Mockingbird

Yeah I know sometimes things may not always make sense to you right now But hey, what daddy always tell you? Straighten up little soldier Stiffen up that upper lip What you crying about? You got me. Hailie, I know you miss your mom, and I know you miss your dad When I'm gone but I'm trying to give you the life that I never had I can see you're sad, even when you smile, even when you laugh I can see it in your eyes, deep inside you want to cry 'Cause you're scared, I ain't there? Daddy's with you in your prayers No more crying, wipe them tears Daddy's here, no more nightmares We gon' pull together through it, we gon' do it Lainie Uncle's crazy, ain't he? Yeah, but he loves you girl and you better know it We're all we got in this world When it spins, when it swirls When it whirls, when it twirls Two little beautiful girls Lookin' puzzled, in a daze I know it's confusing you Daddy's always on the move, mamma's always on the news I try to keep you sheltered from it but somehow it seems The harder that I try to do that, the more it backfires on me All the things growing up as daddy, that he had to see Daddy don't want you to see but you see just as much as he did We did not plan it to be this way, your mother and me But things have got so bad between us I don't see us ever being together ever again Like we used to be when we was teenagers But then of course everything always happens for a reason I guess it was never meant to be But it's just something we have no control over and that's what destiny is But no more worries, rest your head and go to sleep Maybe one day we'll wake up and this will all just be a dream Now hush little baby, don't you cry Everything's gonna be alright Stiffen that upper lip up, little lady, I told ya Daddy's here to hold ya through the night I know mommy's not here right now and we don't know why We fear how we feel inside It may seem a little crazy, pretty baby But I promise mama's gon' be alright (Ha) It's funny I remember back one year when daddy had no money Mommy wrapped the Christmas presents up And stuck 'em under the tree and said some of 'em were from me 'Cause daddy couldn't buy 'em I'll never forget that Christmas I sat up the whole night crying 'Cause daddy felt like a bum, see daddy had a job But his job was to keep the food on the table for you and mom And at the time every house that we lived in Either kept getting broken into and robbed Or shot up on the block and your mom was saving money for you in a jar Tryna start a piggy bank for you so you could go to college Almost had a thousand dollars 'til someone broke in and stole it And I know it hurts so bad it broke your momma's heart And it seemed like everything was just startin' to fall apart Mom and dad was arguin' a lot so momma moved back On the Chalmers in the flat one bedroom apartment And dad moved back to the other side of 8 Mile on Novara And that's when daddy went to California with his CD and met Dr. Dre And flew you and momma out to see me But daddy had to work, you and momma had to leave me Then you started seeing daddy on the T.V. and momma didn't like it And you and Lainie were too young to understand it Papa was a rollin' stone, momma developed a habit And it all happened too fast for either one of us to grab it I'm just sorry you were there and had to witness it first hand 'Cause all I ever wanted to do was just make you proud Now I'm sitting in this empty house, just reminiscing Lookin' at your baby pictures, it just trips me out To see how much you both have grown, it's almost like you're sisters now Wow, I guess you pretty much are and daddy's still here Lainie I'm talkin' to you too, daddy's still here I like the sound of that, yeah It's got a ring to it don't it? Shh, mama's only gone for the moment Now hush little baby, don't you cry Everything's gonna be alright Stiffen that upper lip up, little lady, I told ya Daddy's here to hold ya through the night I know mommy's not here right now and we don't know why We fear how we feel inside It may seem a little crazy, pretty baby But I promise mama's gon' be alright And if you ask me to Daddy's gonna buy you a mockingbird I'mma give you the world I'mma buy a diamond ring for you I'mma sing for you I'll do anything for you to see you smile And if that mockingbird don't sing and that ring don't shine I'mma break that birdie's neck I'll go back to the jeweler who sold it to ya And make him eat every carat don't fuck with dad (ha ha)

Composer: Eminem Catalog PS

In-depth Analysis of 'Mockingbird' by LyricLens AI

Eminem's 'Mockingbird' is a poignant and deeply personal ode to his daughters, Hailie and Lainie. Released in 2004, the track serves as a heartfelt explanation and apology for the turbulent environment they grew up in, marked by his challenging relationship with their mother and his burgeoning career. The song reveals a vulnerable side of the typically aggressive rapper, showcasing his profound love and commitment to protecting his children amidst the chaos of his life.

Central Themes Explored:

Unconditional Fatherly Love: At its core, 'Mockingbird' is a declaration of a father's unwavering love, even when words fail. Eminem promises to do anything for his daughters, symbolized by the classic lullaby refrain.
Parental Struggle and Regret: He candidly addresses the difficulties of his past, including poverty, the breakdown of his marriage, and the unsettling public scrutiny, expressing deep regret for the pain his daughters witnessed.
Protection and Shelter: A recurring theme is his desire to shield them from the harsh realities of his fame and personal battles, even as he acknowledges the futility of such efforts.
Hope and Resilience: Despite the sadness, there's an underlying current of hope, a promise to persevere and ensure their well-being, reiterating that 'Daddy's here.'

Emotions and Atmosphere:

The song is imbued with tenderness, vulnerability, and a palpable sense of longing for stability. Eminem's delivery shifts from reflective sorrow to fierce protectiveness, conveying the complex emotional landscape of a father navigating fame and personal strife while trying to provide a normal life for his children. It's a raw, honest confession wrapped in a comforting lullaby structure.

Ultimately, 'Mockingbird' stands as a powerful testament to the enduring bond between a father and his children, and the sacrifices made in the name of love, making it one of Eminem's most emotionally resonant tracks.

Q&A & Fun Facts: 'Mockingbird' by Eminem

What is 'Mockingbird' by Eminem about?

'Mockingbird' is a deeply personal song by Eminem dedicated to his daughters, Hailie and Lainie. It addresses the struggles, the absence of their mother, and the difficult circumstances of their upbringing, all while expressing his unconditional love and commitment to protecting them.

Who are Hailie and Lainie in the song?

Hailie Jade Scott Mathers is Eminem's biological daughter. Lainie (Alaina Marie Scott) is his niece, whom he adopted and raised alongside Hailie, often referring to them both as his daughters.

What promise does Eminem make in 'Mockingbird'?

Eminem promises his daughters the world, metaphorically offering to buy them a mockingbird, a diamond ring, and to sing for them. The most significant promise is his unwavering presence and protection, symbolizing his commitment to their happiness and well-being, even threatening violence against those who would harm their peace ("break that birdie's neck").

When was 'Mockingbird' released?

'Mockingbird' was released in 2004 as a single from Eminem's fifth studio album, 'Encore'.

Fun Facts:

The song is built around the melody of the classic American lullaby, "Hush Little Baby (Mockingbird)", providing a stark contrast between the gentle tune and the raw, confessional lyrics.
It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance in 2006.
'Mockingbird' remains one of Eminem's most beloved and critically acclaimed songs, praised for its emotional depth and lyrical honesty.