What Does Not Afraid Mean

Eminem’s “Not Afraid”: An Intimate Pledge Eminem writes and performs “Not Afraid” for a long-time fan base that has followed him through various evolutions over several years. The lyrics of the song form a message laid out throughout a progression of verses and a repeated chorus that summarizes the overall tone of the piece. The tone of the song being a uplifting invitation to overcome demons and to improve. Throughout the piece vulgarities, metaphors, and moments of vulnerability are employed to tell the story. That story; to admit his prior addiction, pledge to carry on to a higher standard, and to hopefully uplift others with as much. To tell his story Eminem uses several techniques to artfully convey his message. Like most songs, “Not Afraid” uses repetition with its chorus for effect, mainly to set the tone. We also see the use of simile when Eminem relates “My world, haters can make like bees with no stingers, and drop dead” (Eminem, Verse 3). To Eminem those who negatively strike at him have no more effect then a dead bee. Similarly, Eminem extensively relies on metaphors to communicate.
The chief modality of communication in Eminem’s story is often via graphic language.
To even an audience that expects a certain level of vulgarity, some of Eminem’s lyrics such as “Until he bows out or he shits his bowels out of him” can be shocking (Verse 1). The effect of this is tri-fold; to capture attention, convey a disregard to convention, and to evoke a response. Another way that Eminem evokes a response with the listener is the utter honesty in which he divulges his weaknesses. Particularly his addiction, “It was my decision to get clean…” (Verse 3). In a music genre that is known and expected to be tough and masculine, Eminem makes it a point to expose this element of
vulnerability. In contrast, there are limited bursts of masculinity within the lyrics. For example, alluding to gun violence, Eminem writes “All I’m tryin’ to say is get back, click clack, pow” (Verse 2). These instances are used stylistically to contrast from the feel of the piece as a whole. As mentioned earlier, the chorus is what really sets the tone and acts as the center Eminem returns to. In it Eminem rhythmically proclaims “I’m not afraid…To take a stand…Come take my hand…” and so on (Hook). Eminem is expressing his commitment to the values of courage and inclusiveness. He is inviting his fans to take part in his journey. For Eminem it is one of maturing and overcoming chemical dependencies but for his listeners he could very well be encompassing individual struggles and victories. Eminem ultimately wants to take responsibility for his music and let his fan base know that he is going to treat the art form with more respect. Eminem tells us “Let’s be honest, that last “Relapse” CD, was “eh”” and “…I’ll never let you down again, I’m back / I promise to never go back on that promise…” (Verse 2). Eminem feels guilty for previously releasing music of a lesser standard and relays to his fans that from now on he will take his art more seriously. Eminem builds on his promise with “I’m manning up, I’ma hold my ground / I’ve had enough, now I’m so fed up / Tryin’ to put my life back together right now” (Bridge). Here he puts on display his displeasure with his last album. It is assumed that this displeasure is shared with his fans, but here he also places that album within the greater context of his addictive lifestyle, and subsequent rise from it. Eminem is simply talking about his life. With this revelation come personal tragedies, but also an earnest appeal to fans for forgiveness. In addition to, there is an honest acknowledgment of what he has learned and consequently how he intends to apply his lessons. In other words, the purpose of these lyrics is to express growth, request acceptance, appeal to forgiveness, and swear an oath to improve and set an example while doing so.

Works Cited
Eminem. “Not Afraid.” Recovery. Aftermath Records, 2010, CD.