While Eminem and Dr. Dre were at a gym, they were talking about song concepts, and Dre said that they should do a song together called "Night 'n' Day", where everything Dre was saying, Eminem would say the complete opposite. Eminem thought about it and went home that same night and began writing it. An announcer from a talent agency was hired to come in to voice the narrator. Eminem and co. told him his parts and what he had to say, and they made the skit around what he said.
Allmusic highlighted this song on LP. David Browne noted that Eminem's "coldly-calculated-to-offend alter ego considers date rape".
The video for "Guilty Conscience" has a nonstop back-beat with a chorus, unlike the album version, and a different narrator, played by actor Robert Culp. The lyrics in the chorus samples the song "I Will Follow Him" by Little Peggy March ("These voices, I hear them. And, when they talk, I'll follow"). The version that aired on MTV eliminated the murder at the end of the song and converted it into an escalating argument between Eminem and Dre with no resolution. The Director's Cut leaves the murder in. The video is produced using the bullet time technique, depicting Eminem and Dr. Dre rapping to the song's protagonists on how to deal with their conflicting situations: including a man's temptation to robbing a liquor store, a college student's urge to have sex with an underage girl at a frat party, and the urge of a construction worker to murder his wife after he catches her cheating with another man. Dr. Dre poses as the "good conscience" and wins the first arguments (Eddie) while Eminem poses as the "evil conscience" and wins the second (Stan). However, in the third argument, which is over the actions Grady (the construction worker) should take when he catches his wife cheating with another man, Eminem's taunting and accusations of hypocrisy coaxes Dr. Dre into agreeing with him that Grady should kill them both and subsequently Dre suggests that Grady should get his gun and murder his wife and her lover. The song contains a sample from the Ronald Stein song "Go Home Pigs" from the soundtrack to the film Getting Straight. Eminem later released "Guilty Conscience" on his greatest hits album, Curtain Call: The Hits. The nonstop back-beat and chorus from the music video were only used in the edited version of the song, but the narrator was not changed. The video won the "Hottest Music Video" award at the Online Hip-Hop Awards in 2000. The video was listed on MuchMusic's 50 Most Controversial Videos at No. 38 for its promotion on how people get crossed with their consciences.
Guilty Conscience
Eminem Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fed up with life (damn)
And the way things are going (I'm going fucking insane)
He decides to rob a liquor store (I gotta take this shit)
But on his way in (I can't take it no more, holmes)
He has a sudden change of heart (Shit is mine)
And suddenly (I gotta do this)
His conscience comes into play (I gotta do this)
Alright, stop (Huh?)
Now before you walk in the door of this liquor store
And try to get money out the drawer
You better think of the consequence (Who are you?)
I'm your motherfuckin' conscience
That's nonsense
Go in, gaffle the money, and run to one of your aunt's cribs
And borrow a damn dress and one of her blond wigs (can I borrow this?)
Tell her you need a place to stay, you'll be safe for days
If you shave your legs with Renee's razor blades
Yeah, but if it all goes through like it's supposed to
The whole neighborhood knows you and they'll expose you
Think about it before you walk in the door first
Look at the store clerk, she's older than George Burns
Fuck that, do that shit, shoot that bitch
Can you afford to blow this shit? Are you that rich?
Why you give a fuck if she dies? Are you that bitch?
Do you really think she gives a fuck if you have kids?
Man, don't do it, it's not worth it to risk it (you're right)
Not over this shit (stop)
Drop the biscuit (I will)
Don't even listen to Slim, yo, he's bad for you
You know what, Dre? I don't like your attitude
Come on, just come in here for a minute
I don't know
Look, look, look (damn)
Look, it's gonna be alright, alright?
O-okay
Meet Stan, 21 years old (look, give me a kiss)
After meeting a young girl at a rave party
Things start getting hot and heavy
In an upstairs bedroom (pull your pants down, come on)
Once again, his conscience comes into play (shit)
Now, listen to me, while you're kissin' her cheek
And smearin' her lipstick, slip this in her drink
Now all you gotta do is nibble on this little bitch's earlobe
Yo, this girl's only fifteen years old
You shouldn't take advantage of her, it's not fair
Yo, look at her bush, does it got hair? (Uh-huh)
Fuck this bitch right here on the spot, bare
'Til she passes out and she forgot how she got there
Man, ain't you ever seen that one movie Kids?
