"Habits" Review: A Relapse into the Depths of Slim Shady's Addiction
Production: A Bouncy Descent into Darkness
The skit that opens "Habits" immediately throws listeners back into the chaotic world of Slim Shady, threatening violence and establishing a sense of impending doom. The transition to a bouncy beat creates a jarring contrast, mimicking the unpredictable highs and lows of addiction. This juxtaposition mirrors the song's themes of internal conflict and the constant battle between Eminem and his alter ego.
Lyrical Exploration of Addiction: "You got an addiction, man"
Eminem delves deep into his struggles with addiction, using vivid imagery and dark humor to portray the grip it holds on him. Lines like "Half an Ativan, I'm drivin' straight at a van" paint a picture of recklessness and self-destructive behavior. The chorus, sung by White Gold, reinforces the idea that addiction is a relentless force, personified as Slim Shady himself.
Slim Shady's Return: A Dialogue of Inner Turmoil
The song functions as a dialogue between Eminem and Slim Shady, with each verse showcasing their conflicting perspectives. Eminem grapples with the desire to break free from his destructive habits, while Slim Shady revels in chaos and pushes him towards relapse. This internal conflict adds a layer of complexity to the song and highlights the ongoing struggle many addicts face.
Controversial Themes and Offensive Language: A Deliberate Provocation
As with much of Eminem's work, "Habits" isn't afraid to court controversy. The song includes offensive language and references to sensitive topics like misgendering and violence. While some may find this offensive, it's important to remember that Eminem's lyrics often serve as a reflection of society's darker aspects and his own personal demons.
A Relapse into Classic Eminem: Raw, Unfiltered, and Unapologetic
"Habits" is a raw and unfiltered look into Eminem's ongoing battle with addiction. It's a reminder that even as he's matured and evolved as an artist, the darkness that fueled his early work is still present. The song is a return to classic Eminem, unapologetic and unflinching in its portrayal of his struggles.
Final Verdict: A Powerful Exploration of Addiction's Grip
While "Habits" may be a difficult listen for some due to its controversial themes and offensive language, it's a powerful exploration of addiction's grip and the internal battles it creates. The song's production, lyrical depth, and raw honesty make it a standout track on "The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)."
Listen to Eminem Habits
Eminem Habits Lyrics Meaning Explained
A Relapse into Addiction and the Inner Battle:
The song is a raw and unflinching portrayal of Eminem's struggle with addiction. The intro sets the tone with a dialogue between Eminem and his alter ego, Slim Shady, highlighting the push and pull between sobriety and relapse. Eminem's lyrics depict reckless behavior and self-destructive tendencies fueled by substance abuse. The chorus, sung by White Gold, personifies addiction as a persistent presence that Eminem can't escape.
Slim Shady's Influence and Internal Conflict:
Throughout the song, Slim Shady's voice emerges, tempting Eminem with the allure of his old ways. This internal dialogue creates a compelling narrative of conflict between the desire for recovery and the pull of destructive habits. Slim Shady represents the darker aspects of Eminem's personality, the part that thrives on controversy and pushes boundaries.
Confronting Societal Issues and Controversy:
"Habits" tackles various social issues, including misogyny, homophobia, and censorship. Eminem uses provocative language and humor to address these topics, often sparking controversy and debate. He also critiques cancel culture and the hypersensitivity of modern society, highlighting the absurdity of some reactions to his lyrics.
Reflections on Past and Legacy:
Eminem reflects on his past as a rebellious rapper who pushed boundaries and offended many. He acknowledges his problematic behavior and the harm he may have caused. However, he also defends his right to free speech and artistic expression. The song explores the complexities of his legacy, acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of his career.
A Struggle for Control and Redemption:
The bridge and outro offer a glimpse of hope and a desire for change. Eminem questions his own sanity and expresses a willingness to seek help. The song ends with a disclaimer, suggesting that his controversial lyrics are meant to be provocative rather than a reflection of his true beliefs. "Habits" ultimately paints a portrait of an artist grappling with his demons, striving for control and redemption amidst a chaotic world.
Eminem Habits Lyrics:
[Intro: Eminem]
Been waitin' a long time for this shit (Ah)
Long time no see (Ah)
Thought you got rid of my ass, huh? (Let me go, you sick fuck)
Alright, here's what we're gonna do (Piece of shit)
You take this (No)
Or I put a bullet between your fucking eyes (I don't wanna)
Here (Fuck no)
Then we'll split it (No)
[Verse 1: Eminem]
Half an Ativan, I'm drivin' straight at a van
In a black Sedan, fast as I can
In Pakistan gettin' chased by a pack of Stans
You know how I roll, bitch (What?), I'm an avalanche
This my shit, I'm gonna spit it how I wanna spit it
Whoever gets offended, suck a dick and fuck a critic
'Bout to get retarded on this motherfuckin' shidit
"You can't say retarded," shut up, midget (The fuck?)
And we've been tryna break the habit of sayin' any R words (Yeah)
But I'm still an addict, so it's getting hardеr (Ah)
Been callin' bitches "hoes" since a kindеrgartner
This is Jimmy Carter, now I'm kitty-cornered (What?)
