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Eminem Guilty Conscience 2 Meaning And Review

Updated: Jul 19


"Guilty Conscience 2" Review: A Relapse into Eminem's Internal Battle

Eminem's "Guilty Conscience 2" is a masterclass in internal conflict and lyrical mastery. Serving as a sequel to his iconic 1999 track, the song delves deeper into the ongoing battle between Eminem's conscience and his darker impulses, personified by Slim Shady.


Production: A Symphony of Tension and Release

The production builds suspense with a haunting melody and sparse percussion, mirroring the growing tension between Eminem and Slim Shady. As the song progresses, the beat intensifies, incorporating distorted vocals and chaotic sounds that reflect the escalating conflict and Eminem's descent into intoxication.




Lyrical Depth and Complexity: A Dialogue of Inner Turmoil

The lyrics are structured as a conversation between Eminem and Slim Shady, with each verse representing a different stage of intoxication and a shift in power dynamics. Eminem initially tries to resist Slim Shady's influence, but as the song progresses, his resolve weakens, and Slim Shady takes over. The lyrics are filled with self-deprecating humor, witty wordplay, and references to past controversies, showcasing Eminem's signature style.


A Rollercoaster of Emotions: From Humorous to Disturbing

The song's tone fluctuates between humorous and disturbing, reflecting the unpredictable nature of addiction and internal conflict. There are moments of self-awareness and remorse, as Eminem acknowledges the harm caused by his words and actions. However, these moments are quickly overshadowed by Slim Shady's relentless taunts and encouragement to embrace his darker impulses.


Themes of Addiction, Regret, and the Battle for Control:

"Guilty Conscience 2" explores themes of addiction, regret, and the constant struggle for control over one's own mind. Eminem grapples with the consequences of his past actions, while Slim Shady revels in the chaos and destruction he has caused. The song serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle many individuals face with their inner demons and the difficulty of breaking free from destructive patterns.



A Controversial and Compelling Listen:

"Guilty Conscience 2" is a challenging and thought-provoking track that doesn't shy away from controversial topics and offensive language. While some listeners may find the content disturbing, it's a testament to Eminem's willingness to confront his own flaws and expose the darker aspects of human nature. The song's raw honesty, lyrical complexity, and captivating production make it a standout on "The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)."


Final Verdict: A Triumph of Lyrical Storytelling and Emotional Depth

"Guilty Conscience 2" is a triumph of lyrical storytelling and emotional depth. Eminem's ability to embody both sides of his internal conflict is impressive, and the song's raw honesty is both shocking and captivating. It's a testament to his enduring talent and his willingness to explore the darkest corners of his psyche, even at the risk of alienating some listeners.


Listen to Eminem Guilty Conscience 2 


Eminem Guilty Conscience 2 Lyrics Meaning Explained 

The meaning of Eminem's "Guilty Conscience 2" is a complex exploration of his internal struggle between his rational self (Marshall) and his destructive alter ego (Slim Shady), fueled by addiction and a desire to reclaim his controversial past.



Internal Conflict and Addiction:

The song opens with a tense dialogue between Eminem and Slim Shady, where Eminem expresses feeling tortured by his inner demons. The lyrics "Why does it feel like I'm always being tortured?" and "Old habits are coming back" reveal his struggle with addiction and the constant pull of his darker impulses. Slim Shady's taunting responses, such as "Marshall's gaining a conscience," highlight the internal conflict and the difficulty of resisting his destructive tendencies. The references to Eminem's blurred vision and slurred speech, "Vision is more blurred / Speech is more slurred / Can't even form words," suggest that he is under the influence, further fueling Slim Shady's influence.


Addressing Criticism and Controversy:

Eminem and Slim Shady engage in a heated debate about the backlash they face from critics and the public. Eminem questions Slim Shady's offensive remarks, such as mocking people with disabilities and using derogatory language. Slim Shady defends his actions, claiming that it's all a joke and part of their rebellious nature. This dialogue reflects Eminem's real-life struggles with criticism and his tendency to respond with defiance and aggression.


