Meaning and Lyrics of Like Toy Soldiers by Eminem
Song Lyrics meaning of Like Toy Soldiers by Eminem
About Eminem
Eminem
Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III on October 17, 1972, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He gained mainstream success with his major-label debut album “The Slim Shady LP” in 1999. Known for his controversial lyrics and rapid-fire delivery, Eminem has become one of the best-selling artists in music history. With multiple Grammy Awards and an Academy Award under his belt, Eminem’s impact on hip-hop culture is undeniable.
One of Eminem’s notable songs is “Like Toy Soldiers,” released in 2004. The song reflects on the consequences of violence in the music industry and features Eminem’s introspective lyrics layered over a heartfelt melody.
Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III on October 17, 1972, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He gained mainstream success with his major-label debut album “The Slim Shady LP” in 1999. Known for his controversial lyrics and rapid-fire delivery, Eminem has become one of the best-selling artists in music history. With multiple Grammy Awards and an Academy Award under his belt, Eminem’s impact on hip-hop culture is undeniable.
One of Eminem’s notable songs is “Like Toy Soldiers,” released in 2004. The song reflects on the consequences of violence in the music industry and features Eminem’s introspective lyrics layered over a heartfelt melody.
Meaning of Like Toy Soldiers by Eminem
The song “Like Toy Soldiers” by Eminem delves deep into the complexities of the rap industry, personal conflicts, loyalty, and the consequences of escalating beefs between artists. Let’s break it down:
– Intro: The opening lines set the tone for the song, with a sense of unity and camaraderie that is soon disrupted by the ensuing verses.
– Chorus: The chorus sung by Martika paints a poignant picture of how conflicts between individuals in the rap world are akin to a battle, where everyone is affected in the end, much like toy soldiers in a play.
– Verse 1: Eminem reflects on his role as a leader and how he tries to maintain composure despite the pressures he faces. He recounts a personal conflict with Benzino, where lines were crossed, causing Eminem to question his own role in the feuds that arise in the industry.
– Eminem expresses his exhaustion from the ongoing feuds, highlighting his initial intentions in the hip-hop world were not violent or destructive. He emphasizes the struggle between personal relationships and public images, as well as the toll it takes on individuals caught in the crossfire.
– Verse 2: This verse delves deeper into the escalation of conflicts within the industry. Eminem recalls attempts to mediate between other artists, like 50 Cent and Ja Rule, to prevent violent outcomes. However, he also reveals how personal grudges and professional pressures can quickly turn allies into enemies.
– Eminem acknowledges the loyalty of his fans and fellow artists, but also the gravity of the consequences if matters escalate further. He shows a willingness to step back and avoid further damage, despite the intense emotions and animosity surrounding him.
The song overall conveys a sense of regret for the conflicts that have arisen, a desire to maintain peace, and an acknowledgment of the consequences of letting personal battles spiral out of control. It serves as a reflection on the price of fame, personal values, and the intricate web of relationships within the music industry.
In the music video, these themes may be visually represented through scenes of emotional turmoil, conflicting loyalties, and the weight of responsibility that artists like Eminem carry. The visual elements could enhance the narrative of the song, highlighting the complexities of personal and professional relationships in the music industry.
– Intro: The opening lines set the tone for the song, with a sense of unity and camaraderie that is soon disrupted by the ensuing verses.
– Chorus: The chorus sung by Martika paints a poignant picture of how conflicts between individuals in the rap world are akin to a battle, where everyone is affected in the end, much like toy soldiers in a play.
– Verse 1: Eminem reflects on his role as a leader and how he tries to maintain composure despite the pressures he faces. He recounts a personal conflict with Benzino, where lines were crossed, causing Eminem to question his own role in the feuds that arise in the industry.
– Eminem expresses his exhaustion from the ongoing feuds, highlighting his initial intentions in the hip-hop world were not violent or destructive. He emphasizes the struggle between personal relationships and public images, as well as the toll it takes on individuals caught in the crossfire.
– Verse 2: This verse delves deeper into the escalation of conflicts within the industry. Eminem recalls attempts to mediate between other artists, like 50 Cent and Ja Rule, to prevent violent outcomes. However, he also reveals how personal grudges and professional pressures can quickly turn allies into enemies.
– Eminem acknowledges the loyalty of his fans and fellow artists, but also the gravity of the consequences if matters escalate further. He shows a willingness to step back and avoid further damage, despite the intense emotions and animosity surrounding him.
The song overall conveys a sense of regret for the conflicts that have arisen, a desire to maintain peace, and an acknowledgment of the consequences of letting personal battles spiral out of control. It serves as a reflection on the price of fame, personal values, and the intricate web of relationships within the music industry.
In the music video, these themes may be visually represented through scenes of emotional turmoil, conflicting loyalties, and the weight of responsibility that artists like Eminem carry. The visual elements could enhance the narrative of the song, highlighting the complexities of personal and professional relationships in the music industry.