No, but I seen the porno with Sun Doobiest
Shit, you wanna get hauled off to jail?
Man, fuck that, hit that shit raw dog, then bail
(Here I lay)
Man, it feels good to be home
Meet Grady, a 29-year-old construction worker
After coming home from a hard day's work
He walks in the door of his trailer park home
To find his wife in bed with another man
(What the fuck?) Grady
Alright, calm down, relax, start breathin'
Fuck that shit, you just caught this bitch cheatin'
While you at work, she's with some dude tryna get off
Fuck slittin' her throat, cut this bitch's head off
Wait, what if there's an explanation for this shit?
What, she tripped, fell, landed on his dick?
Tsh, alright, Shady, maybe he's right, Grady
But think about the baby before you get all crazy
Okay, thought about it? Still wanna stab her?
Grab her by the throat, get your daughter and kidnap her?
That's what I did, be smart, don't be a retard
You gonna take advice from somebody who slapped Dee Barnes?
What you say?
What's wrong? Didn't think I'd remember?
I'ma kill you, motherfucker
Uh-uh, temper, temper
Mr. Dre, Mr. NWA, Mr. AK
Comin' straight outta Compton, y'all better make way
How in the fuck you gonna tell this man not to be violent?
'Cause he don't need to go the same route that I went
Been there, done that
Aw, fuck it, what am I sayin'?
Shoot 'em both, Grady, where's your gun at?
The lyrics in "Guilty Conscience" by Eminem bring up various situations where a person's morals or conscience are tested. The first verse introduces the character of Eddie, who has decided to rob a liquor store before he has a sudden change of heart. Eminem's conscience, presented as a separate voice in the song, then attempts to persuade Eddie to reconsider his actions. The second verse continues with the character of Stan at a rave party, with his conscience presenting various scenarios as he considers taking advantage of a 15-year-old girl. Then, the third verse presents the character of Grady, who discovers his wife cheating on him and is tempted to become violent.
The song conveys the idea that everyone has a moral compass that they must choose to follow or not. Every situation presents a choice, and the voice in "Guilty Conscience" represents the internal struggle that one might experience when they are about to engage in morally questionable activities. The message seems to be a warning that we must be careful with our decisions as they can have severe consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
Meet Eddie, 23 years old
Introducing Eddie, a young man at the age of 23
Fed up with life (damn)
Frustrated and unhappy with his current situation
And the way things are going (I'm going fucking insane)
Feeling overwhelmed and on the verge of losing one's sanity
He decides to rob a liquor store (I gotta take this shit)
Making the choice to commit a robbery at a store selling alcoholic beverages
But on his way in (I can't take it no more, holmes)
While approaching the store, experiencing a moment of doubt and frustration
He has a sudden change of heart (Shit is mine)
Experiencing a shift in perspective and deciding to claim ownership of one's situation
And suddenly (I gotta do this)
In an instant, feeling compelled to follow through with the decision
His conscience comes into play (I gotta do this)
The voice of moral reasoning and guilt becomes active in his mind
Alright, stop (Huh?)
Pause and pay attention
Now before you walk in the door of this liquor store
Prior to entering the liquor store premises
And try to get money out the drawer
Attempting to unlawfully acquire cash from the store's cash register
You better think of the consequence (Who are you?)
Consider the potential negative outcomes of your actions
I'm your motherfuckin' conscience
I am the embodiment of your moral compass
That's nonsense
Don't dismiss my guidance
Go in, gaffle the money, and run to one of your aunt's cribs
Enter the store, snatch the money, and quickly retreat to the residence of one of your relatives
And borrow a damn dress and one of her blond wigs (can I borrow this?)
Request to borrow feminine clothing items as a disguise
Tell her you need a place to stay, you'll be safe for days
Deceive your aunt into believing you require shelter, assuring her that you will be secure for a certain duration
If you shave your legs with Renee's razor blades
In order to maintain the disguise, groom your legs using razor blades belonging to Renee
Yeah, but if it all goes through like it's supposed to
Assuming that the plan unfolds according to expectations
The whole neighborhood knows you and they'll expose you
The entire community will become aware of your actions and reveal your identity
Think about it before you walk in the door first
Reflect on the situation before taking the initial step
Look at the store clerk, she's older than George Burns
Observe the cashier, who is significantly older than George Burns, a well-known actor
Fuck that, do that shit, shoot that bitch
Disregard the cautionary advice and proceed with the robbery, even resorting to violence against the cashier
Can you afford to blow this shit? Are you that rich?
