Say What You Say by Eminem Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling the Intensity of Hip-Hop’s Vocal Truths
Lyrics
Yo, Dre, we ridin’?
Whatever
Haha, well, I’m with you, homie
Okay, let’s handle the small shit
I was born to brew up storms, stir up shit
Kick up dust, cuss ’til I slur up spit
Grew up too quick, went through too much
Knew too much shit, corrupt
And I’ma pour it on like syrup, bitch
Thick and rich, sick and twisted, Mr. Buttersworth
Dre told me to milk this shit for what it’s worth
‘Til the cow just tilts and tips and stumbles to Earth
And if I fumble a verse, keep going
First take I make, mistakes, just keep it
No punches pulled, no punches, that’s weak shit
Fake shit, if I ever take shit I’ll eat shit
Wasn’t for him, wouldn’t be shit
Creep with me as we take a little trip down memory lane
Been here longer than anyone in the game
And I ain’t got to lie about my age
(But what about Jermaine?) Fuck Jermaine!
He don’t belong speaking mine or Timbaland’s name
And don’t think I don’t read your little interviews
And see what you’re sayin’
I’m a giant, and I ain’t gotta move ’til I’m provoked
When I see you, I’ma step on you and not even know it
You midget, mini-me with a bunch of little mini-yous
Running around your backyard swimming pools
Over 80 million records sold
And I ain’t have to do it with ten- or eleven-year-olds
‘Cause what you say is what you say
Say what you say how you say it whenever you saying it
Just remember how you said it when you was spraying it
So who you playing with, huh?
‘Cause what you say is what you say
Say what you say how you say it whenever you saying it
Just remember how you said it when you was spraying it
So who you playing with, huh?
Second verse, it gets worse, it gets no better than this
Amateurs drink veteran piss from a Dixie cup
If you ever mix me up
Or confuse me with a Canibus or Dre with a Dupri
We’ll rub it in, every club you’re in
Or have you blackballed
And make sure you never rap a-fucking-gain
Dre ain’t having it, long as I’m here to play devil’s advocate
If there was some magic shit I could wave over the industry
That could save it when I’m gone and buried
To make sure the tradition carries on, I would
If I could only use this power for good
I wouldn’t, not even if I could
From the hood, and I’m a hornet
And I’ma only sting when I’m cornered
And I’ma only sucker punch and swing without warning
And swing to knock somebody’s fucking head off
‘Cause I know if they get up
I won’t get a chance to let off another punch
I’m punk rock, no one’s punk
Don’t give a fuck, white-Pac, so much spunk
When I was little I knew I would blow up and sell a mil’
Or grow up to be Attilla, go nuts and be a killer
And I’m something of a phenom, one puff of the chron’
I’m unstoppable, I’m alive and on top again
There’s no obstacle that I can’t conquer
So come along with us (c’mon!)
‘Cause what you say is what you say
Say what you say how you say it whenever you saying it
Just remember how you said it when you was spraying it
So who you playing with, huh?
‘Cause what you say is what you say
Say what you say how you say it whenever you saying it
Just remember how you said it when you was spraying it
So who you playing with, huh?
Now anybody who knows Dre
Knows I’m about fast cars and Alizé, partying all day
But I handled my business, ’cause it’s work before play
Don’t look for trouble, but I’ll serve you gourmet
However you want it, you can have it your way
You fuck my night up, I’ma fuck up your day
Bullet with your name, sending it your way
That goes for anyone who walks through that doorway
‘Cause this is my space, you invade it
Live to regret it, and you’ll die trying to violate it
Fuck around, get annihilated, eyes dilated
Huh, like my old lady
‘Cause what you say is what you say
Sometimes what you mean is two different things
Depending on your mood if it swings
Think too many things, little hit of Dre’s weed
I can do anything, catch a contact and I’m gone
And I’m back, I speed write
And my loose leaf’s my launchpad
And I can pull any string, don’t have to prove anything
Catch a contract on your head
You headed West, talk shit about Dre
You better get a vest and invest
In something to protect your head and neck
And it’s back and forth all day, like Red and Meth
I joke when I say I’m the best in the booth
But a lot of truth is said in jest
And if I ever do live to be a legend I’ma die a sudden death
Five mics in The Source? Ain’t holding my fucking breath
But I’ll suffocate for the respect
‘Fore I breathe to collect a fucking check
‘Cause what you say is what you say
Say what you say how you say it whenever you saying it
Just remember how you said it when you was spraying it
So who you playing with, huh?
