Introduction
Eminem’s Stan presents a case of obsessive fan named Stan, who continuously corresponds to Eminem. Stan expects a response and an embrace from Eminem and expresses how he wishes to be like him and calls himself his biggest fan. Within the song, there is a significant theme that can be identified through the use of rhymes and imagery that shapes the meaning of the song. The language used in the song represents two different characters showcasing the artist-fan relationship and the possible consequences of over obsessing for a fan.
Rhymes
Some of the rhymes used by Eminem in the song are All-All-Wall, bottom-got’em-jot’em, daughter-father-her, Bonnie-sorry, skam-man, fan-Stan, do-to, neither-beat her, fans-ass, you-too, too-you, together-other, other-better and to-you (Eminem). Some of these words are direct rhymes others are slightly different, but it is common among hip-hop songs. Most of the rhymes place emphasis on Stan trying to share his personal feelings and actions to Eminem. Rhymes ending with Bonnie-sorry, daughter-father-her, neither-beat her, etc. are used to show the emotional struggle Stan has gone through his life and his future prospects.
Also, the rhymes present an insight into the Stan’s life and the level of obsession he has for Eminem, which makes him avoid his responsibilities towards his pregnant girlfriend. Rhymes such as other-better, to-you, too-you, you-too, etc. end sentences where Stan is showing his disappointment to Eminem over his arrogance and avoidance of Stan’s messages.
Imagery
The images of pregnant girlfriend, the underground basement scribbling, Stan changing his hair colour and getting a tattoo of Eminem, the post office losing Stan’s mail, Stan attending an Eminem concert and meeting Eminem at a fan meet, Stan’s girlfriend identifying his obsession with Eminem, Stan destroying Eminem memorabilia in the basement and Stan drunk driving his car into the river are some of the examples of Stan’s obsession and impatience towards his idol. These images show how Stan is mentally depressed and expects a call out of his idol to save him from drowning in his emotional pain. The images of Eminem reading and responding back to Stan show Eminem’s concern for his fan. Other images of Eminem guiding Stan through correspondence to make changes, his life and respect his girlfriend showcase how people driven through their obsession can make mistakes in their life and need help to overcome their emotional trauma.
Language and Character Analysis
The language used in the song by Stan shows his desperation and cry for help to his idol. Stan is searching for a messiah to help him overcome his childhood grief and counsel him through his current life. Through most of his words Stan is a young man suffering from depression and emotional trauma and is in desperate need of counselling and needs to start working on his relationship. Eminem is shown as an experienced man with a young daughter who belatedly responds to Stan over his mental issues and inability to respect his relationship with his pregnant girlfriend. The language used by Eminem shows that he has the experience of living through pain and wants to help his fan.
Conclusion
Stan is a song by Eminem that utilizes use of several rhymes and imagery to help the viewers related with the emotional context of an obsessed fan named Stan. The use of rhymes in the song help in understanding the unhealthy mental condition and emotional struggle Stan is going through and his need to be helped by his idol. The imagery utilized in the song help in presenting how Stan feels about his idol and the level of his obsession. The language used in the song gives meaning to the feelings shared by Stan towards Eminem and vice-versa, and the degree to which Stan had lost control of his life.
Work Cited
Eminem. "Eminem - Stan (Long Version) Ft. Dido." YouTube. Youtube.com, 24 Dec. 2009. Web. 20 Mar. 2016.
