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Eminem Houdini Lyrics – Explained

Intro [Paul Rosenberg]

Hey Em, it’s Paul Ehm, I was listening to the album
Good fuckin’ luck, you’re on your own

Paul Rosenberg, Eminem's manager, sets a dramatic and almost ominous tone, implying that Eminem's content is intense and that he might face significant backlash. It's a tongue-in-cheek way of saying Eminem is unapologetically himself, possibly reflecting on one of his most controversial moments with the BET cypher drawing a line on Trump supporters. 

[Eminem]

Guess who’s back?
Back again
Shady’s back, tell a friend
Guess who’s back? Guess who’s back? Guess who’s back?
Guess who’s back? Guess who’s back? Guess who’s back?
Guess who’s back?
Ha-ha Da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da-da Da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da-da

Announcing his return in a playful, repetitive manner. The lines are a callback to his hit "Without Me," reinforcing his iconic presence and return to the music scene as his alter ego, Slim Shady.

Verse 1

Well, look what the stork brung (What?)
Little baby devil with the forked tongue
And it’s stickin’ out, yeah, like a sore thumb (Blah)
With a forehead that it grew horns from, still a
White jerk Pullin’ up in a Chrysler to the cypher
With the Vics, percs and a Bud Light shirt
Lyrical technician, an electrician, y’all light work
And I don’t got to play pretend you that you I make believe
And you know I’m here to stay ’cause me (Why?)
If I was to ever take a leave, it would be at spring to break a fever
If I was to ask for Megan Thee Stallion if she would collab with me
Would I really have a shot at a feat?
I don’t know, but I’m glad to be, back like-

Here, Eminem portrays himself as a controversial figure ("baby devil with the forked tongue"), unapologetically embracing his rebellious nature. He highlights his skill as a "lyrical technician" and mocks the idea of him pretending to be someone he's not. The mention of Megan Thee Stallion adds a touch of humor, showing his awareness of current trends while expressing uncertainty about a collaboration in a classic double entendre referencing Megan's shocking incident where Tory Lanez shot her in the foot. 

Chorus

Abra, abracadabra (And for my last trick)
I’m ’bout to reach in my bag
Abra, abracadabra (And for my last trick)
And just like that I’m back

The chorus uses the imagery of a magician performing a trick, symbolizing Eminem's return to the spotlight with a sense of theatricality and surprise.

Verse 2

Now, back in the days of old me
When right around the time I became a dope fiend
Ate some codeine, as a way of copin’, taste of opiates, case of O.E. (Mmm) Turned me into a smiley face emoji
My shit may not be age-appropriate
But I will hit an 8-year-old in the face with a participation trophy
‘Cause I have zero doubts, that this whole world’s ’bout to turn into some girl scouts
That censorship bureau’s out to shut me down
So when I started this verse, it did start off lighthearted first
But it feels like I’m targeted, mind-bogglin’ how my profit has skyrocketed Look what I pocketed
Yeah, the shit is just like y’all have been light joggin’
And I’ve been runnin’ full speed, and that’s why I’m ahead like my noggin’
And I’m the fight y’all get in, when you debate who the best, but oops, I’m white chalkin’
When I step up to that mic, cock it then “Oh my God, it’s him, not again”

Eminem reflects on his past struggles with addiction and how it shaped him. He critiques societal trends, including the overprotection of children ("participation trophy") and censorship. He contrasts his relentless work ethic with those who merely "light jog," asserting his dominance in the rap game.

Chorus

Abra-abracadabra (And for my last trick)
I’m ’bout to reach in my bag, bruh
Abra-abracadabra (And for my last trick)
And just like that I’m back, bro

Repeating the chorus reinforces his dramatic return, emphasizing his ability to surprise and captivate his audience.

Bridge

Some times I wonder what the old me’d say (If what?)
If he could see the way st is today (Look at this st, man)
He’d probably say that everything is gay (Like happy)
What’s my name? What’s my name? (Slim Shady)

Em's reflecting on his younger self would react to the current state of the world, using the word "gay" in its original sense of "happy." This reflects his nostalgia and self-reflection on his evolution as an artist, reminding those that he is the master of the double entendre.

Verse 3

So how many little kids still wanna act like me? (Ha-ha)
I’m a bigger prick than cacti be (Yeah)
And that’s why these (What?) words sting just like when bein’ attacked by bees (Bzzz)
In the coupe, leanin’ back my seat (What?)
Bumpin’ R. Kelly’s favorite group, the Black Eyed Peas (Guy pees)
In my Air Max 90s, white Tees, walkin’ parental advisory
My transgender cat’s Siamese, identifies as Black, but acts Chinese
Like a muthafkin’ Hacky Sack,
I treat (What?) the whole world ’cause I got it at my feet (Yeah)
How can I explain to you (What?) that even myself I’m a danger to?
(Yeah) I hop on tracks like a kangaroo, and say a few things or two to anger you
But fk that, if I think that st, I’ma say that shit
Cancel me, what? OK, that’s it, go ahead Paul, quit
Snake-ass prick, you male cross dresser, fake-as bitch
And I’ll probably get st for that (Watch)
But you can all suck my dick, in fact, fuck them, fuck Dre, fuck Jimmy, fuck me, fuck you
Fuck my own kids, they’re brats (Fuck ’em)
They can screw off, them and you all (Yeah)
You too, Paul, got two balls, big as RuPaul’s
What you thought you saw (What?), ain’t what you saw (Nah)
‘Cause you’re never gonna see me
Caught sleepin’ and see the kidnappin’ never did happen
Like Sherri Papini, Harry Houdini
I vanish into the thin air as I’m leavin’ like-*

Criticizing the idolization of his controversial persona and mocks societal norms. He embraces his provocateur role, challenging political correctness and censorship. The verse is filled with humor and sarcasm, reflecting his disdain for those who try to control or judge him.

Chorus

Abra-abracadabra (And for my last trick)
I’m ’bout to reach in my bag, bruh
Abra-abracadabra (And for my last trick)
And just like that I’m back, bro

The final repetition of the chorus reinforces the theme of his triumphant return, underscoring his ability to reinvent himself and remain relevant in the ever-changing music industry.
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