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 cryin’ about?
You got me[Verse 1]
Hailie, I know you miss your mom, and I know you miss your dad
When I’m gone, but I’m tryin’ 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 wanna cry
‘Cause you’re scared, I ain’t there, Daddy’s wit’ you in your prayers
No more cryin’, 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 confusin’ you
Daddy’s always on the move, Mama’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 growin’ 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 bein’
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 somethin’ 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’ll 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 feel how we feel inside
It may seem a little crazy, pretty baby
But I promise Mama’s gon’ be alright[Verse 2]
Heh, 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 gettin’ broken into and robbed or shot up on the block
And your Mom was savin’ money for you in a jar
Tryin’ to 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 hurt so bad it broke your Mama’s heart
And it seemed like everything was just startin’ to fall apart
Mom and Dad was arguin’ a lot
So Mama moved back on to 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 Mama out to see me
But Daddy had to work, you and Mama had to leave me
Then you started seein’ Daddy on the TV
And Mama didn’t like it
And you and Lainie were too young to understand it
Papa was a rolling stone, Mama 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 firsthand
‘Cause all I ever wanted to do was just make you proud
Now I’m sittin’ in this empty house just reminiscin’
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, 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 feel how we feel inside
It may seem a little crazy, pretty baby
But I promise Mama’s gon’ be alright[Outro]
And if you ask me to, Daddy’s gonna buy you a mockingbird
I’ma give you the world
I’ma buy a diamond ring for you, I’ma 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’ma 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 (Haha)
Mockingbird by Eminem
“Mockingbird” is a poignant song by Eminem from his album “Curtain Call: The Hits (Deluxe Edition)” released in 2005. This track stands out as one of Eminem’s most personal and heartfelt pieces, dedicated to his daughters, Hailie and Lainie.
Quick summary
The song explores Eminem’s struggles as a father, reflecting on his commitment to his daughters amidst the challenges of his tumultuous family life, including his divorce and financial hardships.
In-depth lyrics analysis
The song opens with a comforting tone, as Eminem addresses his daughter directly, setting a tender mood. He begins by acknowledging the difficulties they have faced, including the impact of his fame and his ex-wife Kim’s struggles with addiction. This introduction serves as a reassurance to his daughters that despite the chaos surrounding them, he is always there to support and love them.
In the first verse, Eminem reflects on their past, recalling the financial struggles and the emotional turmoil that came with his rise to fame. He expresses regret for the pain his daughters have experienced due to his and Kim’s tumultuous relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability, as he admits to feeling helpless at times, wishing he could shield them from the harsh realities of life. This raw honesty resonates with listeners, as it highlights the complexities of parenthood and the weight of responsibility that comes with it.
The chorus introduces the metaphor of the mockingbird, a symbol of innocence and protection. Eminem promises to buy a mockingbird for his daughters, representing his desire to provide them with happiness and security. This promise serves as a powerful reminder of his commitment to their well-being, despite the challenges they face. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the message of hope and reassurance, emphasizing that he will always strive to make their lives better.
In the second verse, Eminem delves deeper into the struggles of his relationship with Kim and the impact it had on their family. He acknowledges the pain of their separation and the confusion it caused for his daughters. The lyrics reflect a sense of regret, as he wishes things could have been different. However, he also emphasizes his determination to be a present and loving father, despite the obstacles in their path. This duality of emotion—regret mixed with hope—creates a powerful narrative that resonates with many listeners who have faced similar familial challenges.
The outro of the song encapsulates Eminem’s unwavering love for his daughters. He vows to do anything for their happiness, reinforcing the central theme of parental love and sacrifice. The emotional weight of the lyrics, combined with the melodic lullaby, creates a poignant conclusion that leaves a lasting impact. Overall, “Mockingbird” serves as a heartfelt tribute to fatherhood, capturing the struggles, regrets, and unwavering love that define the relationship between a parent and their children.
