Mockingbird (Eminem song)

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"Mockingbird" is a song by American rapper Eminem from his fifth studio album Encore (2004). It was released as the fifth single from the album in April 2005. It peaked at number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100, and number four in the United Kingdom. It received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance. "Mockingbird" was later included on Eminem's greatest hits compilation album Curtain Call: The Hits (2005).

The song is another that addresses Eminem's relationship with his daughter Hailie Jade, his adopted daughter Alaina and his relationship with his wife Kim. The single cover features a still from the video with Eminem sitting on the couch. This song was also featured on the 2005 compilation album Now That's What I Call Music 19 (U.S. series).

Video Mockingbird (Eminem song)

Background

The lyrics are a personal, undisguised account of his early relationship with his wife and daughters. Critics praised the song for its lyrics. This song mixes an original rap dialogue about Eminem's failed marriage, as he apologizes to his daughters with a straight melodic version of the traditional "Mockingbird" lullaby called "Hush, Little Baby". The second verse is about the difficulties including Kim and Eminem's divorce and the beginning of Eminem's fame.

Maps Mockingbird (Eminem song)

Critical response

Entertainment Weekly's David Browne was angered: "Again he addresses a song to his daughter (Mockingbird) and explains how he's working hard at being a good father." J-23 of HipHopDX praised the song: "Things get a bit better at the end, 'Mockingbird' is another song for Hailie that is most notable for flawless delivery." Steve Jones of USA Today was positive: "The affectionate Mockingbird talks directly to his 9-year-old daughter, Hailie Jade, and 8-year-old niece, Alaina, trying to explain Kim's troubles with the law and his constant travel." James Corne of RapReviews was also satisfied, saying, "Predictably, Eminem lays down one for Hailie with "Mockingbird," but what is not foreseeable is that it actually works"; and he noted that it imitates Em himself. The New York Times was mixed: "the I-love-my-daughter ode 'Mockingbird'" isn't the most exciting thing according to Kelefa Sanneh. Stylus Magazine was negative: "Encore dutifully deploys the obligatory Hailie ode ("Mockingbird")."

The A.V. Club was a bit positive: "On 'Mockingbird,' Eminem lets his hatred of his ex-wife lie dormant just long enough to provide his daughter with a haunting account of how parents sometimes just can't make it work, no matter how much both parties want to." Los Angeles Times also agreed: "In the tender 'Mockingbird,' the Detroit-based rapper outlines his devotion to his daughter, Hailie. Against a restrained, almost hypnotic musical backdrop, Eminem tries to help the child make sense of a world in which her father is always on the run because of his career, and her mother, Kim, makes headlines with legal troubles, including a drug arrest last year. Normally, much of Eminem's lure as a rapper is in the speed and authority of his rapid-fire delivery, but he raps here with the gentleness of a man with his arms around his daughter: 'I know it's confusing to you/ Daddy's always on the move/ Mama's always on the news.'" The Austin Chronicle is a bit negative, saying that in the song "he still hates his ... ex-wife as much as he loves his daughter. Yawn." The Boston Phoenix called it "the address-to-his-daughter" song that is "more consistently remarkable than 'Mosh'".

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Music video

The video premiered on MTV TRL on February 21, 2005 and features Eminem sitting in a living room all alone watching home movies about his daughters. It also features footage with his mentor, Dr. Dre. This is the second video to feature Eminem with his glasses, the first being "Stan".

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Track listing

• UK CD1

1. "Mockingbird" - 4:11
2. "Encore" (UMI Fade Version) (featuring Dr. Dre and 50 Cent) - 5:12

• UK CD2

1. "Mockingbird" - 4:11
2. "Mockingbird" (Instrumental) - 4:11
3. "Just Lose It" (DJ Green Lantern Remix) - 3:30
4. "Mockingbird" (Video) - 4:11

• Digital download

1. "Mockingbird" - 4:11
2. "Encore" (UMI Fade Version) (featuring Dr. Dre and 50 Cent) - 5:12

• Digital EP

1. "Mockingbird" - 4:11
2. "Mockingbird" (Instrumental) - 4:11
3. "Just Lose It" (DJ Green Lantern Remix) - 3:30

• German 3" CD single

1. "Mockingbird" - 4:11
2. "Encore" (UMI Fade Version) (featuring Dr. Dre and 50 Cent) - 5:12

• German CD single

1. "Mockingbird" - 4:11
2. "Encore" (UMI Fade Version) (featuring Dr. Dre and 50 Cent) - 5:12
3. "Mockingbird" (Instrumental) - 4:11
4. "Mockingbird" (Video) - 4:11

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Charts and certifications

Peak positions

Certifications

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References

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External links

• "Mockingbird" Official music video on YouTube
• Lyrics of this song at MetroLyrics

Source of the article : Wikipedia