Rhyme or Reason
Eminem Lyrics

Yeah, yeah
Expressing agreement or enthusiasm

Yeah, yeah, yeah
Continuing to express agreement or enthusiasm

(What's your name?) Marshall
Asking for the identity of the singer, who is Eminem

(Who's your da- your daddy?) I don't have one
Stating that Eminem doesn't have a father figure

My mother reproduced like a Komodo dragon
Comparing Eminem's mother to a Komodo dragon, a species that reproduces asexually

And had me on the back of a motorcycle
Describing the circumstances of Eminem's birth

Then crashed in the side of loco-motive with rap, I'm loco
Metaphorically representing the impact of Eminem's rap career

It's like handing a psycho a loaded handgun
Comparing Eminem receiving success in rap to giving a mentally unstable person a dangerous weapon

Michelangelo with a paint gun in a tantrum
Comparing Eminem's artistic abilities to Michelangelo's, but with a chaotic and angry approach

About to explode all over the canvas
Expressing Eminem's creativity and intensity about to be unleashed

Back with the Yoda of rap in a spasm
Returning with someone highly skilled and influential in the rap industry

(Your music usually has 'em)
Acknowledging that Eminem's music usually has a strong impact on listeners

(But waned for the game your enthusiasm it hasn't)
Noting that Eminem's enthusiasm for the rap game hasn't diminished

(Follow you must, Rick Rubin my little Padawan)
Suggesting that Rick Rubin, a famous music producer, is Eminem's mentor and guiding figure

A Jedi in training, colossal brain and, thoughts of entertaining
Describing Eminem as a talented and intelligent artist with a focus on entertaining his audience

But docile and impossible to explain and, I'm also vain and
Referring to Eminem's complex and contradictory personality

Probably find a way to complain about a Picasso painting
Expressing Eminem's tendency to find flaws or criticize even the greatest works of art

Puke Skywalker, but sound like Chewbacca when I talk
Using fictional character names to describe Eminem's contradictory persona and vocal style

Full of such blind rage I need a seein'-eye dog
Highlighting Eminem's intense anger and suggesting he needs assistance to control it

Can't even find the page, I was writing this rhyme on
Indicating that Eminem is so overwhelmed with anger that he can't locate the page he was writing his lyrics on

Oh, it's on the rampage, couldn't see what I wrote, I write small
Emphasizing the chaotic and frenzied nature of Eminem's anger, leading to illegible writing

It says 'ever since I drove a '79 Lincoln with white walls
Reflecting on Eminem's past and the inspiration he draws from his experiences

Had a fire in my heart, and a dire desire to aspire, to Die Hard'
Expressing Eminem's burning passion and determination to succeed, referring to the movie 'Die Hard' as a symbol of persevering against all odds

So as long as I'm on the clock punching this time card
Indicating Eminem's commitment to his craft and his dedication to the rap game

Hip hop ain't dying on my watch
Asserting Eminem's role in preserving and keeping hip hop alive

But sometimes, when I'm sleeping, she comes to me in my dreams
Referring to a woman who appears in Eminem's dreams

Is she taken? (Is she taken?) Is she mine? (Is she mine?)
Questioning the woman's relationship status and her availability

Don't got time don't care, don't have two shits to give
Expressing Eminem's lack of interest or concern for the woman's situation

Let me take you by the hand to promise land
Offering to guide the woman to a better, happier place

And threaten everyone, 'cause there's no rhyme or no reason for nothing
Suggesting that Eminem's actions and decisions are unpredictable and without logic or purpose

(What's your name?) Marshall
Revealing the singer's name again

(Who's your daddy?) I don't know him, but I wonder
Expressing Eminem's curiosity and uncertainty about his father

(Is he rich like me?) Haha
Mocking the idea that Eminem's father could be wealthy like him

Has he taken (has he taken) any time (any time)
Questioning if Eminem's father has made an effort to be a part of his life

(To show) to show you what you need to live?
Highlighting the importance of parental guidance and support

No, if he had, he wouldn't have ended up in these rhymes on my pad
Speculating that if Eminem's father had been present, he wouldn't be subject to being mentioned in Eminem's lyrics

