Rock Bottom
Eminem Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ayo, this song is dedicated to all the happy people
All the happy people who have real nice lives
And have no idea what it's like to be broke as fuck

I feel like I'm walkin' a tight rope without a circus net
Poppin' Percocet, I'm a nervous wreck
I deserve respect but I work a sweat for this worthless check
I'm about to burst this Tec at somebody to reverse this debt
Minimum wage got my adrenaline caged
Full of venom and rage, especially when I'm engaged
And my daughter's down to her last diaper, it's got my ass hyper
I pray that God answers, maybe I'll ask nicer
Watchin' ballers while they're flossin' in their Pathfinders
These overnight stars becomin' autograph-signers
We all long to blow up and leave the past behind us
Along with the small fries and average half-pinters
But player-haters turnin' bitch like they have vaginas
'Cause we see them dollar signs and let the cash blind us
Money'll brainwash you and leave your ass mindless
When snakes slither in the grass spineless

That's rock bottom, when this life makes you mad enough to kill
That's rock bottom, when you want something bad enough to steal
That's rock bottom, when you feel like you've had it up to here
'Cause you mad enough to scream but you're sad enough to tear

That's rock bottom, when this life makes you mad enough to kill
That's rock bottom, when you want something bad enough to steal
That's rock bottom, when you feel like you've had it up to here
'Cause you mad enough to scream but you're sad enough to tear

My life is full of empty promises and broken dreams
I'm hopin' things look up, but there ain't no job openings
I feel discouraged, hungry and malnourished
Livin' in this house with no furnace, unfurnished
And I'm sick of workin' dead-end jobs with lame pay
And I'm tired of being hired and fired the same day
But fuck it, if you know the rules to the game, play
'Cause when we die we know we all goin' the same way
'Cause it's cool to be player, but it sucks to be the fan
When all you need is bucks to be the man, plus a luxury sedan
I'm comfortable and roomy in a 6
But they threw me in the mix with all these gloomy lunatics
Who walk around depressed and smoke a pound of cess a day
And yesterday went by so quick it seems like it was just today
My daughter wants to throw the ball but I'm too stressed to play
Live half a life and throw the rest away

That's rock bottom, when this life makes you mad enough to kill
That's rock bottom, when you want something bad enough to steal
That's rock bottom, when you feel like you've had it up to here
'Cause you mad enough to scream but you're sad enough to tear

That's rock bottom, when this life makes you mad enough to kill
That's rock bottom, when you want something bad enough to steal
That's rock bottom, when you feel like you've had it up to here
'Cause you mad enough to scream but you're sad enough to tear

There's people that love me and people that hate me
But it's the evil that made me this backstabbin', deceitful and shady
I want the money, the women, the fortune and fame
If it means I end up burnin' in hell, scorchin' in flames
If it means I'm stealin' your checkbook and forgin' your name
This lifetime bliss for eternal torture and pain
'Cause right now, I feel like just hit the rock bottom
I've got problems, now everybody on my block's got em
I'm screaming like them two cops when 2Pac shot em
Holding 2 Glocks, hope your doors got new locks on em
My daughter's feet ain't got no shoes or socks on em
And them rings you wearin' look like they got a few rocks on em
And while you flaunt em I could be takin' em to shops to pawn em
I got a couple of rings and a brand-new watch, you want em?
'Cause I ain't never went gold off one song
I'm runnin' up on someone's lawn with guns drawn

That's rock bottom, when this life makes you mad enough to kill
That's rock bottom, when you want something bad enough to steal
That's rock bottom, when you feel like you've had it up to here
'Cause you mad enough to scream but you're sad enough to tear

That's rock bottom, when this life makes you mad enough to kill
That's rock bottom, when you want something bad enough to steal




That's rock bottom, when you feel like you've had it up to here
'Cause you mad enough to scream but you're sad enough to tear

Overall Meaning

The song “Rock Bottom” by Eminem reveals the struggles of living in poverty and the desperation that comes with it. He shares the story of someone who is at the end of their rope, who has nothing left to lose and is willing to do whatever it takes to make ends meet. He describes himself as a circus performer walking a tightrope without a safety net, on the verge of popping Percocet to take the edge off. He feels trapped and alone, working tirelessly for a job that doesn’t pay the bills. Eminem’s desperation is palpable in the chorus, where he repeats the phrase “That’s rock bottom” to describe the depths of despair he has reached.


The verses of the song are filled with vivid and depressing imagery, describing a life of hardships, frustration, and hopelessness. He watches others flaunt their wealth and success while he struggles to put food on the table and keep his daughter clothed. He feels like he’s drowning in debt, with no way out. Eminem also confesses that his lust for money and fame has corrupted him, turning him into a deceitful, backstabbing individual who is willing to sacrifice his morals for a chance at success.


Overall, “Rock Bottom” is a raw and emotional track that shows Eminem at his most vulnerable. The song is a reminder of the harsh realities of poverty and the impact it can have on one’s mental health and well-being.


Line by Line Meaning

Ayo, this song is dedicated to all the happy people
This song is for those who are content with their lives and never had to struggle.


