Eminem's "Antichrist": A Defiant Embrace of Villainy and Critique of Cultural Constraints
In "Antichrist," Eminem boldly assumes the persona of "Marshall, the antichrist," setting the stage for a provocative and controversial exploration of societal norms, fame, and artistic expression.
A Controversial Persona and Lyrical Prowess
The song opens with a defiant declaration: "Marshall, the antichrist / The devil came to Michigan, fuckin' PC police." These lines immediately establish Eminem's rebellious stance and disdain for the perceived constraints of political correctness and cancel culture. He mocks the use of pronouns, suggesting they hinder creative expression, and revels in his controversial image.
Eminem's lyrical dexterity is evident throughout the track, with intricate rhymes and clever wordplay showcasing his mastery of the craft. References to rap legends like Nas, GZA, Biggie Smalls, and RZA further cement his position as a dominant force in the hip-hop landscape.
Confronting the Dark Side of Fame and Societal Pressure
While embracing his villainous persona, Eminem also grapples with the darker aspects of fame. He alludes to past struggles with addiction and the psychological toll of constant scrutiny. Lines like "Too many head shrinks / My head thinks foul, I've said things when jesting" hint at the mental strain and the consequences of his provocative words.
Bizarre's Feature: Amplifying the Shock Value
The song's second part features Bizarre, a member of Eminem's group D12, who amplifies the shock value with even more explicit and offensive lyrics. This collaboration serves to further challenge listeners' tolerance for controversial content and reinforces the song's rebellious spirit.
A Multifaceted Message: Challenging Norms and Provoking Thought
"Antichrist" is a complex and multifaceted song that defies easy categorization. It's a defiant anthem against perceived limitations on free speech and a scathing critique of cancel culture. It's also a reflection on the burdens of fame and the internal struggles that accompany it. While undoubtedly controversial, "Antichrist" serves as a testament to Eminem's lyrical prowess and his unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, even at the risk of alienating some listeners. It's a song that demands attention, sparks debate, and leaves a lasting impression on those who dare to confront its unapologetic message.
Listen to Eminem Antichrist
Eminem Antichrist Lyrics Meaning Explained
[Part I]
[Intro: Eminem]
"Marshall, he's the antichrist / He will slice and— / The devil came to Michigan (Oh, shit) / Fuck / Fuckin' PC police / Fuck"
Eminem begins with a provocative declaration, labeling himself as the "antichrist," symbolizing his rebellion against societal norms and political correctness. The reference to the "PC police" indicates his frustration with contemporary cultural constraints, particularly those surrounding free speech and political correctness.
[Verse 1: Eminem]
"Gen Z, here they come now (Now), 'bout to unload rounds (Prr) / Pronouns (Shit) / Got me like 'woah' now (Woah), homie, let's slow down (Chill) / No need to get so wound (Man), ready to throw down (Yo) / If I mispronounce (Thee, them), woops (Sorry), oh wow / Got heterosexuals crammin' 'em down our throats now (He, she, they, them) / Like I'm gettin' snow-plowed, my humor's too low-brow (Yup)"
In these lines, Eminem critiques the heightened focus on gender pronouns, which he views as stifling and overly sensitive. His mention of "Gen Z" and the use of "woah" and "chill" reflects his perception of the younger generation as quick to enforce these norms. He uses humor to mock this cultural shift, describing it as being "crammed down our throats."
"Yeah, so there's no doubt (Nope), you 'bout to get grossed out (Ugh) / But fuck it though, somebody needs to come and hit the reset button / Back to 2003 'cause how did we get stuck in / This woke BS? I'm tryna make it regress, fuck 'em / And I don't regret nothin' that's 'bout to be said / So fuck it, we can keep headbuttin'"
Eminem expresses nostalgia for a time before what he views as "woke BS" became prevalent. He advocates for a return to the past, suggesting that current cultural trends are overly restrictive. His defiance is clear as he states he has no regrets about his controversial stance.
"Still a grade-A prick, but the same way (What?) / Cobain put the gauge to his brain, I'm goin' out with a bang, ayy (Yeah) / Dang, Dre / Look at what you made me do, maybe you the one they should blame, they / Say they wish that I wasn't so angry (Yeah)"
Eminem acknowledges his abrasive persona, likening his impact to Kurt Cobain's tragic end. He attributes some of his provocations to Dr. Dre's influence, while also addressing critics who wish he were less angry.
