My Name Is
Eminem Lyrics
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My name is (who?)
My name is (chka-chka, Slim Shady)
Hi, my name is (huh?)
My name is (what?)
My name is (chka-chka, Slim Shady)
Hi, my name is (what?)
(Excuse me) My name is (who?)
My name is (chka-chka, Slim Shady)
Can I have the attention of the class for one second?)
Hi, my name is (huh?)
My name is (what?)
My name is (chka-chka, Slim Shady)
Hi, kids, do you like violence? (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Wanna see me stick nine-inch nails, through each one of my eyelids? (Uh-huh)
Wanna copy me and do exactly like I did? (Yeah, yeah)
Try 'cid and get fucked up worse that my life is? (Huh?)
My brain's dead weight, I'm tryna get my head straight
But I can't figure out which Spice Girl I want to impregnate (oh)
And Dr. Dre said, "Slim Shady you a base-head" (uh-uh)
"So why's your face red? Man, you wasted"
Well, since age twelve, I've felt like I'm someone else
'Cause I hung my original self from the top bunk with a belt
Got pissed off and ripped Pamela Lee's tits off
And smacked her so hard I knocked her clothes backwards like Kris Kross
I smoke a fat pound of grass and fall on my ass
Faster than a fat bitch who sat down too fast
Come here, slut, "Shady, wait a minute, that's my girl, dawg"
I don't give a fuck, God sent me to piss the world off
Hi, my name is (what?)
My name is (who?)
My name is (chka-chka, Slim Shady)
Hi, my name is (huh?)
My name is (what?)
My name is (chka-chka, Slim Shady)
Hi, my name is (what?)
My name is (who?)
My name is (chka-chka, Slim Shady)
Hi, my name is (huh?)
My name is (what?)
My name is (chka-chka, Slim Shady)
My English teacher wanted to flunk me in junior high (shh)
Thanks a lot, next semester I'll be thirty five
I smacked him in his face with an eraser
Chased him with a stapler
Stapled his nuts to a stack of papers (ow)
Walked in the strip club, had my jacket zipped up
Flashed the bartender, then stuck my dick in the tip cup
Extraterrestrial, running over pedestrians in a spaceship
While they screamin' at me, "Let's just be friends"
Ninety-nine percent of my life I was lied to
I just found out my mom does more dope than I do (damn)
I told her I'd grow up to be a famous rapper
Make a record about doin' drugs and name it after her (oh, thank you)
You know you blew up when the women rush your stands
Try to touch your hands like some screamin' Usher fans (ah)
This guy at White Castle asked for my autograph (dude, can I get your autograph?)
So I signed it, "Dear Dave, thanks for the support, asshole"
Hi, my name is (huh?)
My name is (who?)
My name is (chka-chka, Slim Shady)
Hi, my name is (what?)
My name is (who?)
My name is (chka-chka, Slim Shady)
Hi, my name is (huh?)
My name is (who?)
My name is (chka-chka, Slim Shady)
Hi, my name is (what?)
My name is (who?)
My name is (chka-chka, Slim Shady)
Stop the tape, this kid needs to be locked away (get him)
Dr. Dre, don't just stand there, operate
I'm not ready to leave, it's too scary to die (fuck that)
I'll have to be carried inside the cemetery and buried alive (ha, yup)
Am I comin' or goin'? I can barely decide
I just drank a fifth of vodka, dare me to drive? (Go ahead)
All my life I was very deprived
I ain't had a woman in years, and my palms are too hairy to hide (whoops)
Clothes ripped like the Incredible Hulk
I spit when I talk, I'll fuck anything that walks (come here)
When I was little I used to get so hungry I would throw fits
How you gonna breast feed me, mom? You ain't got not tits
I lay awake and strap myself in the bed
With a bulletproof vest on and shoot myself in the head (bang)
'Cause I'm steamin' mad (grr)
And by the way, when you see my dad (yeah?)
Tell him that I slit his throat in this dream I had
Hi, my name is (what?)