All the happy people who have real nice lives
The people unaffected with poverty or financial struggle.


And have no idea what it's like to be broke as fuck
People who haven't lived in poverty do not understand the hardships.


I feel like I'm walkin' a tight rope without a circus net
I feel vulnerable and exposed, without a safety net to catch me if I fall.


Poppin' Percocet, I'm a nervous wreck
I am anxious and stressed, resorting to taking pain medication to alleviate my anxiety.


I deserve respect but I work a sweat for this worthless check
I deserve recognition and value for my efforts, but the pay I get is insufficient.


I'm about to burst this Tec at somebody to reverse this debt
I am so angry and desperate that I might commit a crime to solve my financial problems.


Minimum wage got my adrenaline caged
The minimum rate of payment restricts me, and makes me feel trapped.


Full of venom and rage, especially when I'm engaged
I am full of spite and anger, mainly when I discuss my financial situation.


And my daughter's down to her last diaper, it's got my ass hyper
I am concerned and anxious that I cannot provide my daughter with basic necessities like diapers.


I pray that God answers, maybe I'll ask nicer
I hope that if I pray to god sincerely, he will alleviate my struggles.


Watchin' ballers while they're flossin' in their Pathfinders
I see wealthy people driving expensive cars with ease, while I struggle to make ends meet.


These overnight stars becomin' autograph-signers
People who were once struggling to achieve their dreams are now famous and successful.


We all long to blow up and leave the past behind us
We all hope to obtain financial success that will allow us to live comfortably and leave our past struggles behind.


Along with the small fries and average half-pinters
The people who were once like us and now our peers in success.


But player-haters turnin' bitch like they have vaginas
People who used to dislike us are now envious and resentful, like female dogs.


'Cause we see them dollar signs and let the cash blind us
We become so obsessed with earning money that we lose sight of our values and priorities.


Money'll brainwash you and leave your ass mindless
The value of money and the pursuit of material possession can corrupt our minds and blur our judgment.


When snakes slither in the grass spineless
When deceitful people take advantage of our vulnerabilities while appearing harmless on the surface.


That's rock bottom, when this life makes you mad enough to kill
When your struggles and hardships push you to a breaking point where you could act irrationally and dangerously.


That's rock bottom, when you want something bad enough to steal
When your desperation to obtain something crucial like food or clothing may lead you to commit theft.


That's rock bottom, when you feel like you've had it up to here
When you feel overwhelmed and have reached the limit of your patience and endurance.


'Cause you mad enough to scream but you're sad enough to tear
When you are so frustrated, angry, and hopeless that you cry.


My life is full of empty promises and broken dreams
My life is filled with people who made promises that have not been fulfilled.


I'm hopin' things look up, but there ain't no job openings
I am hoping for better days, but there isn't an opportunity for me to earn more money.


I feel discouraged, hungry and malnourished
I am in a desperate situation and suffering from hunger and malnutrition.


Livin' in this house with no furnace, unfurnished
I live in an unhealthy environment, with no heating, and empty of furniture.


And I'm sick of workin' dead-end jobs with lame pay
I am fed up with working low paying jobs that offer no prospects for growth or progress.


And I'm tired of being hired and fired the same day
I experience frequent job turnover and am continually facing rejection.


But fuck it, if you know the rules to the game, play
If the system is stacked against us, we can still find a way to survive within it.


'Cause when we die we know we all goin' the same way
Death is the great equalizer, and we will all inevitably experience it.


'Cause it's cool to be player, but it sucks to be the fan
It's desirable to be successful and wealthy, but not to be the one who admires them.


When all you need is bucks to be the man, plus a luxury sedan
Money is the ticket to prominence and status, and owning a fancy car can increase social visibility.


I'm comfortable and roomy in a 6
I am content with my luxurious car.


But they threw me in the mix with all these gloomy lunatics
I was lumped with people who are seemingly unstable and unhappy.


Who walk around depressed and smoke a pound of cess a day
They live in a state of misery and relieve their pain by consuming drugs.


And yesterday went by so quick it seems like it was just today
Time passes by so quickly that it seems like recent events happened only moments ago.


My daughter wants to throw the ball but I'm too stressed to play
My daughter wants to spend time playing with me, but my stresses prevent me from enjoying the moment.


Live half a life and throw the rest away
We only live for a short time, and it's a waste to spend that time being unhappy and unfulfilled.


There's people that love me and people that hate me
Some people support me, while others wish me harm.


But it's the evil that made me this backstabbin', deceitful and shady
My negative experiences have made me untrustworthy and dishonest.


I want the money, the women, the fortune and fame
I desire financial prosperity, romantic partners, and social status.


If it means I end up burnin' in hell, scorchin' in flames
Even if living for these desires condemns me to a lifetime of pain and suffering, I'm willing to take that risk.


If it means I'm stealin' your checkbook and forgin' your name
I will go to any extent to gather the money and impersonate others if it means achieving my goals.


This lifetime bliss for eternal torture and pain
Desiring worldly pleasures can lead one down a path of eternal suffering and pain.


