregnant woman


And in the car they found a tape, but they didn't say who it was to
Sharing the discovery of a recorded message left behind


Come to think about, his name was, it was you
Realizing the connection between the news story and Stan's name


Damn!
Expressing shock and realization




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Paul Herman, Dido Armstrong, Marshall Mathers

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Théophile

Once you've heard this one, you don't come back to the original anymore. At least that's what it did for me. The 3rd verse is so powerful

Jordan

It's not the same without the piano imo.

Chandler Carrier

I feel the exact way especially since it took me a second for me to find this version after hearing it the first time...

KJ Willis

I still listen to the original I just prefer this version of it

Downvote Bot

Eminem sounds more invested in this one, like he sounds like he cares more. And Elton John is something else as always.

KJ Willis

very true. This version shows more emotion

37 More Replies...

Kyle R

Elton John's voice in this song gives me goosebumps

Anthony Barbati

Kyle Ranard Same here.

Christina Abed

+Kyle Ranard exactly

joe Yaz

100%

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