Eminem - Mockingbird Lyrics
by Sona
Updated Aug 08, 2023
Eminem - Mockingbird Song
"Mockingbird" is a track featured on Eminem's fifth studio album, "Encore," released in 2004. This emotionally charged song was chosen as the fifth single from the album and made its debut in April 2005. The song achieved notable success, reaching the 11th position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Impressively, it secured the fourth spot in Denmark as well. Eminem's heartfelt performance in "Mockingbird" garnered him a Grammy nomination in the category of Best Rap Solo Performance. Though it faced stiff competition, losing out to Kanye West's "Gold Digger," the song left a lasting impact.
The song's resonance and significance led to its inclusion in Eminem's compilation album "Curtain Call: The Hits" in 2005. "Mockingbird" stands as a testament to Eminem's ability to blend his distinctive rap style with deep and emotional storytelling, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Eminem - Mockingbird Lyrics
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 mamma'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 Lainnie 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
Lainnie 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)
Meaning of Eminem - Mockingbird Lyrics
The lyrics of "Mockingbird" by Eminem delve into the artist's personal struggles and his desire to provide comfort and support to his daughters, Hailie and Lainnie. The song serves as an emotional letter to his children, offering reassurance during difficult times and addressing the challenges they've faced as a family.
Throughout the song, Eminem reflects on his own upbringing, recalling moments of financial hardship and emotional turmoil. He expresses his regret for not always being present for his daughters due to his career and personal issues. Despite the difficulties, he wants to assure them that he's always there for them, even if physically separated.
The metaphor of a "mockingbird" symbolizes Eminem's intention to protect his daughters from harm and adversity, just as a mockingbird mimics other sounds to protect its territory. He promises to provide them with the best life he can, aiming to shield them from the struggles he himself experienced.
The lyrics also highlight the complex dynamics of his relationship with their mother and the impact of their separation on the family. Eminem acknowledges his mistakes and the challenges he and his daughters have faced as a result.
"Mockingbird" is a heartfelt expression of Eminem's love, regret, and determination to be there for his daughters despite the obstacles. It showcases his vulnerability as a father and his commitment to making their lives better, embodying the depth of his emotions beyond his public persona as a rapper.
About Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III, professionally known as Eminem , is a prominent American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Renowned for his impact on bringing hip hop into mainstream culture, he is widely acknowledged as one of the most exceptional rappers in history. Eminem's influence extends beyond music, as he played a pivotal role in breaking down racial barriers for white rappers in popular music.
His controversial yet groundbreaking work during the late 1990s and early 2000s reflected the struggles of the American underclass, making him a representative of popular angst. Eminem's journey began with the release of his debut album "Infinite" in 1996 and the extended play "Slim Shady EP" in 1997.
He gained immense popularity after signing with Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment, with "The Slim Shady LP" in 1999 marking his mainstream breakthrough. His albums "The Marshall Mathers LP" (2000) and "The Eminem Show" (2002) achieved global success, earning Grammy nominations for Album of the Year. Eminem's hiatus in 2005 due to prescription drug addiction was followed by a triumphant return with "Relapse" (2009) and "Recovery" (2010), the latter becoming the best-selling album of 2010.
Among Eminem's notable hits are "My Name Is," "The Real Slim Shady," "Stan," "Without Me," "Mockingbird," "Not Afraid," "Love the Way You Lie," and "Rap God." He was also a member of the hip hop group D12 and collaborated with Royce da 5'9" as Bad Meets Evil. Eminem made his acting debut in the film "8 Mile" (2002) and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Lose Yourself," becoming the first hip hop artist to achieve this feat.
Eminem's impact is reflected in his record sales of over 220 million worldwide. He dominated the music scene in the 2000s and 2010s, earning numerous awards, including 15 Grammy Awards and an Academy Award. In 2022, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying his status as an iconic figure in the music industry.
Eminem - Mockingbird Song Details
SPECIFICATION
DETAILS
Song
Mockingbird
Album
Encore
Singer
Eminem
Lyrics
Marshall Mathers
Music
Eminem, Luis Resto (additional)
Artist
Eminem
Language
English
Length
4 minutes and 11 seconds
Label
Aftermath, Shady, Interscope
Song Genre
Conscious hip hop
Released Date
April 25, 2005
Eminem - Mockingbird Lyrics: FAQs
"Mockingbird Lyrics" is a song by Eminem that reflects on his struggles as a parent and his desire to protect his daughters from his past experiences.
"Mockingbird" is from Eminem's fifth studio album, "Encore."
The song was released on April 25, 2005.
The lyrics for "Mockingbird" were written by Eminem (Marshall Mathers) and Luis Resto.
"Mockingbird" falls under the genre of Conscious hip hop.