Eminem, born Marshall Mathers III, revolutionized rap as one of the best-selling artists of all time, known for his complex rhyme schemes, rapid-fire delivery, and controversial lyrics that often draw from his turbulent personal life.
An interesting fact about him is that he actually practiced and honed his skills by reading the dictionary, expanding his vocabulary to master his intricate wordplay.
Despite facing severe dyslexia in school, he turned this challenge into strength by obsessively studying words and rhyme patterns.
His 2000 album “The Marshall Mathers LP” holds the record for the fastest-selling hip-hop album in history, while more surprisingly, he was also once sued by his own mother for $10 million over defamatory lyrics, though she only received $1,600 in the settlement.
About the Song
“Without Me” is one of Eminem’s most iconic tracks from his 2002 album “The Eminem Show,” featuring his alter ego Slim Shady poking fun at pop culture, celebrities, and his own fame with his signature wit and wordplay.
The song’s catchy chorus and Dr. Dre-produced beat, combined with its memorable music video satirizing everything from MTV to Dick Cheney, helped it become one of Eminem’s biggest commercial hits.
Song | Without Me |
---|---|
Artist | Eminem |
Album | The Eminem Show |
Release Date | May 14, 2002 |
Writers | Eminem, Jeff Bass, Shawn Baumgardner, Urban Kris, DJ Head, Trevor Horn, Anne Dudley & Malcolm McLaren. |
Producers | Eminem, Jeff Bass, DJ Head |
Without Me Lyrics by Eminem
Intro: Obie Trice & Eminem
Obie Trice, real name, no gimmicks
Ra—
Two trailer-park girls go round the outside
Round the outside, round the outside
Two trailer-park girls go round the outside
Round the outside, round the outside
Woo (Ooh, ooh)
Refrain: Eminem
Guess who’s back, back again?
Shady’s back, tell a friend
Guess who’s back, guess who’s back
Guess who’s back, guess who’s back
Guess who’s back, guess who’s back
Guess who’s back
(Na-na-na, na, na, na, na, na, na)
(Na-na-na, na, na, na, na)
Verse 1: Eminem
I’ve created a monster
‘Cause nobody wants to see Marshall no more, they want Shady, I’m chopped liver
Well, if you want Shady, this is what I’ll give ya
A little bit of weed mixed with some hard liquor
Some vodka that’ll jump-start my heart quicker
Than a shock when I get shocked at the hospital
By the doctor when I’m not cooperating
When I’m rockin’ the table while he’s operating (Hey)
You waited this long, now stop debating
‘Cause I’m back, I’m on the rag and ovulating
I know that you got a job, Ms. Cheney
But your husband’s heart problem’s complicating
So the FCC won’t let me be
Or let me be me, so let me see
They tried to shut me down on MTV
But it feels so empty without me
So come on and dip, bum on your lips
Fuck that, cum on your lips and some on your tits
And get ready, ’cause this shit’s about to get heavy
I just settled all my lawsuits (Fuck you, Debbie)
Chorus: Eminem
Now, this looks like a job for me
So, everybody, just follow me
‘Cause we need a little controversy
‘Cause it feels so empty without me
I said this looks like a job for me
So, everybody, just follow me
‘Cause we need a little controversy
‘Cause it feels so empty without me
Verse 2: Eminem
Little hellions, kids feeling rebellious
Embarrassed, their parents still listen to Elvis
They start feelin’ like prisoners, helpless
‘Til someone comes along on a mission and yells, “Bitch”
A visionary, vision is scary
Could start a revolution, pollutin’ the airwaves
A rebel, so just let me revel and bask
In the fact that I got everyone kissin’ my ass
And it’s a disaster, such a catastrophe
For you to see so damn much of my ass, you asked for me?