The Role of Slim Shady and Its Impact:

The lyrics delve into the complex relationship between Eminem and Slim Shady. Slim Shady acknowledges his role in Eminem's success, stating, "I helped you get your stacks higher / That's diamond sales like sapphires." However, he also blames Eminem for creating him and giving him the power to express the darkest thoughts. The lines "You created me to say everything you didn't have the balls to say / What you were thinking but in a more diabolic way" reveal the symbiotic relationship between the two personas.



Longing for the Past and Resisting Change:

Slim Shady expresses a desire to return to Eminem's earlier, more controversial days, stating, "You're still mentally / Thirteen and still thirsty for some controversy." This reflects a longing for the past and a resistance to the more mature and socially conscious persona that Eminem has adopted in recent years. The lyrics "Yeah, and I scare you 'cause I'm who you used to be / The you who didn't crumble under the scrutiny" suggest that Slim Shady represents a part of Eminem that he is both afraid of and drawn to.


Consequences and the Search for Redemption:

The song ends with a dramatic climax, as Slim Shady takes control and commits a murder-suicide, killing both himself and Eminem. This shocking ending can be interpreted as a metaphor for the destructive consequences of succumbing to one's darkest impulses. The outro, where Eminem wakes up from a dream, suggests that the entire song was a nightmare, a manifestation of his deepest fears and anxieties.


"Guilty Conscience 2" is a multi-layered exploration of Eminem's internal struggles, his complex relationship with his alter ego, and his ongoing battle with addiction and societal expectations. The song is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that offers a glimpse into the mind of a troubled artist grappling with his demons.



Eminem Guilty Conscience 2 Lyrics

[Intro: Eminem & Slim Shady]

Welp, we did it now

I know, right?

It's beautiful, ain't it?

Yeah, you happy now, bitch?

Yep

Alright, you got what you wanted

Yeah, what?

Let me go

Ha, never


[Verse: Eminem & Slim Shady]

Why does it feel like I'm always being tortured?

The bad apple spoils the whole orchard

Used to read comic books to learn more words

'Cause deep down, I'm a dork, just a core nerd

Meaning nerd to the core 'til I'm cornered

Then I'm the coroner

What shot is this? First, second, it's your third

Vision is more blurred

Speech is more slurred

Can't even form words

It's likе a dream up inside of a dream I'm trappеd in

It's worse than I could've imagined, it's madness

Can't wake up, try my damnedest, but old habits are coming back

And now transgenders attack us, frontwards and backwards

They laughin', throw midgets at us (Ha)

This ain't no dream now, huh? See what I mean now?

You see how they tryna make me out to be some kind of mean vile obscene, foul prick?I kick one freestyle 'bout beating down a special needs child and these people freak out (Timmy)

Told you we'd get slaughtered for sayin', "Retarded"

Aw, Marshall's gaining a conscience (Fuck you)

This may come as a shock or have you astonished, regardless

Here's the thing 'bout retarded people (What?)

They don't fucking know they're retarded

Well, okay, you wanna fat shame

Bitch, two can play that game (What?)

You wanna judge people? (Yeah)

Matter of fact, ain't you the same one who hated bullies calling you bad names? (Yep)

Then you turned around and did the exact same (So?)

Just immature and literally

You're still mentally

Thirteen and still thirsty for some controversy

You still picking on Christopher Reeves

Yeah, but you're me

And we're a team

So that means, we're in cahoots

That's conspiracy to commit murder lyrically

So clearly, you're the accessory like jewelry

You ain't the judge or the jury, you're just as guilty

You rip on paraplegics, man, seriously?

Oh, bitch, it's a joke

No, it's not, it's embarrassing (What?)

Like David Carradine found with a pair of jeans at his ankles and belt 'round his larynx

I know, it's a scary scene

They're coming with everythingLittle people are trolling me (Ha)

They saying they've had it (What?) up to here with me

Oh, hilarity (Come on)

Nah, do your thing

Fuck deaf people, yeah

Well, between me and you

I think they've had it up to here with me too (What the fuck?)