My name is (who?)
My name is (chka-chka, Slim Shady)
Hi, my name is (huh?)
My name is (what?)
My name is (chka-chka, Slim Shady)
Hi, my name is (who?)
My name is (huh?)
My name is (chka-chka, Slim Shady)
Hi, my name is (huh?)
My name is (who?)
My name is (chka-chka, Slim Shady)
Eminem's "My Name Is" was released in 1999 as the lead single from his debut album, "The Slim Shady LP." The song is a satirical take on his alter ego, Slim Shady, who is an exaggerated version of Eminem's personality who is violent, sexual, and rebellious. The lyrics start with the catchy chorus, "Hi, my name is (what?) My name is (who?) My name is (chka-chka, Slim Shady)" which soon turns into a dark and graphic description of Slim Shady's thoughts and actions.
Throughout the song, Eminem poses himself as a misfit and engages in shocking behavior, from sticking nails in his eyelids to impregnating one of the Spice Girls. He also discusses his troubled relationship with his mother and father, rapping about how his mother does more dope than he does and how he dreams of slitting his dad's throat. The shocking and profane language used in the lyrics was met with controversy but also attracted a lot of attention, propelling Eminem to fame.
The song also features a nod to Dr. Dre, who discovered Eminem and produced the album. Dr. Dre's vocals are heard criticizing Slim Shady's behavior, but ultimately accepting it and allowing him to continue. The beat of the song has a catchy, upbeat sound that contrasts with the dark lyrics, making it a memorable and successful debut for Eminem.
Line by Line Meaning
Hi, my name is (what?)
Introducing himself to others, asking for their attention.
My name is (who?)
Repeating his initial introduction, emphasizing his identity.
My name is (chka-chka, Slim Shady)
Adding his stage name for recognition, using sound effects to make it catchy.
Hi, my name is (huh?)
Continuing to introduce himself, showing eagerness to be acknowledged.
My name is (what?)
Repeating his opening line, seeking attention again.
My name is (chka-chka, Slim Shady)
Using his stage name again, incorporating sound effects to add more energy.
Hi, kids, do you like violence? (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Asking a controversial question and getting affirmative responses from the audience.
Wanna see me stick nine-inch nails, through each one of my eyelids? (Uh-huh)
Proposing an extreme and dangerous act, daring the listener to watch.
Wanna copy me and do exactly like I did? (Yeah, yeah)
Encouraging others to emulate his behavior, as he sees it as empowering.
Try 'cid and get fucked up worse that my life is? (Huh?)
Mentioning the drug acid and how destructive it can be, asking if it's worth the risk.
My brain's dead weight, I'm tryna get my head straight
Referring to his mental state as being disconnected, while striving to improve it.
But I can't figure out which Spice Girl I want to impregnate (oh)
Making a humorous reference to a popular girl group, hinting at his strange fantasies.
And Dr. Dre said, "Slim Shady you a base-head" (uh-uh)
Quoting a criticism from his mentor, denying the accusation.
"So why's your face red? Man, you wasted"
Responding to the allegation with sarcasm, mocking the accuser.
Well, since age twelve, I've felt like I'm someone else
Reflecting on his troubled childhood and identity crisis.
'Cause I hung my original self from the top bunk with a belt
Revealing an unsettling and self-destructive past, visualizing his former identity as dead.
Got pissed off and ripped Pamela Lee's tits off
Recalling a violent and misogynistic act, expressing his anger towards women.
And smacked her so hard I knocked her clothes backwards like Kris Kross
Describing the force of his attack, using a pop culture reference for comedic effect.
I smoke a fat pound of grass and fall on my ass
Admitting to his drug use and its consequences, portraying himself as careless.
Faster than a fat bitch who sat down too fast
Comparing his actions to an obese woman's inability to move, making a derogatory comment.
Come here, slut, "Shady, wait a minute, that's my girl, dawg"
Addressing an unknown woman as a derogatory term, ignoring her boyfriend's plea for respect.
