Eminem, the rap icon known for his intricate rhyme schemes and provocative lyrics, delivered another potent track with “Square Dance.” Released as part of The Eminem Show in 2002, this song is more than just a catchy beat; it’s a lyrical rollercoaster tackling political commentary, personal defiance, and the signature Eminem bravado that fans worldwide have come to expect. Delving into the Eminem Square Dance Lyrics reveals a complex narrative woven with wordplay and sharp social observations.
People! It feels so good to be back
Ladies and gentleman, introducing the new and improved you know who
Never been the type to bend or budge
The wrong button to push
No friend of Bush
I'm the centerpiece, you're a Maltese
I'm a pitbull off his leash
All this peace talk can cease
All these people I had to leave in limbo
I'm back now I've come to release this info
I'll be brief and let me just keep shit simple
Can-I-Bitch don't want no beef with Slim? No!
Not even on my radar
So won't you please jump off my dick
Lay off and stay off
And follow me as I put these crayons to chaos from seance to seance
Aw-a-aw-ch-a-aw
You all c'mon now
Let's all get on down
Let's do-si-do now
We're gon' have a good old time
Don't be scared, 'cause there ain't nothing to worry about
Let your hair down
And square dance with me!The opening verse immediately sets the tone. Eminem re-emerges, declaring his return to the scene with his characteristic confidence and defiance. The lines “No friend of Bush” clearly establish a political stance, a thread that runs strongly throughout the song. He positions himself as an unleashed “pitbull,” dismissing peace talks and hinting at the controversial information he’s about to unleash. The playful taunts towards other artists and the invitation to “square dance” signal a blend of confrontation and dark humor that is quintessential Eminem.
Let your hair down to the track
Yeah kick on back
Boo! The boogie monster of rap
Yeah the man's back
With a plan to ambush this Bush administration
Mush the Senate's face and push this generation
Of kids to stand and fight for the right to say something you might not like
This white hot light
That I'm under
No wonder I look so sunburnt
Oh no I won't leave no stone unturned
Oh no I won't leave
Won't go nowhere
Do-si-do
Oh, yo, ho, hello there
Oh yeah don't think I won't go there
Go to Beirut and do a show there
Yeah you laugh 'til your motherfuckin' ass gets drafted
While you're at band camp thinkin' that crap can't happen
Till you fuck around
Get an anthrax napkin
Inside a package wrapped in saran wrap wrapping
Open the plastic and then you stand back gasping
Fuckin' assassins hi-jackin'
Amtraks crashing
All this terror America demands action
Next thing you know you've got Uncle Sam's ass askin'
To join the army or what you'll do for their Navy
You just a baby
Gettin' recruited at eighteen
You're on a plane now
Eating their food and their baked beans
I'm 28
They gonna take you 'fore they take me
Crazy insane or insane crazy?
When I say Hussein you say Shady
My views ain't changed still
Inhumane
Wait
Arraigned two days late
The date's today
Hang me!This verse escalates the political critique, directly targeting the Bush administration and the Senate. Eminem uses vivid and aggressive imagery – “ambush,” “mush the Senate’s face” – to express his discontent. He encourages a generation to question authority and fight for free speech, even for unpopular opinions. The lyrics then take a darker turn, referencing terrorism and the fear of anthrax attacks, anxieties that were prevalent in the post-9/11 era when this song was released. The rapid-fire delivery and rhyme scheme intensify the sense of urgency and chaos, mirroring the societal anxieties of the time. The verse culminates in a powerful statement about draft age and a defiant “Hang me!” challenging the consequences of his outspokenness.
You all c'mon now
Let's all get on down
Let's do-si-do now
We're gon' have a good old time
Don't be scared, 'cause there ain't nothing to worry about
Let your hair down
And square dance with me!
You all c'mon now
Let's all get on down
Let's do-si-do now
We're gon' have a good old time
Don't be scared, 'cause there ain't nothing to worry about
Let your hair down
And square dance with me!The chorus, with its repetitive and almost playful “square dance” invitation, acts as a stark contrast to the heavy lyrical content of the verses. It’s a call to join him in his chaotic, rebellious world, to “let your hair down” and engage with the uncomfortable truths he’s presenting. The seemingly lighthearted chorus underscores the seriousness of the issues being discussed, making the message even more impactful.
Nothin' moves me more than a groove that soothes me
Nothin' soothes me more than a groove that boosts me
Nothin' boosts me more
Or suits me beautifully
There's nothin' you can do to me
Stab me
Shoot me
Psychotic
Hypnotic, product
I got the antibiotic
Ain't nobody hotter and so on and yada yada
God I talk a lot of hem-de-lay-la-la-la oochie walla walla um da dah da dah da but you gotta gotta
Keep movin'
There's more music to make
Keep makin' new shit
Produce hits to break the monotony
What's gotten into me?
Drugs, rock and Hennessy
Thug like I'm 'Pac on my enemies
On your knees
Got you under siege
Somebody you would give a lung to be hungry
Like a fuckin' younger me
Fuck the fee
I can get you jumped for free
Yeah buddy
Laugh it's funny
I have the money to have you killed by somebody who has nothing
I'm past bluffing
Pass the K-Y
Let's get ready for some intense serious ass fucking!The final verse shifts slightly from political commentary to a display of Eminem’s lyrical prowess and persona. He boasts about his invincibility, his hypnotic and impactful music, and his relentless drive to create. The “hem-de-lay-la-la-la oochie walla walla” section showcases his playful vocal dexterity, while lines about his wealth and power reinforce his larger-than-life image. The ending is characteristically aggressive and provocative, leaving the listener with a final punch of Eminem’s unapologetic attitude.
You all c'mon now
Let's all get on down
Let's do-si-do now
We're gon' have a good old time
Don't be scared, 'cause there ain't nothing to worry about
Let your hair down
And square dance with me!
You all c'mon now
Let's all get on down
Let's do-si-do now
We're gon' have a good old time
Don't be scared, 'cause there ain't nothing to worry about
Let your hair down
And square dance with me!
Dr. Dre. wants to square dance with me
Nasty Nas wants to square dance with me
X to the Z wants to square dance with me
Busta Rhymes wants to square dance with me
Can-I-Bitch won't square dance with me
Fan-a-bitch, won't square dance with me
Canada-bis, don't want no parts of me
Dirty Dozen wants to square dance with youThe song concludes with repetitions of the chorus and a playful outro listing artists who either would or wouldn’t “square dance” with him, adding a touch of industry humor and solidifying the song’s place within the rap landscape.
“Square Dance” is a quintessential Eminem track, blending political outrage with personal bravado and lyrical genius. The eminem square dance lyrics are a testament to his ability to create complex and controversial narratives within a catchy and engaging musical framework, cementing its status as a standout in his discography and a powerful piece of early 2000s rap.