Consider if you possess the financial means to successfully pull off this crime
Why you give a fuck if she dies? Are you that bitch?
Questioning why you would care about the cashier's life, implying a lack of empathy
Do you really think she gives a fuck if you have kids?
Doubting whether the cashier would show concern for your family situation
Man, don't do it, it's not worth it to risk it (you're right)
Advising against committing the crime as the potential consequences outweigh the benefits
Not over this shit (stop)
The situation is not significant enough to justify the potential negative repercussions
Drop the biscuit (I will)
Abandon the firearm
Don't even listen to Slim, yo, he's bad for you
Ignore the influence of Slim, as his suggestions are detrimental to your well-being
You know what, Dre? I don't like your attitude
Expressing discontent with Dre's mindset and perspective
Come on, just come in here for a minute
Encouraging someone to enter a particular place for a brief period of time
I don't know
Expressing uncertainty or hesitation
Look, look, look (damn)
Drawing attention to something significant or surprising
Look, it's gonna be alright, alright?
Assuring someone that things will be fine
O-okay
Agreeing or giving tentative approval
Meet Stan, 21 years old (look, give me a kiss)
Introducing Stan, a young man aged 21, with a request for physical affection
After meeting a young girl at a rave party
Following an encounter with a teenage girl at a lively gathering
Things start getting hot and heavy
The situation becomes intense and passionate
In an upstairs bedroom (pull your pants down, come on)
Inside a bedroom on an upper floor, with a request for further physical intimacy
Once again, his conscience comes into play (shit)
Once more, his moral compass becomes a relevant factor in his decision-making
Now, listen to me, while you're kissin' her cheek
Pay attention to my advice as you engage in intimate activities
And smearin' her lipstick, slip this in her drink
While applying her lipstick, secretly place a substance in her beverage
Now all you gotta do is nibble on this little bitch's earlobe
Subtly nibble on the earlobe of the young girl
Yo, this girl's only fifteen years old
Highlighting the fact that the girl is underage, specifically fifteen years old
You shouldn't take advantage of her, it's not fair
Conveying the immorality of exploiting her vulnerable state due to her age
Yo, look at her bush, does it got hair? (Uh-huh)
Inappropriately drawing attention to and discussing her pubic hair
Fuck this bitch right here on the spot, bare
Engage in sexual intercourse with the girl immediately, without protection
'Til she passes out and she forgot how she got there
Continue the sexual encounter until the girl loses consciousness and her memory of the events becomes hazy
Man, ain't you ever seen that one movie Kids?
Expressing disbelief at Stan's lack of awareness regarding the film 'Kids,' which explores similar themes of underage sexual activity
No, but I seen the porno with Sun Doobiest
Acknowledging not having watched 'Kids,' but having viewed a pornographic film featuring Sun Doobiest
Shit, you wanna get hauled off to jail?
Attempting to dissuade Stan from engaging in criminal behavior that could result in imprisonment
Man, fuck that, hit that shit raw dog, then bail
Disregard that concern and have unprotected sex with the girl, then swiftly depart the scene
(Here I lay)
Presently, I find myself in this position
Man, it feels good to be home
Expressing a sense of comfort and relief upon returning to one's place of residence
Meet Grady, a 29-year-old construction worker
Introducing Grady, a 29-year-old individual employed in the construction field
After coming home from a hard day's work
Following a long and arduous day of labor
He walks in the door of his trailer park home
Entering his residence located within a trailer park
To find his wife in bed with another man
Discovering his wife engaged in sexual activity with a different person
(What the fuck?) Grady
(Expressing shock and dismay) Directed towards Grady
Alright, calm down, relax, start breathin'
Take a composed and relaxed stance, regulating your breathing
Fuck that shit, you just caught this bitch cheatin'
Disregard the attempt to pacify the situation, recognizing that Grady has indeed witnessed his spouse's act of infidelity
While you at work, she's with some dude tryna get off
While you were occupied with your job, she was engaging in sexual activities with another man
Fuck slittin' her throat, cut this bitch's head off
Express intense anger towards the unfaithful wife, contemplating an act of extreme violence
Wait, what if there's an explanation for this shit?