"Don't wanna see me goin' off the deep end like Ye, ayy (No, nah) / Rather see me do like Kim Kardashian, they say (Yeah yeah) / And find a way to get rid of all of this rage, ayy (Haha)"
Here, Eminem references Kanye West ("Ye") and Kim Kardashian to highlight the public's preference for him to manage his anger differently. The line underscores his awareness of his own volatility and the public's desire for him to change.
"But if you wonder why is Marsh considered the harshest spitter (Why?) / 'Cause I can spit a bar that is a / Cross between Nas and GZA, Biggie Smalls, and RZA / So hard, Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj'll scissor (Cut it out)"
Eminem boasts about his lyrical prowess, comparing himself to legendary rappers Nas, GZA, Biggie Smalls, and RZA. His explicit reference to Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj adds a layer of shock value, reinforcing his rebellious persona.
"You're still the press's wet dream (Yeah) / Too many head shrinks (Oh) / My head thinks foul, I've said things when jesting / They should arrest me for my testes (Ah) / The biggest in the South, West, East, North and catch be (Ah)"
Eminem comments on his contentious relationship with the media and the psychological toll of constant scrutiny. His reference to "head shrinks" (therapists) and his self-deprecating humor about his "testes" reflect his complex persona.
"Evidence swept clean / With extreme lengths and steps being took to suppress things (Why?) / Try not to get seen / With Ben Affleck, me, and Seth Green hangin' on to the left wing / Of Jeffrey Epstein's jet screamin', 'Hey, don't forget me' (Haha)"
Eminem employs dark humor and references to real-life controversies, including the Epstein scandal, to emphasize his willingness to delve into taboo subjects.
"Shady as Bill, takin' the pill and putting it in your soft drink (Ah) / Something's off and I don't know what the cause be (Yeah) / But it's obvi', this water I'm in is scalding / Ominous thoughts creep in my head and it's not me / They brainwashed me (Marshall, Marshall)"
These lines highlight Eminem's paranoia and sense of being controlled or manipulated. The reference to "Bill" could allude to Bill Cosby and his infamous crimes, adding another layer of dark, controversial humor.
[Chorus: Eminem]
"Marshall, he's the antichrist / He will slice and dice / Men, women, and children (One more time, come on) / His name is Marshall, he's the antichrist / He will slice and dice / Whores, men, women, and children (Yeah)"
The chorus reiterates the provocative theme of the song, solidifying Eminem's self-portrayal as a figure of rebellion and controversy who indiscriminately challenges societal norms.
[Verse 2: Eminem]
"Knock, knock (Who's there?), boo (Boo who?) / Hey, why you cryin', shorty? Ew, 'cause I boo'd you (Woah) / Well, bitch, I'm tryna get some head up in this Subaru / But you have no clue what you doin', do you? / You fall asleep or somethin'? Hello, yoo-hoo / Wake up, fake slut, I'm out of here, screw you / What, did you drop dead in my lap? You call that head? / I suck my dick better than you do, haha"
Eminem's crude and explicit humor is on full display here, pushing boundaries with his graphic sexual references. This further solidifies his persona as someone who rejects social niceties.
"Yeah, I'm sick like the terminally ill (What?) / But more like sick as in the term 'mentally ill' / Antichrist, how come you can't be nice? / Look who's talkin', dog, like Brian from Family Guy (Huh)"
Eminem acknowledges his offensive nature, comparing himself to Brian from Family Guy, a character known for his cynicism and sharp wit. The comparison underscores his self-awareness and acceptance of his own controversial behavior.
"But who else is as pitiless, actually witty and crass, hideous / Ghastly, and insidious as me, or spitting as nasty? / Next idiot ask me is getting his ass beat worse than Diddy did ****"
Eminem asserts his dominance in the rap game, emphasizing his unique combination of wit, crassness, and lyrical skill. The mention of Diddy (Sean Combs) adds another layer of industry-related commentary.
"But on the real, though (What?) / She probably ran out the room with his fuckin' dildo (Come here) / He try to field goal punt her, she said to chill (No) / Now put it back in my ass and get the steel toe (Ew, ah, the fuck? Yeah)"
These lines continue the graphic and offensive themes, demonstrating Eminem's commitment to pushing boundaries and shocking his audience.
