Music Monday: Lose Yourself – Eminem (from 8 Mile)

Music Monday: Lose Yourself – Eminem (from 8 Mile)

Time to end Music Monday with “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. This song was written by him while filming 8 Mile, an autobiographical movie where he plays a version of himself. His career started back in 1996, and with 8 Mile being released in 2002, you can see the rapid rise to fame that happened in just a few years.

As we move toward Pride Month, I feel this is a good bridge song. It is all about seizing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity despite the fear and doubt, and despite the overwhelming odds against you. The song perfectly sums up the plot of the movie, using pianos and strings to create an aggressive, high-stakes energy. In my opinion, it’s some of his best work. It’s full of meaning, and that makes it a great piece of music.

“Lose Yourself” really defines 8 Mile. I’ll admit, it’s not a movie most people talk about as much anymore, and even though it earned him an Oscar, Eminem didn’t even show up to the ceremony. He didn’t think he’d win, so he stayed home and slept instead. That tells you everything you need to know about where he was at.

I’m not a massive rap fan, yet this song is so raw and full of meaning that I really enjoy it. It doesn’t feel like a normal hip-hop or rap song; it does something more. It shows just how good of an artist he is, highlighting his songwriting skills and production. In many ways, he channels Bob Dylan, who is often thought of as one of the greatest songwriters ever. Speaking of which, Dylan himself has shown admiration for him, noting that they both have a real feeling for language. Both are some of the finest songwriters of their generations, and perhaps that’s why I really like Eminem’s songs. It might sound like an odd choice for a “bridge,” but in my mind, it works.