Lyrics of Like Toy Soldiers by Eminem
Intro
Step by step, heart to heart
Left, right, left, we all fall down
Chorus: Martika
Step by step (Oh), heart to heart (Heart to heart)
Left, right, left, we all fall down (All fall down, all fall down)
Like toy soldiers
Bit by bit (Bit by bit), torn apart (Torn apart)
We never win but the battle wages on
For toy soldiers
Verse 1: Eminem
I'm supposed to be the soldier who never blows his composure
Even though I hold the weight of the whole world on my shoulders
I ain't never supposed to show it, my crew ain't supposed to know it
Even if it means goin' toe-to-toe with a Benzino
It don't matter, I'd never drag 'em in battles that I can handle
'Less I absolutely have to, I'm supposed to set an example
I need to be the leader, my crew looks for me to guide 'em
If some shit ever does pop off, I'm supposed to be beside 'em
That Ja shit, I tried to squash it, it was too late to stop it
There's a certain line you just don't cross and he crossed it
I heard him say Hailie's name on a song and I just lost it
It was crazy, the shit went way beyond some Jay-Z and Nas shit
And even though the battle was won, I feel like we lost it
I spent so much energy on it, honestly I'm exhausted
And I'm so caught in it, I almost feel I'm the one who caused it
This ain't what I'm in hip-hop for, it's not why I got in it
That was never my object, for someone to get killed
Why would I wanna destroy somethin' I helped build?
That wasn't my intentions, my intentions were good
I went through my whole career without ever mentionin' ****
And that was just out of respect, for not runnin' my mouth
And talkin' about somethin' that I knew nothin' about
Plus Dre told me stay out, this just wasn't my beef
So I did, I just fell back, watched and gritted my teeth
While he's all over TV, down-talkin' a man
Who literally saved my life, like f**k it, I understand
This is business, and this shit just isn't none of my business
But still knowin' the shit could pop off at any minute
'Cause
Chorus: Martika
Step by step (Oh), heart to heart (Heart to heart)
Left, right, left, we all fall down (All fall down, all fall down)
Like toy soldiers
Bit by bit (Bit by bit), torn apart (Torn apart)
We never win but the battle wages on
For toy soldiers
Verse 2: Eminem
There used to be a time when you could just say a rhyme and
Wouldn't have to worry about one of your people dyin'
But now it's elevated, 'cause once you put someone's kids in it
The shit gets escalated, it ain't just words no more, is it?
It's a different ballgame, you callin' names, and you ain't just rappin'
We actually tried to stop the 50 and Ja beef from happenin'
Me and Dre had sat with him, kicked it and had a chat with him
And asked him not to start it, he wasn't gonna go after him
Until Ja started yappin' in magazines how he stabbed him
f**k it, 50, smash him, mash on him, let him have it
Meanwhile, my attention's pulled in another direction
Some receptionist at The Source who answers phones at his desk
Has an erection for me and thinks that I'll be his resurrection
Tries to blow the dust off his mic and make a new record
But now he's f****d the game up 'cause one of the ways I came up
Was through that publication, the same one that made me famous
Now the owner of it has got a grudge against me for nothin'?
Well, f**k it, that m**********r could get it too, f**k him then
But I'm so busy bein' pissed off, I don't stop to think
That we've just inherited 50's beef with Murder Inc.
And he's inherited mine, which is fine, ain't like either of us mind
We still have soldiers that's on the front line
Who's willin' to die for us as soon as we give the orders
Never to extort us, strictly to show they support us
And maybe shout 'em out in a rap or up in a chorus
To show 'em we love 'em back and let 'em know how important
It is to have Runyon Avenue soldiers up in our corners
Their loyalty to us is worth more than any award is
But I ain't tryna have none of my people hurt or murdered
It ain't worth it, I can't think of a perfecter way to word it
Than to just say that I love y'all too much to see the verdict
I'll walk away from it all 'fore I let it go any further
But don't get it twisted, it's not a plea that I'm coppin'
I'm just willin' to be the bigger man, if y'all can quit poppin'
Off at the jaws, well, then I can, 'cause frankly I'm sick of talkin'
I'm not gonna let someone else's coffin rest on my conscience
'Cause
Chorus: Martika
Step by step (Oh), heart to heart (Heart to heart)
Left, right, left, we all fall down (All fall down, all fall down)
Like toy soldiers
Bit by bit (Bit by bit), torn apart (Torn apart)
We never win but the battle wages on
For toy soldiers
Music Video Analysis
Step by step, heart to heart
Left, right, left, we all fall down
Chorus: Martika
Step by step (Oh), heart to heart (Heart to heart)
Left, right, left, we all fall down (All fall down, all fall down)
Like toy soldiers
Bit by bit (Bit by bit), torn apart (Torn apart)
We never win but the battle wages on
For toy soldiers
Verse 1: Eminem
I'm supposed to be the soldier who never blows his composure
Even though I hold the weight of the whole world on my shoulders
I ain't never supposed to show it, my crew ain't supposed to know it
Even if it means goin' toe-to-toe with a Benzino
It don't matter, I'd never drag 'em in battles that I can handle
'Less I absolutely have to, I'm supposed to set an example
I need to be the leader, my crew looks for me to guide 'em
If some shit ever does pop off, I'm supposed to be beside 'em
That Ja shit, I tried to squash it, it was too late to stop it
There's a certain line you just don't cross and he crossed it
I heard him say Hailie's name on a song and I just lost it
It was crazy, the shit went way beyond some Jay-Z and Nas shit
And even though the battle was won, I feel like we lost it
I spent so much energy on it, honestly I'm exhausted
And I'm so caught in it, I almost feel I'm the one who caused it
This ain't what I'm in hip-hop for, it's not why I got in it
That was never my object, for someone to get killed
Why would I wanna destroy somethin' I helped build?