"Nightmares goin' Freddy on me / 'Cause they steady haunt me (Yeah) / Shady's bad to the core, but look at the bread he got me (Bread) / Complete lack of remorse, so they've come at me before, but they won't ever stop me"
Eminem reflects on his own nightmares and the haunting nature of his past actions. Despite acknowledging his lack of remorse, he highlights his financial success as a justification for his behavior.
"But fuck the back and the forth until I'm dead and rotting / Head is probably whacked and it's warped like Jack Kevork' / Performin' sexual acts with a corpse / If they don't like it like a necrophiliac in the morgue (What?), fuck everybody (Haha, yeah)"
Eminem doubles down on his controversial persona, using shocking imagery to emphasize his indifference to public opinion. The reference to Jack Kevorkian, known for assisting suicides, and necrophilia further push the boundaries of decency.
"I don't appeal to you, you was one of them children whose (What?) / Parents fed every meal to you on a platter and silver spoon / I am a product of what Farina and powdered milk'll do (What?) / To your drive when them rappers like Jada bring out the will in you (Woo)"
Here, Eminem contrasts his upbringing with that of more privileged individuals. He suggests that his tough background fueled his drive and success in the rap industry.
"'Cause now my shit slaps harder than Will'll do, word to Gorilla Glue (Why?) / I don't need sticky fingers to steal on you (Nah) / Lyrical killer who punish you, every syllable sonnin' you / Your hides, I tanned 'em like bicycles built for two / Stickin' a clip in the Uz' that I've been itchin' to use, lookin' like Nikolas Cruz / My trigger's happy, it's ticklish, true, Travis Bickle 'em too, we gettin' rude / This shit'll go sideways like your tippin' a canoe, bitch, I'm sick as the flu"
Eminem's reference to "Will" likely alludes to Will Smith, juxtaposed with Gorilla Glue for its strong hold, suggesting that his music has a powerful impact. "Sticky fingers" is a play on words, implying he doesn't need to resort to theft or underhanded tactics to succeed. He continues with violent imagery, comparing himself to Nikolas Cruz, the Parkland shooter, and Travis Bickle from Taxi Driver, to emphasize his dangerous, unpredictable nature. The canoe tipping analogy underscores the chaotic and unstable atmosphere he creates.
"How the fuck are you gonna fit in my shoes? Look at my views, all the shit I've been through / So, sympathy, I don't have any for you, stickin' it to all you idiots who / Take my lyrics a little bit too literal, you can all suck on my dick and if you / Don't wanna get ripped, better get the fuck back, bitch, I'm here to do what Dre sent me to do (What?) / That's sinfully get to spitting this shit, devil in me and I do his bidding, his name is"
Eminem challenges others to understand his perspective, shaped by his experiences and hardships. He dismisses critics who take his lyrics too literally and asserts his intent to continue his provocative style, emphasizing that he's fulfilling Dr. Dre's vision for him. The mention of the "devil in me" ties back to his "antichrist" persona, reinforcing his role as a provocateur.
[Chorus: Eminem]
"Marshall, he's the antichrist / He will slice and dice / Sluts, whores, men, women, and children (One more time, what's my name?) / His name is Marshall, he's the antichrist / He will slice and dice / Skanks, sluts, whores, men, women, and children"
The chorus repeats the theme of Eminem as a destructive force, indiscriminately targeting everyone. This serves to cement his self-portrayal as a ruthless figure, challenging societal norms and expectations.
[Bridge: Bizarre]
"You wanna dance with the devil, dance with the devil, dance with the devil / You wanna dance with the devil, dance with the devil, dance with the devil / You wanna—"
Bizarre's bridge continues the theme of engaging with the devil, reinforcing the song's dark, rebellious undertones. The repetition emphasizes the dangerous allure of defying conventional morality.
[Part II]
[Interlude: Bizarre]
"(I ain't goin' nowhere) / It's about to get scary, Bizarre (I'm still here, ayy-ayy, ayy-ayy, ayy-ayy) / It's about to get dark"
Bizarre sets the tone for the second part of the song, promising even more controversial and dark content. His presence signifies a shift to even more explicit and shocking themes.
