Brand New Dance Lyrics

Brand New Dance by Eminem

Producers: Eminem, Luis Resto
Album: The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce) (2024)
Release Date: July 12, 2024
Writers: Eminem, Luis Resto
Guitar: Steve King
Keyboards: Luis Resto
Mixing Engineer: Steve King
Mastering Engineer: Brian Gardner
Recording Engineer: Mike Strange, Tony Campana
Label: Aftermath Entertainment, Interscope Records, Shady Records

Annotations and Meaning.

Eminem's "Guilty Conscience 2" is a dance song that aims to physically harm and paralyze oneself by damaging the spinal cord, rendering them unable to dance afterwards. The opening line is ironic, as Reeve or someone who has properly done the Brand New Dance will be unable to "Get up." The song may have been a leftover from 2004's Encore, with the original lyrics possibly being "Saddam," for the Iraqi president Saddam Hussein. Eminem uses wordplay to make the song more relevant to 2024, combining the term "same old shit" with Shady to show that Shady showed up daily. The song also references Christopher Reeve's tragic horse-riding accident, which left him paralyzed. Slim Shady, while arguing with Marshall Mathers, confirms that the song was recorded in 2004 during the Iraq War. The dance requires being able to move arms and legs, which Christopher Reeve can no longer do. Eminem encourages everyone to dance along to rub it in his face, implying that everyone around him will have fun moving and dancing while confined to a wheelchair. The song is likened to the shocking news of Christopher Reeve becoming quadriplegic after a horseback riding accident and spreading across the country. Eminem advises the listener to tease a grandmother and grease the skids in preparation for sex. If they have done the Brand New Dance properly, they will need to roll up on a fresh set of wheels to meet grandma because they will be paralyzed and will need to use a wheelchair. Slim Shady refers to Eminem by his real first name, Marshall Bruce Mathers II, using an electrolarynx to modify his voice. "Brand New Dance" is the fourth track on Eminem's album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce). The song blends humor, satire, and social criticism to reflect on Eminem's confrontational approach and the societal impact of his music.

[Intro]

The beginning sets a fun tone, with Eminem inviting everyone, including "Chris," to join him on the dance floor. The pleasant beginning contrasts with the more contentious material that follows.

[Verse 1].

Eminem depicts a chaotic setting with hilarious and exaggerated visuals. Lines like "Just got caught jackin' off by your mom" and "Kim Jong keep screamin' he gon' drop the bomb" demonstrate his ability to merge the ludicrous with real-world references. The verse reflects the monotony and rebellion of adolescence, culminating in the plea to "hit you with a funky dope rhythm."

[Chorus]

The chorus encourages listeners to clap their hands and stamp their feet, fostering a sense of community and celebration. The lyric "On the count of three, everybody do / The Christopher Reeves" introduces a contentious aspect, citing the late actor in a provocative way.

[Verse 2

In the second verse, Eminem continues to use irreverent comedy, mocking numerous superheroes as well as his own physical escapades. The song contains a self-aware acknowledgment to the potential backlash, noting that the dance can "only do it once 'fore the people go apeshit." This passage also addresses the concept of ephemeral trends and popular reactions.

[Bridge]

The bridge takes on a more contemplative tone, with Eminem addressing the feelings of numbness and powerlessness that come with physical limitations. The sentence "Givin' Chris Reeves his chrysanthemums" is a darkly funny compliment to the actor.

[Verse 3].

The final lyric heightens the insanity by referring to Caitlyn Jenner and numerous physical contortions. Eminem interprets the dance as a metaphor for societal expectations and the pressure to comply. The imagery of "flop around 'til you lookin' like a slab of meat" emphasizes the absurdity of attempting to satisfy these expectations.

[Chorus and Outro].

The chorus repeats, emphasizing the invitation to join the dance and accept the pandemonium. The outro includes a parody statement from Christopher Reeve, adding a final element of mockery and irreverence to the song. Eminem's unique lyrical style in "Brand New Dance" combines humor and social satire, questioning norms and provoking thinking. The music demonstrates his continuing influence and determination to push boundaries.