That wasn't my intentions, my intentions were good
I went through my whole career without ever mentionin' ****
And that was just out of respect, for not runnin' my mouth
And talkin' about somethin' that I knew nothin' about
Plus Dre told me stay out, this just wasn't my beef
So I did, I just fell back, watched and gritted my teeth
While he's all over TV, down-talkin' a man
Who literally saved my life, like f**k it, I understand
This is business, and this shit just isn't none of my business
But still knowin' the shit could pop off at any minute
'Cause
Chorus: Martika
Step by step (Oh), heart to heart (Heart to heart)
Left, right, left, we all fall down (All fall down, all fall down)
Like toy soldiers
Bit by bit (Bit by bit), torn apart (Torn apart)
We never win but the battle wages on
For toy soldiers
Verse 2: Eminem
There used to be a time when you could just say a rhyme and
Wouldn't have to worry about one of your people dyin'
But now it's elevated, 'cause once you put someone's kids in it
The shit gets escalated, it ain't just words no more, is it?
It's a different ballgame, you callin' names, and you ain't just rappin'
We actually tried to stop the 50 and Ja beef from happenin'
Me and Dre had sat with him, kicked it and had a chat with him
And asked him not to start it, he wasn't gonna go after him
Until Ja started yappin' in magazines how he stabbed him
f**k it, 50, smash him, mash on him, let him have it
Meanwhile, my attention's pulled in another direction
Some receptionist at The Source who answers phones at his desk
Has an erection for me and thinks that I'll be his resurrection
Tries to blow the dust off his mic and make a new record
But now he's f****d the game up 'cause one of the ways I came up
Was through that publication, the same one that made me famous
Now the owner of it has got a grudge against me for nothin'?
Well, f**k it, that m**********r could get it too, f**k him then
But I'm so busy bein' pissed off, I don't stop to think
That we've just inherited 50's beef with Murder Inc.
And he's inherited mine, which is fine, ain't like either of us mind
We still have soldiers that's on the front line
Who's willin' to die for us as soon as we give the orders
Never to extort us, strictly to show they support us
And maybe shout 'em out in a rap or up in a chorus
To show 'em we love 'em back and let 'em know how important
It is to have Runyon Avenue soldiers up in our corners
Their loyalty to us is worth more than any award is
But I ain't tryna have none of my people hurt or murdered
It ain't worth it, I can't think of a perfecter way to word it
Than to just say that I love y'all too much to see the verdict
I'll walk away from it all 'fore I let it go any further
But don't get it twisted, it's not a plea that I'm coppin'
I'm just willin' to be the bigger man, if y'all can quit poppin'
Off at the jaws, well, then I can, 'cause frankly I'm sick of talkin'
I'm not gonna let someone else's coffin rest on my conscience
'Cause
Chorus: Martika
Step by step (Oh), heart to heart (Heart to heart)
Left, right, left, we all fall down (All fall down, all fall down)
Like toy soldiers
Bit by bit (Bit by bit), torn apart (Torn apart)
We never win but the battle wages on
For toy soldiers
Music Video Analysis
Discography Eminem
The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce): Expanded Mourner’s Edition
Release: 2024-09-13
Label: Shady/Aftermath/Interscope Records
Popularity: 👏👏👏
The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)
Release: 2024-07-12
Label: Shady/Aftermath/Interscope Records
Popularity: 👏👏👏👏👏
The Marshall Mathers LP2 (Expanded Edition)
Release: 2023-11-03
Label: Aftermath
Popularity: 👏👏👏👏👏
Subscribe
Login
0 Comments
Stream Like Toy Soldiers on your favorite platform
Share Like Toy Soldiers Song Meaning with your friends
