what is the song mocking bird about

In November 2004, already-renowned Detroit rapper Eminem released his fifth studio album Encore, ending a two-and-a-half-year hiatus between LPs. For the sixteenth track on Encore, which included appearances from 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, and Nate Dogg, Em wrote one of the “most emotional” songs he ever had, dubbing it “Mockingbird.”

Interpolating the famous bedtime lullaby “Hush Little Baby,” “Mockingbird” saw Em directly address his daughter Hailie, as well as his niece Alaina who he adopted. Hoping to ease their minds about his widely-publicized drama with his wife Kim, as well as the difficulty their family had when dealing with his fame, Em traded in his traditionally raunchy, angsty approach for a soft, forlorn tone.

“[There’s a Hailie love song on Encore.] A song called ‘Mockingbird,’ to Hailie and Alaina,” Em told Rolling Stone in a cover story published two weeks after Encore‘s release. “When Mom was on the run they didn’t understand it, and I’m not the greatest talker in the world, especially when I’m trying to explain to two little girls what’s goin’ on with someone who’s always been a part of their life and just disappeared. So that was my song to explain to them what was goin’ on, probably the most emotional song I ever wrote.”

As noted before, the hook of “Mockingbird” sees Em alter the traditional Hush little baby, don’t say a word chorus that mothers sing to their babies worldwide. Instead, he tweaks it by making it more applicable to his situation with Hailie.

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

Throughout the song’s verses, Em appeals to his daughter’s senses with raps over the piano-driven instrumental, where he touches on his struggles with Kim as well as with his newly affluent lifestyle.

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

Upon Encore‘s arrival, “Mockingbird” peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Currently, it sits at 5x certified platinum by RIAA, the highest-selling song off of the now-iconic album.

Resurgence edit

After gaining enormous traction on the social media platform TikTok, “Mockingbird” achieved 1 billion Spotify streams in 2023[12] and peaked at multiple international music charts. [13][14][15][16][17].

As previously mentioned, in the song “Mockingbird,” Em modifies the well-known refrain that mothers all across the world sing to their infants: “Hush, little baby, don’t say a word.” Rather, he modifies it to better fit his circumstances with Hailie.

Em addressed his daughter Hailie and his adopted niece Alaina directly in “Mockingbird,” interpolating the well-known bedtime song “Hush Little Baby.” Em took a more somber tone instead of his customary raunchy, angsty one, hoping to calm their fears about his much-discussed drama with his wife Kim and the challenges their family faced as a result of his fame.

Now quiet down, little one. There’s nothing to worry about. Keep your mouth shut. Your father is here to support you during the night.

Upon Encore‘s arrival, “Mockingbird” peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Now certified five times platinum by the RIAA, it is the best-selling track from the now-famous album.

Hailie, I know you will miss your parents when I’m gone, but I’m trying to give you the life I never had. I can tell you’re depressed because you cry when you laugh or smile, but deep down you want to cry because you’re scared and I’m not there. Daddy is with you in your prayers, so stop crying and wipe those tears; Daddy is here and you won’t have nightmares.

Sampling edit

The song “Apologize” by Baby Keems, taken from his 2019 mixtape Die for My Bitch, features a melody that is reminiscent of Eminem’s “Mockingbird,” which is sampled in the chorus of the latter’s pre-2020 album Montero. The wording and lyrics of both songs are similar. [11].

A remix of the song was released in 2022 by British rapper E1 (3×3).

FAQ

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