“Mockingbird” by Eminem is more than just a song; it’s a heartfelt message that pulls at your emotions. Released in 2004 as part of the “Encore“ album, this track gave listeners a personal look into the rapper’s life.
Eminem opens up about his role as a father, facing challenges as he tries to protect his daughter while dealing with the ups and downs of fame.
The lyrics are full of honesty, touching on love, struggles, and regret. This song stands out not just for its sound but for its deep emotional connection.
Let’s break down the meaning behind the song and see why it resonates with so many people.
Mockingbird By Eminem Lyrics
[Intro]
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
[Chorus]
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
[Chorus]
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)
Listen to the Song Here
You can find “Mockingbird” on popular music platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Take a listen while reading through the lyrics to truly feel the emotion and depth of Eminem’s storytelling. Check the YouTube video now:
Eminem’s “Mockingbird” Meaning Behind The Song
“Mockingbird” by Eminem tells a deeply personal story filled with emotions, struggles, and hope. Through his powerful lyrics, he opens up about the challenges he faced, showing the strength of love and resilience in tough times.
The song gives listeners a raw and honest look at his life as a parent, where Eminem speaks directly to his daughter, Hailie, in a tender letter that contrasts with his earlier, more aggressive musical personas.
The chorus offers comfort and reassurance, reflecting his commitment to be there for his daughter despite life’s difficulties.
The track also delves into themes of regret, personal growth, and his commitment to being a present father, acknowledging past mistakes while hoping for redemption.
Drawing from real-life experiences, “Mockingbird” offers insight into Eminem’s world beyond his public persona, revealing a more vulnerable and compassionate side of the rapper.
Wrapping Up
“Mockingbird” really resonates with me because it shows the raw, real side of life, with all its struggles and growth.
The song reminds me that love, family, and facing personal challenges are things we all share. It teaches me that, even in tough times, there’s always something meaningful we can take away.
As I listen to it, I can’t help but think about how I deal with my own struggles and how I connect with the people who matter most in my life.
If you felt the same way, I’d love for you to check out more of my blogs on songs that get into real emotions and experiences. There’s so much more to learn!