Well, I’m back, da-na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na-na
Fix your bent antenna, tune it in, and then I’m gonna
Enter in and up under your skin like a splinter
The center of attention, back for the winter
I’m interesting, the best thing since wrestling
Infesting in your kid’s ears and nesting
Testing, “Attention, please”
Feel the tension soon as someone mentions me
Here’s my ten cents, my two cents is free
A nuisance, who sent? You sent for me?
Chorus: Eminem
Now, this looks like a job for me
So, everybody, just follow me
‘Cause we need a little controversy
‘Cause it feels so empty without me
I said this looks like a job for me
So, everybody, just follow me
‘Cause we need a little controversy
‘Cause it feels so empty without me
Verse 3: Eminem
A tisket, a tasket, I’ll go tit-for-tat wit’
Anybody who’s talkin’, “This shit, that shit”
Chris Kirkpatrick, you can get your ass kicked
Worse than them little Limp Bizkit bastards
And Moby? You can get stomped by Obie
You thirty-six-year-old bald-headed fag, blow me
You don’t know me, you’re too old, let go
It’s over, nobody listens to techno
Now, let’s go, just give me the signal
I’ll be there with a whole list full of new insults
I’ve been dope, suspenseful with a pencil
Ever since Prince turned himself into a symbol
But, sometimes, the shit just seems
Everybody only wants to discuss me
So this must mean I’m disgusting
But it’s just me, I’m just obscene (Yeah)
Though I’m not the first king of controversy
I am the worst thing since Elvis Presley
To do Black music so selfishly
And use it to get myself wealthy (Hey)
There’s a concept that works
Twenty million other white rappers emerge
But no matter how many fish in the sea
It’d be so empty without me
Chorus: Eminem
Now, this looks like a job for me
So, everybody, just follow me
‘Cause we need a little controversy
‘Cause it feels so empty without me
I said this looks like a job for me
So, everybody, just follow me
‘Cause we need a little controversy
‘Cause it feels so empty without me
Outro: Eminem
Hum, dei-dei, la-la
La-la, la-la-la
La-la, la-la-la
La-la, la-la
Hum, dei-dei, la-la
La-la, la-la-la
La-la, la-la-la
La-la, la-la
Kids
Similar Songs Like Without Me by Eminem
1. The Real Slim Shady: Similar in its satirical tone and pop culture commentary, this track from 2000 features Eminem mocking celebrities and addressing his controversial public image with catchy hooks and humorous lyrics.
2. Just Lose It: Released in 2004, this song follows the same formula of poking fun at pop culture figures (especially Michael Jackson) with a bouncy, playful beat and comedic music video, matching “Without Me’s” entertaining style.
3. We Made You: From his 2009 album “Relapse,” this track mirrors “Without Me’s” approach of targeting celebrities and pop culture, complete with similar upbeat production and Slim Shady’s signature mockery.
4. The Way I Am: While more aggressive in tone, this song shares “Without Me’s” theme of dealing with fame and media attention, featuring Eminem’s commentary on his public perception and the music industry.
5. Not Afraid: Though more serious in content, this song shares similar high-energy production and memorable hooks that made “Without Me” a hit, while addressing Eminem’s personal struggles and triumph.
FAQ’s
What Are Eminem’s Cleanest Songs?
“Mockingbird,” “Not Afraid,” “Hailie’s Song,” and “When I’m Gone” are his cleanest songs, with minimal profanity and focus on family relationships.
What Is Eminem’s Biggest Song?
“Lose Yourself” is Eminem’s biggest hit, winning an Oscar and becoming his first Billboard Hot 100 #1, with over 1.3 billion Spotify streams.
What Is Eminem’s Hardest Rap Song?
“Rap God” is considered his hardest, featuring a verse with 6.07 words per second and showcasing incredible technical skill and speed.
What Song Does Eminem Refuse to Sing?
Eminem rarely performs “Kim” live due to its intense emotional content and violent lyrics about his ex-wife.
What Is Eminem’s Best Rap?
“Stan” is widely considered Eminem’s best rap for its storytelling, complex narrative, and cultural impact – it even got the word “stan” added to the dictionary.