I don't give a fuck, God sent me to piss the world off
Expressing his nihilistic worldview, seeing himself as a messenger of chaos.
My English teacher wanted to flunk me in junior high (shh)
Recalling an incident from his past, expressing his dislike towards authority.
Thanks a lot, next semester I'll be thirty five
Blaming his teacher for his delayed academic progress, revealing his age.
I smacked him in his face with an eraser
Describing a violent act towards his teacher, demonstrating his anger.
Chased him with a stapler
Continuing the narrative of his vengeance, portraying himself as a threat to others.
Stapled his nuts to a stack of papers (ow)
Devising an imaginative and cruel torture, reveling in his sadism.
Walked in the strip club, had my jacket zipped up
Setting the scene of his visit to a strip club, hinting that he has something unusual or illegal to reveal.
Flashed the bartender, then stuck my dick in the tip cup
Describing explicitly sexual behavior, mixing exhibitionism with aggression.
Extraterrestrial, running over pedestrians in a spaceship
Using metaphor to represent his feeling of being alienated, depicting himself as a violent outsider.
While they screamin' at me, "Let's just be friends"
Showing his cynicism towards human connection, mocking an effort to reconcile with him.
Ninety-nine percent of my life I was lied to
Claiming to be a victim of deceit, portraying himself as a misunderstood protagonist.
I just found out my mom does more dope than I do (damn)
Revealing a shocking fact about his own family, making a sarcastic remark.
I told her I'd grow up to be a famous rapper
Recounting a promise he made to his mother, hinting at his desire for fame and success.
Make a record about doin' drugs and name it after her (oh, thank you)
Proposing a provocative idea for his music career, acknowledging his mother's influence in his life.
You know you blew up when the women rush your stands
Boasting about his fame and popularity, boasting how his fans are obsessed with him.
Try to touch your hands like some screamin' Usher fans (ah)
Drawing a comparison to another popular artist, demonstrating his own appeal to the audience.
This guy at White Castle asked for my autograph (dude, can I get your autograph?)
Recalling a humorous encounter with a fan, accepting the respect he receives.
So I signed it, "Dear Dave, thanks for the support, asshole"
Making a sarcastic remark when signing his autograph, relishing in his notoriety.
Stop the tape, this kid needs to be locked away (get him)
A voice saying that he is a problematic individual and should be punished.
Dr. Dre, don't just stand there, operate
Calling on his mentor to take charge, mocking the perception of his own instability.
I'm not ready to leave, it's too scary to die (fuck that)
Rejecting the idea of mortality, expressing fear and defiance.
I'll have to be carried inside the cemetery and buried alive (ha, yup)
Imagining an unconventional burial, reflecting his dark sense of humor.
Am I comin' or goin'? I can barely decide
Confessing his mental confusion and instability, admitting he's not sure of his own state.
I just drank a fifth of vodka, dare me to drive? (Go ahead)
Proclaiming his own recklessness and seeking trouble, challenging the listener to call him out on it.
All my life I was very deprived
Asserting that he had a difficult upbringing, using it as justification for his behavior.
I ain't had a woman in years, and my palms are too hairy to hide (whoops)
Making an awkward comment about his own appearance, confessing his lack of success with women.
Clothes ripped like the Incredible Hulk
Describing his appearance in a self-deprecatory way, using a pop culture reference for humor.
I spit when I talk, I'll fuck anything that walks (come here)
Making crass and vulgar remarks about his own behavior, expressing his sexual appetite.
When I was little I used to get so hungry I would throw fits
Revealing a childhood experience of deprivation, portraying himself as a victim.
How you gonna breast feed me, mom? You ain't got not tits
Questioning his own mother's ability to parent, making a vulgar observation.
I lay awake and strap myself in the bed
Revealing his own paranoia and obsession with danger, showing fear of his own thoughts.
With a bulletproof vest on and shoot myself in the head (bang)
Visualizing his own death, expressing his own morbidity and suicidal tendencies.
