The Real Slim Shady – English Lyrics

• By: Eminem

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the lyrical genius of Eminem with "The Real Slim Shady," a track that showcases his signature complex rhyme schemes and biting social commentary. This song is an excellent way to explore advanced English vocabulary and idiomatic expressions, as Eminem fearlessly blends humor, satire, and personal frustration to challenge industry norms. Its unique blend of wit and controversy made it a defining moment in his career and a staple in hip-hop history, offering a masterclass in impactful storytelling and wordplay.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
stand /stænd/ A1	verb - to be in or rise to an upright position, supported by one's feet.
problem /ˈprɒbləm/ A2	noun - a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome.
real /riːəl/ A2	adjective - actually existing as a thing or occurring in fact; not imagined or supposed.
sick /sɪk/ A2	adjective - affected by physical or mental illness.
cut /kʌt/ A2	adjective - fashionably attractive.
head /hed/ A1	noun - the part of the body above the neck where the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and brain are.
loose /luːs/ B1	adjective - not firmly or tightly fixed in place; detached or able to be detached easily.
message /ˈmesɪdʒ/ B1	noun - a verbal, written, or recorded communication sent to or left for someone.
feel /fiːl/ A1	verb - be aware of (something) through touching.
imitate /ˈɪmɪteɪt/ B2	verb - take or follow as a model.
sell /sel/ A2	verb - give (something) to someone else in return for money.
lie /laɪ/ B1	verb - to speak falsely or deceptively.
destroy /dɪˈstrɔɪ/ B2	verb - put an end to the existence of (something) by damaging or attacking it.
joke /dʒəʊk/ B1	verb - make jokes; talk humorously or flippantly.
admit /ədˈmɪt/ B2	verb - confess to be true or to be the case.
control /kənˈtrəʊl/ B1	noun - the power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events.
proud /praʊd/ B1	adjective - feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements, qualities, or possessions or those of someone with whom one is closely associated.

Key Grammar Structures

• Y'ALL ACT LIKE YOU NEVER SEEN A WHITE PERSON BEFORE

  ➔ Past Perfect Tense (Non-Standard)

  ➔ Uses "seen" instead of "have seen". While grammatically incorrect in formal English, it's a common colloquialism.

• DR. DRE'S DEAD, HE'S LOCKED IN MY BASEMENT

  ➔ Contractions

  ➔ "Dr. Dre's" is a contraction of "Dr. Dre is", and "he's" is a contraction of "he is".

• FEMINIST WOMEN LOVE EMINEM

  ➔ Simple Present Tense

  ➔ "Love" is the verb in the simple present tense, used to express a general truth or statement.

• LOOK AT HIM, WALKIN' AROUND, GRABBIN' HIS YOU-KNOW-WHAT

  ➔ Present Participle as Adjective and Colloquial "-in'"

  ➔ "Walkin'" and "Grabbin'" are colloquial forms of "walking" and "grabbing", respectively. Also, these participles act as adjectives describing what he is doing.

• AND IF I'M LUCKY, YOU MIGHT JUST GIVE IT A LITTLE KISS

  ➔ Conditional Clause (Type 1)

  ➔ Uses the structure "If + present simple, will/might + base form of verb". Expresses a possible condition and its probable result.

• WILL SMITH DON'T GOTTA CUSS IN HIS RAPS TO SELL RECORDS

  ➔ Double Negative and Colloquial "Gotta"

  ➔ "Don't gotta" is a double negative (though common in colloquial speech). "Gotta" is a slang shortening of "got to", meaning "have to".

• BUT SLIM, WHAT IF YOU WIN, WOULDN'T IT BE WEIRD?

  ➔ Conditional Clause (Type 2) and Rhetorical Question

  ➔ "What if you win" sets up a hypothetical situation. "Wouldn't it be weird?" is a rhetorical question, not expecting a direct answer but making a point.

• SO YOU CAN SIT ME HERE NEXT TO BRITNEY SPEARS?

  ➔ Purpose Clause

  ➔ "So you can sit me here..." expresses the purpose or reason for something; in this case, it suggests the supposed reason why they brought him there.

• CHRISTINA AGUILERA BETTER SWITCH ME CHAIRS

  ➔ "Had Better" (Omission of 'Had')

  ➔ "Better switch" is short for "had better switch". It expresses a strong suggestion or mild threat.