I wouldn't be so mad, my attitude wouldn't be so bad, yeah, dad
Implying that Eminem's anger and negative attitude are partially influenced by his absent father

I'm The epitome and the prime example of what happens
Positioning Eminem as the ultimate representation and consequence of certain circumstances

When the power of the rhyme falls into the wrong hands, and
Emphasizing the impact and consequences of having influencial lyrical abilities

Makes you want to get up and start dancing
Indicating that Eminem's music can inspire a strong emotional response and motivation

Even if it is Charles Manson who just happens to be rapping
Illustrating that Eminem's style and content can appeal to a wide range of listeners, even if controversial

Blue lights flashing, laughing all the way to the bank
Describing Eminem's success and financial prosperity

Lampin' in my K-Mart mansion, I'm in the style department
Sarcastically referencing Eminem's vibrant lifestyle and his ability to stand out

With a pile in my cart, rippin' the aisle apart
Metaphorically speaking, Eminem's success allows him to have an extravagant shopping spree and make a scene

With great power comes absolutely no responsibility, for content
Suggesting that despite his influential position, Eminem feels no obligation to censor or control his lyrics

Completely, despondent, and condescending
Describing Eminem's attitude and demeanor as being detached and disrespectful

The king of nonsense and controversy is on, a
Acknowledging Eminem's reputation for creating controversy and provoking reactions

Beat killing spree, your honor, I must, plead
Metaphorically admitting to the emotional and lyrical damage Eminem inflicts through his music

Guilty 'cause I sparked a revolution
Claiming responsibility for the impact and influence his music has had

Rebel without a cause, who caused the evolution of rap
Describing Eminem as a rebellious figure who played a significant role in shaping the genre of rap

To take it to the next level, boost it
Highlighting Eminem's contribution in pushing rap music to new heights and improving its quality

But several rebuked it, and whoever produced it
Acknowledging the criticism and opposition Eminem faced, even from those involved in the production of his music

(Hip hop is the devil's music) does that mean it belongs to me?
Reflecting on the controversial nature of hip hop and Eminem's role within it

'Cause I just happen to be a white honky devil with two horns
Embracing and mocking the stereotype of being a white rapper who is seen as controversial or villainous

That don't honk but every time I speak you hear a beep?
Playing with the idea that Eminem's words have a shocking or censoring effect on the listener

But lyrically I never hear a peep, not even a whisper
Declaring that despite his controversial content, his lyrical abilities are widely respected and unmatched

Rappers better stay clear of me, bitch
Warning other rappers to avoid engaging with Eminem's lyrical prowess

'Cause it's the
Referring to something that is about to be mentioned

It's the time of the season, when hate runs high
Describing a time characterized by increased negativity and animosity

And this time, we'll give it to you easy (give it you easy)
Implying that the negativity and criticism will be delivered in a straightforward and uncompromising manner

(When I take) I take back what's mine
Asserting Eminem's intention to reclaim what belongs to him

With pleasured hands, and torture everyone, that is my plan
Suggesting that Eminem takes pleasure in causing discomfort and provoking others

My job here isn't done, 'cause there's no rhyme or no reason for nothing
Expressing that Eminem's work is far from complete, as there is no clear purpose or motivation behind his actions

(What's your name?) Shady
Switching to Eminem's alter ego, Slim Shady

(Who's your daddy? Who's your daddy?) I don't give a fuck, but I wonder
Disregarding the question of paternity, but still expressing curiosity

(Is he rich like me?) Doubt it, ha ha
Believing that his father is unlikely to be wealthy like Eminem

Has he taken (has he taken) any time (any time)
Questioning if Eminem's father has made any effort to be involved in his life

(To show) to show you what you need to live?
Highlighting the significance of parental guidance and support

So yeah, dad let's walk
Addressing his father and suggesting they have a conversation

Let's have us a father and son talk
Inviting his father to engage in a conversation about their relationship

But I bet we probably wouldn't get one block
Speculating that the conversation would not last long or progress far

Without me knocking your block off
Threatening physical violence against his father

This is all your fault
Blaming his father for the negative aspects of his life and personality

Maybe that's why I'm so bananas
Suggesting that his difficult relationship with his father has contributed to his erratic behavior or mental state