Consider the possibility that there may be a justifiable reason behind this situation
What, she tripped, fell, landed on his dick?
Respond sarcastically, suggesting an absurd and unlikely explanation for the wife's infidelity
Tsh, alright, Shady, maybe he's right, Grady
Acknowledge the reasoning presented by the conscience, admitting that it may hold validity
But think about the baby before you get all crazy
Consider the well-being of your child before allowing emotions to overwhelm you
Okay, thought about it? Still wanna stab her?
Having reflected on the situation, confirm if the desire to harm the unfaithful spouse remains
Grab her by the throat, get your daughter and kidnap her?
Violently seize her by the neck, take your daughter, and forcibly remove her from the situation?
That's what I did, be smart, don't be a retard
Recounting past actions, advising Grady to exercise intelligence and avoid foolishness
You gonna take advice from somebody who slapped Dee Barnes?
Question whether you should heed counsel from an individual who physically assaulted Dee Barnes, a notable figure
What you say?
What is your response?
What's wrong? Didn't think I'd remember?
What is the matter? Did you not expect me to recall that incident?
I'ma kill you, motherfucker
Expressing intense anger and a threat towards the subject of the discussion
Uh-uh, temper, temper
Warning against giving in to rage and anger
Mr. Dre, Mr. NWA, Mr. AK
Referring to Dre's various personas and accomplishments, including his association with NWA and his proficiency with an AK-47 firearm
Comin' straight outta Compton, y'all better make way
Asserting dominance and intimidating others due to one's origins in Compton, a neighborhood known for its rough reputation
How in the fuck you gonna tell this man not to be violent?
Expressing incredulity at the suggestion that this individual should refrain from using violence
'Cause he don't need to go the same route that I went
Implying that it is unnecessary for him to follow the same path of violence and aggression as Dre did
Been there, done that
Having already experienced and engaged in similar behaviors
Aw, fuck it, what am I sayin'?
Disregard the previous wisdom and advice being communicated
Shoot 'em both, Grady, where's your gun at?
Suggest engaging in a violent act of shooting both the unfaithful wife and her partner, while inquiring about the location of Grady's firearm
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Marshall Bruce Mathers, Ronald Stein, Andre Romell Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Hyrule409
Yea, I do miss the old story-based songs like As The World Turns, Stan, and this one. I really liked Bad Guy, Legacy and kinda enjoyed So Far (despite having a pretty corny beat) on MMLP2, but he's only gone downhill since.
The constant yelling that started with Recovery has only went up, on top of the cleverness turned down for speed rhymes which I'm not super impressed by. He went from "you can jump a candle stick, burn your back, fuck Jill on a hill, but you still ain't Jack" and "sometimes I lay awake in the bed, strap a bulletproof vest on, and shoot myself in the head"
to
"this type of pickle we're in is hard to dill, but there's always tomorrow still".
Lame.
I want the old hype background clips back. The comedic intersections like in Criminal or Get My Gun where he's doing some funny shit. A big one is that I want him to just talk again and not be fucking yelling for half the song. Despite what everyone says, I don't think him getting off drugs was what affected his music capabilities. I think him getting successful and no longer struggling (which is a good thing) is what affected his creativity. But some of his most creative and greatest songs (Stan, Guilty Conscience, Without Me, My Name Is) were just goofy shit or serious stuff that either straight up didn't happen or was based off of a true story that didn't happen to him personally. It shouldn't be out of the realm of possibility to get a new track like that.
@itsRucka
It's NOT worth it to Risk it... not over this shi... DROP THE BISCUIT 😧😵😨🖐🥔
@slumpflumpy2870
What you do is heat the peanutbutter in a pan to pour over the burger with pickles.
@notanotherguitarchannel
that's a potato dude
@XIVEY
Dont like cringe shit, you ready to risk it?? drop the biscuit?? tell KSI he's dip shit
@zipzap1402
😁😁😁😁😁
@Mr.Sloth55
Wise words
@robrot404
I like how Eminem digs straight into Dre's soul at the last verse man that was ruthless
@superflipfjr
"You gonna take advice from somebody who slapped Dee Barnes?"
@rappers3274
https://youtu.be/df7ufEIp9MY
Junior slim shady
@kidz4p509
The ending of the song caused some controversy.