'Cause I'm steamin' mad (grr)
Expressing his own anger and frustration, portraying himself as an uncontrollable force.
And by the way, when you see my dad (yeah?)
Making a sudden transition to address someone else, hinting at unresolved family issues.
Tell him that I slit his throat in this dream I had
Using a violent image to express his resentment and anger towards his own father.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Labi Siffre
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
The song samples the Labi Siffre song "I Got The ..." for the rhythm track. Siffre, who is openly gay, said in a 2012 interview that he refused to clear the sample until sexist and homophobic lyrics were removed from the song: "Dissing the victims of bigotry – women as bitches, homosexuals as faggots – is lazy writing. Diss the bigots not their victims."The The bass and guitar riff used in the sample was performed by Siffre's session musicians Chas Hodges and Dave Peacock, who later became the duo Chas & Dave.
During the time the song was released, Eminem and Insane Clown Posse were having a "rap feud". After the release of this song, Insane Clown Posse parodied this song with a song called "Slim Anus". "My Name Is" was later re-released in 2005 on Eminem's compilation album "Curtain Call: The Hits". The song is mixed with Jay-Z's song "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" and Beck's song "Loser" on the video game DJ Hero, while Eminem himself remixed it with AC/DC's "Back In Black". A remixed version was featured in the trailer for the superhero film Shazam.
The video premiered on MTV Total Request Live on January 21, 1999. It was directed by Phillip Atwell, who would later direct music videos for several other Eminem songs, including "Stan", "Lose Yourself", "The Real Slim Shady", and "Just Lose It". The video starts out with a stereotypical redneck family watching television, who then come across a show starring "Marshall Mathers". As the video goes on, Eminem parodies several TV shows and movies. He also imitates then-President of the United States Bill Clinton, Johnny Carson, a porn star, and others. Basketball player Gheorghe Mureșan has a cameo appearance as a ventriloquist with Eminem being used as the dummy in the scene. Dr. Dre, the song's producer, also has a cameo as a doctor. It also shows Eminem imitating a chemistry teacher.
The video was ranked #71 in NME's 100 Greatest Music Videos.
As of 2019, the music video has been replaced on all official sites (including the official Eminem YouTube account and MTV's holding accounts) with alternative lyrics online making it more advertiser friendly. Lines such as, "Well, since age 12, I felt like I'm someone else 'Cause I hung my original self from the top bunk with a belt," are replaced with, "Well since age twelve I've felt like a caged elf," also with lines referencing ripping Pamela Lee's tits off replaced with ripping her lips off and kissing them, saying how they feel soft like silicon.
AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine singled out the song as an album highlight, while Entertainment Weekly's David Browne wrote that this single and its accompanying video were both "attention-grabbing".
Later, Eminem admitted he hates the song: "I didn’t hate that song when I first made it. But the shit that I really, really like, that I put my heart and soul into, I don’t get recognized for, like “The Way I Am.” There's a difference between me being funny and me being real. I feel like I don't get recognized for my best shit — the shit that's my real, true feelings and emotions.
Rayli
lets not forget this man made a whole clean version of some songs for his daughter
Simply Skrypt
He censored the word "fuck" and "asshole" but not the parts where he speaks about being institutionalized and trying to impregnate a spice girl tho
5head censorship
NightSki
@Simply Skrypt And shoving nails into his eyelids
Jack Foster
@Simply Skrypt 😂😂😂😂😂
souperupper
I think the censorship had to do with the sample used. He could only get the rights after editing the lyrics.. at least for this song.
Dafy
ℍ𝕠𝕝𝕒 𝕡𝕦𝕥𝕠𝕤
Mubinjon Zokirov
The beat is so simple and yet the song is legendary.
KINDLY HELP ME REACH TO 10K SUB
WOWW YOU DON'T READ MY PROFILE PICTURE 😶😶❌❌
Maggot
@KINDLY HELP ME REACH TO 10K SUB ok
Ryan Smuda
Yeah the beat is sampled from a different song