Sorry I'm not perfect as you, Marshall

Punching down on little people (Yeah), not cool (Whoops)

You just sound like a dick, wait, nah, fool (What?)

When I say, "Fuck midgets," I mean Ja Rule (Oh)

And I know that Chris Reeves song was recorded in 2004 for Encore (Yeah)

Fuck'd you take it off for?

'Cause he died, man, that motherfucker did that bullshit on purpose to ruin the song for us (Man)

Man, I never seen a bigger pussy than you

Bitch, look at all the shit the media's puttin' me through (What?)

'Cause of all the fuck shit that you pushed me to do (Me?)

Should've knew when I found you, you were just too good to be true (Hmm)

That's how we end up in these quagmires

You said you had my back, liar

But I helped you get your stacks higher (Yeah)

That's diamond sales like sapphires

Rap buyers, admires pack lines of admirers

Now they say you lack ire

That's why your satire backfires (Yeah)

Flat tires, no longer that guy you were prior to this

Yeah, and I scare you 'cause (Why?) I'm who you used to be (Who?)

The you who didn't crumble under the scrutiny (Wait, what?)

When it was you and me (Yeah)

I gave you power to use me as an excuse to be evil (I know)

You created me to say everything you didn't have the balls to say (Yep)

What you were thinking but in a more diabolic wayYou fed me pills and a bottle of alcohol a day (Okay)

Made me too strong for you and lost control of me (You're right)

I took over you totally

You were socially awkward 'til you molded me (Yeah)

You was a loner, a nobody

'Cause of me, you didn't take shit from nobody

Now look at you (What?)

Now you just a punk (Man), little scaredy cat (Word)

Got you shook like Shakira's ass (Yeah)

To look at your reflection staring back

Bitch, it's just a mirror, relax

Man, you're so full of shit, you need MiraLAX

Open your mouth and shit flies out, just lies

You thinkin' you can rip my ass, undo these zipties

You can just undo my feet and keep my hands tied

'Cause like an avalanche, I'd still win by a landside

Oh, you think so, bitch? Yeah, I know so

Okay, your hands and feet, I let 'em both go

Yeah, fuck now, ho, give me that gun, no, don't

Rear naked choke hold, let me go, yo

Here, take it, bozo (Yeah)

Weird bait, you homo (You ready?)

No, don't shoot (Here we go)

Bro, no, no

Now say you're sorry and you didn't mean any of it

I'm sorry Marshall's a pussy, he's Dre and Jimmy's puppet (What?)

Sorry he gives a fuck, but pretends he doesn't

God, you piece of shit, that does it (Uh-oh, wait)

Yeah, bitch, this is for him (What?)

Christopher, MGK, Nick, and for Limp Bizkit and them

Midgets and Ben— (Man, please)

'Zino, in addition to him

Will Smith and to Canibus, if you're listening, this is the end (Okay, okay, I'll stop)

So to Jamar and Ja Rule and to all

My feuds including ma (What?)

I'm welcoming you to my (No, no)

Last hoorah, I bid you goodbye (Come on, man, don't do this)

Murder suicide

Killshot, booyaka, cock sucker

Coup de grâce, motherfucker


[Outro: Eminem & Paul Rosenberg]

Oh, woah, what the fuck?

Come on, come on, come on, come on

Yeah?

Paul

You're not gonna fucking believe this, bro

I had this dream, it was fucking crazy

It was like, the old me came back and the new me

And took over my brain and had me saying all this fucked up shit

About little people and Caitlyn Jenner and

PC police were chasing me

And fucking Gen Z was tryna kill me

And quadriplegics

And Christopher Reeves

And I was saying all this fucked up shit

And I couldn't stop saying it

And then I wake and it was like I was still dreaming

Fuck you

Wait

Haha


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