I appeal to all those walks of like
Claiming that his music resonates with people from various backgrounds or experiences

Whoever had strife
Referring to those who have experienced hardship or struggle

Maybe that's what dad and son talks are like
Speculating that conversations between fathers and sons often involve discussing past conflicts or difficulties

'Cause I related to the struggles of young America
Expressing empathy and understanding towards the challenges faced by young Americans

When their fucking parents were unaware of their troubles
Highlighting a common experience where parents were oblivious to the problems faced by their children

Now they're ripping out their fucking hair again
Describing the frustration and turmoil that reemerges in adulthood, leading people to feel overwhelmed or helpless

It's a hyster-ical, I chuckle
Finding amusement in the irony and chaos of life

'Cause everybody bloodies their bare knuckles
Acknowledging the universal struggle and strife that everyone faces

Yeah, uh oh, better beware knuckleheads
Warning those who are foolish or ignorant

The sign on my hustle says 'don't knock'
Indicating that people should not criticize or underestimate Eminem's work ethic and determination

The door's broken, it won't lock
Symbolizing that Eminem is resilient and not easily discouraged by obstacles

It might just fly open, get cold cocked
Suggesting that opening up to criticism or opposition could lead to a forceful response from Eminem

You critics come pay me a visit
Challenging critics to confront him directly and face the consequences of their negative opinions

Misery loves company, please stay a minute
Implying that Eminem takes pleasure in others' misery and invites critics to stay and experience it

Kryptonite to a hypocrite
Comparing himself to Superman's weakness, suggesting that he exposes and undermines hypocritical behavior

Zip your lip if you dish it but can't take it
Advising critics to remain silent if they are unable to handle the same level of criticism they dish out

Too busy getting stoned in your glass house
Accusing critics of being preoccupied with their own flaws or vices while judging others

To kick rocks, then you wonder why I lash out?
Questioning critics' hypocrisy when they provoke Eminem and then act surprised by his strong reactions

Mister Mathers as advertised on the flyers
Referring to Eminem's real name and indicating his public persona and reputation

So spread the word 'cause I'm promoting my passion 'til I'm passed out
Encouraging others to share his music and message, as he is committed to promoting his art until exhaustion

Completely brain dead Rain Man
Comparing himself to the character Rain Man, suggesting that he is mentally exhausted or overwhelmed

Doing a Bankhead in a restraint chair
Referring to a dance move while being physically constrained, symbolizing Eminem's creativity and expression being limited

So bitch, shoot me a look it better be a blank stare
Challenging someone to confront him with a disapproving look, but expecting them to have no impact or significance

Or get shanked in the pancreas, I'm angrier than
Threatening physical harm, emphasizing Eminem's intense anger and hostility

All eight of the reindeer put together with Chief Keef
Metaphorically describing the intensity and magnitude of Eminem's anger, using a combination of Santa's reindeer and Chief Keef, a rapper known for his aggressive style

'Cause I hate every fucking thing, yeah
Expressing Eminem's general disdain and frustration with the world and everything around him

Even this rhyme bitch, and quit tryna look
Dismissing even the current lyrics as something he despises, and telling someone to stop scrutinizing them

For a fucking reason for it that ain't there
Rejecting the idea of trying to find a logical or meaningful explanation for his anger or behavior

But I still am a criminal
Admitting to his own history of criminal behavior

Ten year old degenerate grabbing on my genitals
Using dark humor to shock or provoke, describing inappropriate behavior from a young age

The last Mathers LP done went diamond
Referring to the previous album's commercial success by achieving diamond status (10 million copies sold)

This time I'm predicting this one will go emerald (ha)
Anticipating that the current album will achieve emerald status (over 1 million copies sold)

When will the madness end? How can it? When
Questioning when or how his turbulent and chaotic lifestyle will come to an end

There's no method to the pad and pen
Suggesting that his creative process is unpredictable and lacks a consistent approach

The only message that I have to sing is
Declaring that his music primarily conveys his personal experiences and emotions

Dad, I'm back at it again
Addressing his father again, indicating that he is continuing with his career and artistic pursuits

Bitch (who's your daddy? Daddy)
Repeating the question of paternity, in a confrontational tone