[Verse 3: Bizarre]
"Guess who's back (Yeah), straight out the gutter (Me) / With a dirty rubber, plus my homeless mother (Fuck her) / Where's Bruce Jenner at? I wanna fuck that ho (Where she is?) / Where is Megan Thee Stallion at? I wanna suck that toe (Mwah)"
Bizarre's verse continues with graphic and offensive imagery, further amplifying the shock value of the song. His crude references to public figures and explicit sexual content push the boundaries of acceptability.
"Twenty years in, shit, I'm past addiction (Uh-huh) / I'm at CVS, tryna find my past prescription / My dad didn't listen, I passed the mission / Fuckin' a tranny on IG Live, that was a bad decision (Haha, that was fucked up)"
Bizarre reflects on his long career and struggles with addiction. The reference to a regrettable incident on Instagram Live adds to the verse's raw, unfiltered nature.
"My rent due, my girl need an abortion (What you gon' do? What?) / Sell them Eminem Jordans (I did, haha) / All gas, butt-naked, all ass / Tryna get on Hailie Jade's podcast (Why not?)"
Bizarre mentions financial struggles and controversial decisions, including selling Eminem-branded merchandise and trying to get on Eminem's daughter Hailie Jade's podcast. This highlights his desperation and willingness to engage in outrageous behavior for attention and survival.
Eminem Antichrist Meaning
Eminem's "Antichrist" is a song that thrives on controversy and defiance. By adopting the persona of "Marshall, the antichrist," Eminem explores themes of rebellion against political correctness, fame, and societal expectations. His lyrics are filled with explicit content, dark humor, and references to real-life controversies, all designed to provoke and challenge listeners. The collaboration with Bizarre amplifies the shock value, ensuring the song remains a powerful statement against cultural constraints and the burdens of fame. The song's unapologetic approach and complex messaging underscore Eminem's mastery of provocative lyrical expression, making "Antichrist" a testament to his commitment to pushing boundaries in the hip-hop genre.
Eminem Antichrist Lyrics
[Part I]
[Intro: Eminem]
Marshall, he's the antichrist
He will slice and—
The devil came to Michigan (Oh, shit)
Fuck
Fuckin' PC police
Fuck
[Verse 1: Eminem]
Gen Z, here they come now (Now), 'bout to unload rounds (Prr)
Pronouns (Shit)
Got me like "woah" now (Woah), homie, let's slow down (Chill)
No need to get so wound (Man), ready to throw down (Yo)
If I mispronounce (Thee, them), woops (Sorry), oh wow
Got heterosexuals crammin' 'em down our throats now (He, she, they, them)
Like I'm gettin' snow-plowed, my humor's too low-brow (Yup)
Yeah, so there's no doubt (Nope), you 'bout to get grossed out (Ugh)
But fuck it though, somebody needs to come and hit the reset button
Back to 2003 'cause how did we get stuck in
This woke BS? I'm tryna make it regress, fuck 'em
And I don't regret nothin' that's 'bout to be said
So fuck it, we can keep headbuttin'
Still a grade-A prick, but the same way (What?)
Cobain put the gauge to his brain, I'm goin' out with a bang, ayy (Yeah)
Dang, Dre
Look at what you made me do, maybe you the one they should blame, they
Say they wish that I wasn't so angry (Yeah)
Don't wanna see me goin' off the deep end like Ye, ayy (No, nah)
Rather see me do like Kim Kardashian, they say (Yeah yeah)
And find a way to get rid of all of this rage, ayy (Haha)
But if you wonder why is Marsh considered the harshest spitter (Why?)
'Cause I can spit a bar that is a
Cross between Nas and GZA, Biggie Smalls, and RZA
So hard, Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj'll scissor (Cut it out)
You're still the press's wet dream (Yeah)
Too many head shrinks (Oh)
My head thinks foul, I've said things when jesting
They should arrest me for my testes (Ah)
The biggest in the South, West, East, North and catch be (Ah)
Evidence swept clean
With extreme lengths and steps being took to suppress things (Why?)
Try not to get seen
With Ben Affleck, me, and Seth Green hangin' on to the left wing
Of Jeffrey Epstein's jet screamin', "Hey, don't forget me" (Haha)
Shady as Bill, takin' the pill and putting it in your soft drink (Ah)
Something's off and I don't know what the cause be (Yeah)
But it's obvi', this water I'm in is scalding
Ominous thoughts creep in my head and it's not me
They brainwashed me (Marshall, Marshall)
And that's all she wrote, yeah, that's why they call me
[Chorus: Eminem]
Marshall, he's the antichrist
He will slice and dice
Men, women, and children (One more time, come on)
His name is Marshall, he's the antichrist
He will slice and dice
Whores, men, women, and children (Yeah)
[Verse 2: Eminem]
Knock, knock (Who's there?), boo (Boo who?)
