Released: 2024
“Houdini” by Eminem is a power-packed track where he flexes his skill and addresses his haters head-on. The song’s Eminem’s Houdini Lyrics are all about his triumphant return, dismissing his critics, and unapologetically embracing his controversial and rebellious persona.
The skit with Paul Rosenberg sets the tone, with Paul basically saying, “Good luck, you’re on your own,” emphasizing Eminem’s independent grind. Then, Eminem jumps in with his classic confidence, announcing that *Shady’s back*, making it clear that he’s about to make waves again.
In the first verse, Eminem refers to himself as a *little baby devil* with a *forked tongue* and *horns*, embracing his role as the controversial figure he’s always been. He’s *a white jerk* with a Chrysler, implying he’s just a regular guy despite his fame. The line about Megan Thee Stallion shows he knows his place in the game but still wonders if a collab could happen, but, it’s actually a double entendre as it’s also a reference to an incident where Megan Thee Stallion was shot in the foot by Tory Lanez.
The chorus uses *abracadabra* to underline Eminem’s almost magical return to the scene, pulling new tricks out of his bag like a master magician.
In the second verse, he reflects on his darker past with *codeine and opiates* and the chaos that came with it, like using drugs to cope. Despite all the criticism and censorship, he’s managed to make massive profits, clapping back at those who doubted him. When he steps to the mic, he *cocks it* like a gun, ready to blow minds.
The bridge has him wondering what his younger self would think of today’s world, playing on the word *gay* to show how much things have changed, using it in both senses as a term of criticism and happiness.
Verse three is classic Slim Shady—provocative and incendiary. He compares himself to a *prickly cactus* and mentions his words *sting* like bees. He also references pop culture with mentions of R. Kelly and his *Air Max 90s*. His transgender cat symbolizes how he defies norms and expectations. He even takes shots at himself, Dre, and others, showing his readiness to confront anyone who comes at him.
In the final chorus, the *abracadabra* refrain reminds us that Eminem’s return is nothing short of a magical reappearance, proof that he’s back and ready to dominate once more.