Sittin' in PC court with a shitty lawyer (Shit), like damn
[Chorus: White Gold & Eminem]
You got an addiction, man (Ah)
I know you can't get rid of me forever
'Cause you know that I'm prescription, man
Goddamn, I miss you, Slim (Woo)
You got an addiction, man
I know you can't get rid of me forever
'Cause you know that I'm prescription, man
Next time, I'll be in your vein (Yeah)
[Verse 2: Eminem]
Was just a kid from Detroit who knew how to destroy the booth
And had a point to prove (Yeah), and I'm missin' (What?)
Venomous, still I poison youth, sentences (Yeah)
I'm pennin' are just to toy with you
Which is a joy to do, Slim is just (What?)
A lyricist here to voice his true sentiments (Yeah)
Got the women pissed and it seems like men are just (What?) off growing a huge clitoris (Pussies)
Yeah, I probably annoyed a few feminists
I reminisce on them blowing a fuse over my points of views
Still I'm devoid of two shits to give (Yeah)
My thinkin' is primitive
But when it comes to givin' it to anybody, boy, is Bruce generous (Marshall)
And I'm 'bout as much of boy as Bruce Jenner is (Damn)
'Cause I'm not a boy, I'm a man, bitch, man-bitch (Haha)
My speech is free as his choice to choose gender is (Man)
This shit is like opioid abuse, isn't it? (Yup)
[Chorus: White Gold]
You got an addiction, man
I know you can't get rid of me forever
'Cause you know that I'm prescription, man
Goddamn, I miss you, Slim (Woo, uh)
You got an addiction, man
I know you can't get rid of me forever
'Cause you know that I'm prescription, man
Next time, I'll be in your veins
[Bridge: Eminem]
There's times when I lay down to sleep I argue with myself
Am I the only one who thinks it's weird? Do I need help?
Just a little bit, no, a lot of it, I really, really gotta quit
Something's wrong with me, my God, old habits die hard
[Interlude: Mr. Reality]
Look at you
What's the matter with you people?
You're sad that people are mean?
Well, I'm sorry, the world isn't one big liberal arts college campus
**** you, you're all pricks
[Verse 3: Eminem]
Mom shaming, dad shaming (Ah), yeah
Fat shaming (What?), man-splaining, blah (Pfft)
Crybabies attack Shady, wah
Mad 'cause they can't tame me (Get it)
Here come the censors (Look out), like the Avengers
And they assemble like Prince and then turn
A word like "ginger" into the N-word
All these pronouns (Ah) I can't remember (Damn)
They or them, theirs? (Who?) His or him, hers? (Ah)
Into them girls who bought tits to get attention
Then get hit on by ugly men who are (Creep)
Not in your league, so you pretend you're a victim
And me-too 'em (Ah), outraged, how fake? (What?)
Nowadays, some gals, they (What?) just clout-chase (Yeah)
Look at me with sour grapes and your brow raised
Bitch, you ain't about head (What?), about face (Woo)
Little white, middle-age, upper-middle-class
With a glass of wine and your cigarette
Bitch, get off the internet (Yeah)
You ain't even fed your kids dinner yet (Haha, still)
Parental discretion, mental aggression, my head's a Smith & Wesson
You're messin' with a lethal weapon, like an evil stepdad
I got an infrared like the ginger stepkid who pissed the bed (Ginger)
I do this shit in jest and it's just a messin' up with your head
And if men wanna wear lipstick and women's underwear
Who cares? Their shit is their business, now bear witness
Beware, bitches, the Blair Witch on you scared bitches
I'm surreptitious (What?) on square business
Just attacked my therapist with a pair of scissors like "Merry Christmas"
Dressed as a Hare Krishna, terrorist with a hair trigger (Woo)
But with these buttons I'm always pushing (Yeah), pain I'm always inflicting (What?)
Protestors outside the Shady offices livid (Yeah)
It'll make you think that you had the game on lock 'til they pick it (Trick it)
Only way for me to explain it is I'm conflicted (What?)
Walkin' on eggshells, like if I take it too far, is this it? (Yeah)
Part of me gets it and wants to say I'm sorry and fix it (I'm so—)
So all my statements are basically contradictive (What?)
Like using the F-word for gay is wrong and offensive (What?)
And insensitive as if me sayin' the R-word isn't (Wait)
Wait a minute, which R-word? Rape or retarded, midget? (Not cool, guys)
Would this rhyme be okay if South Park had did it? (Okay, screw you guys)
Would it make you less angry if Cartman spit it? (Goddammit)
And as far as what I just stated, regarding midgets
You'll probably think I'll just say that I'm playin', I'm not, I meant it (Yeah)
Swear to God I see one of them little fuckers come at me
I'll pick it up by its legs and drop it and kick it
"Marshall, you're wicked, face it, you are addicted" (I know)
But they gon' do me the same as DaBaby with all of this shit (Why?)
Chappelle and Colin, they're callin' Shady misogynistic
While raisin' three daughters, two graduated from college with honors
Summa cum laude, my sense of humor is probably twisted
It's painfully obvious that
[Chorus: White Gold & Eminem]
You got an addiction, man
I know you can't get rid of me forever
'Cause you know that I'm prescription, man
Goddamn, I miss you, Slim (Woo, hey)
You got an addiction, man
I know you can't get rid of me forever
'Cause you know that I'm prescription, man
Next time, I'll be in your veins (Haha)
[Outro: Eminem]
I'm just playin', little people, you know I love you