Hey, why you cryin', shorty? Ew, 'cause I boo'd you (Woah)
Well, bitch, I'm tryna get some head up in this Subaru
But you have no clue what you doin', do you?
You fall asleep or somethin'? Hello, yoo-hoo
Wake up, fake slut, I'm out of here, screw you
What, did you drop dead in my lap? You call that head?
I suck my dick better than you do, haha
Yeah, I'm sick like the terminally ill (What?)
But more like sick as in the term "mentally ill"
Antichrist, how come you can't be nice?
Look who's talkin', dog, like Brian from Family Guy (Huh)
But who else is as pitiless, actually witty and crass, hideous
Ghastly, and insidious as me, or spitting as nasty?
Next idiot ask me is getting his ass beat worse than Diddy did ****
But on the real, though (What?)
She probably ran out the room with his fuckin' dildo (Come here)
He try to field goal punt her, she said to chill (No)
Now put it back in my ass and get the steel toe (Ew, ah, the fuck? Yeah)
Nightmares goin' Freddy on me
'Cause they steady haunt me (Yeah)
Shady's bad to the core, but look at the bread he got me (Bread)
Complete lack of remorse, so they've come at me before, but they won't ever stop me
But fuck the back and the forth until I'm dead and rotting
Head is probably whacked and it's warped like Jack Kevork'
Performin' sexual acts with a corpse
If they don't like it like a necrophiliac in the morgue (What?), fuck everybody (Haha, yeah)
I don't appeal to you, you was one of them children whose (What?)
Parents fed every meal to you on a platter and silver spoon
I am a product of what Farina and powdered milk'll do (What?)
To your drive when them rappers like Jada bring out the will in you (Woo)
'Cause now my shit slaps harder than Will'll do, word to Gorilla Glue (Why?)
I don't need sticky fingers to steal on you (Nah)
Lyrical killer who punish you, every syllable sonnin' you
Your hides, I tanned 'em like bicycles built for two
Stickin' a clip in the Uz' that I've been itchin' to use, lookin' like Nikolas Cruz
My trigger's happy, it's ticklish, true, Travis Bickle 'em too, we gettin' rude
This shit'll go sideways like your tippin' a canoe, bitch, I'm sick as the flu
How the fuck are you gonna fit in my shoes? Look at my views, all the shit I've been through
So, sympathy, I don't have any for you, stickin' it to all you idiots who
Take my lyrics a little bit too literal, you can all suck on my dick and if you
Don't wanna get ripped, better get the fuck back, bitch, I'm here to do what Dre sent me to do (What?)
That's sinfully get to spitting this shit, devil in me and I do his bidding, his name is
[Chorus: Eminem]
Marshall, he's the antichrist
He will slice and dice
Sluts, whores, men, women, and children (One more time, what's my name?)
His name is Marshall, he's the antichrist
He will slice and dice
Skanks, sluts, whores, men, women, and children
[Bridge: Bizarre]
You wanna dance with the devil, dance with the devil, dance with the devil
You wanna dance with the devil, dance with the devil, dance with the devil
You wanna—
[Part II]
[Interlude: Bizarre]
(I ain't goin' nowhere)
It's about to get scary, Bizarre (I'm still here, ayy-ayy, ayy-ayy, ayy-ayy)
It's about to get dark
[Verse 3: Bizarre]
Guess who's back (Yeah), straight out the gutter (Me)
With a dirty rubber, plus my homeless mother (Fuck her)
Where's Bruce Jenner at? I wanna fuck that ho (Where she is?)
Where is Megan Thee Stallion at? I wanna suck that toe (Mwah)
Twenty years in, shit, I'm past addiction (Uh-huh)
I'm at CVS, tryna find my past prescription
My dad didn't listen, I passed the mission
Fuckin' a tranny on IG Live, that was a bad decision (Haha, that was fucked up)
My rent due, my girl need an abortion (What you gon' do? What?)
Sell them Eminem Jordans (I did, haha)
All gas, butt-naked, all ass
Tryna get on Hailie Jade's podcast (Why not?)