‘Cause what you say is what you say
Say what you say how you say it whenever you saying it
Just remember how you said it when you was spraying it
So who you playing with, huh?
Watch your fucking mouth!
Yo, this Timbaland, tell him I said suck my dick!
In the pantheon of hip-hop greats, Eminem stands as a controversial titan, whose lyrics often inspire as much debate as they do devotion. Among the tracks that exemplify his potent blend of verbal assault and introspection is ‘Say What You Say’—a battle cry from his fourth studio album, ‘The Eminem Show.’ This song is a testament to the raw, unfiltered ethos of Eminem and his frequent collaborator Dr. Dre.
The track is not merely a song but a bold statement—an aggressive defense of artistic integrity, a confrontation of adversaries, and a declaration of Eminem’s staying power in the rap game. As we peel back the layers of ‘Say What You Say,’ we uncover far more than a series of impressive rhymes; we discover a manifesto of self-assertion and the relentless pursuit of respect.
The Unshakeable Eminem-Dre Alliance
The opening lines of ‘Say What You Say’ serve as more than just a curtain-raiser; they are an emphatic reinforcement of the bond between Eminem and Dr. Dre. In an industry rife with fleeting loyalties and diss tracks, this song underscores the duo’s ironclad partnership. Their mutual support is a central theme, with Eminem acknowledging that without Dre’s guidance, his own success may have never materialized.
But this isn’t just about gratitude; it’s about loyalty in a cutthroat industry. Dre’s directive to ‘milk this shit for what it’s worth’ isn’t just advice; it’s a strategy for survival. As Eminem verbalizes his appreciation for his mentor, he concurrently adopts a combative stance against anyone who would dare question their collective dominance.
Eminem’s Indomitable Lyrical Presence
In dissecting the rich tapestry of Eminem’s verbiage, one cannot ignore his boasting of longevity within ‘Say What You Say.’ His tenure in the business isn’t just a footnote in his career; it’s a proclamation of resilience. Eminem juxtaposes his seasoned experience with the fleeting fame of others, asserting his supremacy without resorting to exploiting youthful trends or artists.
The lyrics of the song embody Eminem’s refusal to be diluted or outshined—constantly reinforcing his status as a cornerstone of hip-hop. He doesn’t need the crutch of novelty or the presence of ‘ten- or eleven-year-olds’ to sustain his reign; his artistry alone suffices. Eminem’s message is unequivocal; his reputation and talent are bulletproof, and his track record speaks for itself.
The Blunt Force of Artistic Authenticity
There’s a brutally honest admission laced throughout ‘Say What You Say’ wherein Eminem concedes his fallibility (‘if I fumble a verse, keep going’). This is particularly telling in an industry that often favors facades of perfection. Here, Eminem espouses the value of genuine expression over the polished but often insincere veneer that plagues much of popular music.
His rejection of ‘fake shit’ is not only a personal mantra but a broader critique of the insincerity he perceives in the music industry. Eminem’s commitment to authenticity is visceral, and it becomes evident that he’s playing for much more than commercial success—he’s etching out his legacy, verse by flawed but fervent verse.
Unveiling the Hidden Meanings Behind the Defiance
Amidst the seemingly brash declarations lies a deeper commentary that is effortlessly woven into ‘Say What You Say.’ While on the surface, Eminem’s lyrical jabs at perceived adversaries may appear one-dimensional, they actually serve a dual purpose. For every direct attack, there’s a subtext of challenging an industry culture that often values marketability over mastery.
By deriding those who speak without substance or conviction, Eminem illuminates his own philosophy: speak with purpose or not at all. It’s a theme that resonates beyond the confines of rap, transcending into the realm of personal integrity. The song thus becomes a multifaceted narrative, tackling larger issues of self-expression and the pursuit of genuine respect.
Memorable Lines that Hit Hard and Resonate
‘Cause what you say is what you say / Say what you say how you say it whenever you saying it / Just remember how you said it when you was spraying it.’ This hook is not just catchy—it’s a war chant that encapsulates Eminem’s ethos: accountability in one’s words and actions. Each barb and taunt in ‘Say What You Say’ carries weight because Eminem ensures they’re delivered with unyielding intention.
This insistence on authenticity stands out amongst an era where retractions and backpedaling are commonplace. The indelible impact of Eminem’s words can be felt long after the song ends, echoing a reminder that in the volatile court of public opinion, words are your legacy. In ‘Say What You Say,’ Eminem etches his into the annals of hip-hop history.