'Cause right now, I feel like just hit the rock bottom
I feel like I am at the lowest point in my life.


I've got problems, now everybody on my block's got em
My problems are affecting those around me and making their lives difficult too.


I'm screaming like them two cops when 2Pac shot em
I feel like the police officers who were present when 2Pac was shot, traumatized, and lost control of my emotions.


Holding 2 Glocks, hope your doors got new locks on em
I carry hope, but I'm also fearful of intrusions and want my home secured.


My daughter's feet ain't got no shoes or socks on em
I can't manage to put shoes or socks on my daughter's feet, adding to the strain I am feeling.


And them rings you wearin' look like they got a few rocks on em
I see people who wear extravagantly expensive jewelry and wonder if they would miss a few stones.


And while you flaunt em, I could be takin' em to shops to pawn em
While you flaunt your jewelry, I could be attempting to sell it at pawn shops for desperate cash.


I got a couple of rings, and a brand-new watch, you want em?
I already have possessions, but would trade them for something that would advance my financial position.


'Cause I ain't never went gold off one song
I have yet to reach immense wealth from my musical output alone.


I'm runnin' up on someone's lawn with guns drawn
I'm desperate enough to consider criminal activity to obtain money.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jeff Bass, Mark Bass, Marshall Mathers

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

Noah


on Remember Me?

Remember me? S executions
Remember me? I have no remorse
Remember me? I'm high-powered
Remember me? I drop bombs like Hiroshima

For this one, they scream "X, you retarded?!"
'Cause I grab the mic and get down like syndrome
Hide and roam into the masses
Without boundaries, which qualifies me
For the term "universal" without no rehearsal
I leak words that's controversial
Like I'm not the one you wanna contest, see
'Cause I'll hit your ass like the train did that bitch
That got banned from TV, heavyweight getup
Hit you, watch your whole head split up
Loco is the motion, we comin' through
Hollow-tips is the lead the .45 threw

Remember me? Throw your guns in the air
Remember me? Slam, slam
Remember me? Nigga, back the fuck up
Remember me? Chka-chka-Onyx

Niggas that take no for an answer get told no
Yeah, I been told no, but it was more like "No! No! No!"
Life a bitch, met her, fuck you if you let her
Better come better than better to be a competitor
This vet is ahead of the shit, it's all redder, you deader and deader
A medic instead of the cheddars and credda
Settle vendetta with metal Beretta from ghetto to ghetto
Evidence, nope, never leave a shred of
I got the soul of every rapper in me, love me or hate me
My moms got raped by the industry and made me
I'm the illest nigga ever, I told you
I get more pussy than them dyke bitches Total
Want beef, nigga? Pfft, you better dead that shit
My name should be Can't-Believe-That-Nigga-Said-That-Shit
Probably sayin' he ain't a killer, but I'm killin' myself
Smoke death, fuck bitches raw on the kitchen floor
So think what I'ma do to you, have done to you
Got niggas in my hood who'd do that shit for a blunt or two
What you wanna do? Cocksuckers, we Glock busters
'Til the cops cuff us, gon' start ruckus and drop blockbusters
Round the clock hustlers, you cannot touch us
I'm gettin' wires, niggas wantin' me dead
Wantin' my head, you think it could be somethin' I said?

Remember me? I just don't give a fuck
Remember me? Yeah, fuck you too
Remember me? I'm low down and I'm shifty
Remember me? I'm Shady

When I go out, I'ma go out shootin'
I don't mean when I die, I mean when I go out to the club, stupid
I'm tryin' to clean up my fuckin' image
So I promised the fuckin' critics
I wouldn't say "fuckin'" for six minutes
(Six minutes, Slim Shady, you're on)
My baby's mom, bitch made me an angry blonde
So I made me a song, killed her and put Hailie on
I may be wrong, I keep thinkin' these crazy thoughts
In my cranium, but I'm stuck with a crazy mom
(Is she really on as much dope as you say she's on?)
Came home and somebody must've broke in the back window
And stole two loaded machine guns and both of my trench coats
Six sick dreams of picnic scenes
Two kids, sixteen, with M-16s and ten clips each
And them shits reach through six kids each
And Slim gets blamed in Bill Clint's speech to fix these streets?!
Fuck that! Pfft, you faggots can vanish to volcanic ash
And reappear in hell with a can of gas and a match
Aftermath, Dre, grab the gat, show 'em where it's at
(What the fuck you starin' at, nigga?)

Don't you remember me?
Remember me?
Remember me?
Remember me? (Slim Shady!)

28Rivals


on Lose Yourself

@elchihuahua420 Damn bro, stay strong "You only get one shot don't miss your chance to blow." Don't let them bring you down in life and keep pushing

Noah


on Till ICollapse

Not Afraid

hope


on The Real Slim Shady

hi

eminem


on Crazy In Love

great song

serenity noble


on Lose Yourself

awesome

serenity noble


on The Real Slim Shady

awesome

serenity noble


on Lose Yourself

i love it
#eminemfan

Mind Space Apocalypse


on ShadyXV

Greatest of all time

More Versions