Best Songs of 2010 – #7
Eminem was the comeback kid of 2010, releasing one of his very best albums, Recovery, following a long dry spell. That slump was due in large part to a drug addiction that nearly killed him and Recovery tackles that experience head-on.
But the album’s best song reached back to another of Eminem’s favorite topics — the (literal) battle of the sexes. ‘Love the Way You Lie’ is a portrait of a couple whose passion turns to physical violence. Perhaps tapping into personal experience, Eminem has always been expert at portraying anger fused with romance.
Eminem’s masterstroke on this song was recruiting Rihanna to sing the memorable chorus. Her recent history as the victim of domestic violence makes the song’s thorny issues resonate all the more.
Love Rihanna or hate her, you have to admit she has something of a golden touch. In addition to her own string of solo hits, her collaborations invariably reach the top of the charts. This song was an unexpected hit, spending seven weeks at number one, and I have to think Rihanna’s contribution played a big part in that success.
This song was such a hit that it actually spawned a sequel, ‘Love the Way You Lie Part 2,’ which appeared on Rihanna’s album Loud and told the woman’s side of the story. Eminem plays guest star on that track, contributing a rapped verse toward the end of the song. You can hear the sequel here.
But that’s alright because I like the way it hurts
Just gonna stand there and hear me cry
But that’s alright because I love the way you lie
I love the way you lie
I can’t tell you what it really is
I can only tell you what it feels like
And right now there’s a steel knife in my windpipe
I can’t breathe
But I still fight while I can fight
As long as the wrong feels right
It’s like I’m in flight
High off a love
Drunk from a hate
It’s like I’m huffing paint
And I love it the more that I suffer
I suffocate
And right before I’m about to drown
She resuscitates me
She fucking hates me
And I love it
Wait, where you going
I’m leaving you
No you ain’t
Come back
We’re running right back
Here we go again
It’s so insane
Cause when it’s going good
It’s going great
I’m Superman
With the wind at his back
She’s Lois Lane
But when it’s bad
It’s awful
I feel so ashamed
I snap
Who’s that dude
I don’t even know his name
I laid hands on her
I’ll never stoop so low again
I guess I don’t know my own strength
Just gonna stand there and watch me burn
But that’s alright because I like the way it hurts
Just gonna stand there and hear me cry
But that’s alright because I love the way you lie
I love the way you lie
You ever love somebody so much
You can barely breathe
When you’re with them
You meet
And neither one of you
Even know what hit ’em
Got that warm fuzzy feeling
Yeah them chills
Used to get ’em
Now you’re getting fucking sick
Of looking at ’em
You swore you’d never hit ’em
Never do nothing to hurt ’em
Now you’re in each other’s face
Spewing venom
And these words
When you spit ’em
You push
Pull each other’s hair
Scratch, claw, bit ’em
Throw ’em down
Pin ’em
So lost in the moments
When you’re in ’em
It’s the rage that took over
It controls you both
So they say it’s best
To go your separate ways
Guess that they don’t know ya
Cause today
That was yesterday
Yesterday is over
It’s a different day
Sound like broken records
Playin’ over
But you promised her
Next time you’ll show restraint
You don’t get another chance
Life is no Nintendo game
But you lied again
Now you get to watch her leave
Out the window
Guess that’s why they call it window pane
Just gonna stand there and watch me burn
But that’s alright because I like the way it hurts
Just gonna stand there and hear me cry
But that’s alright because I love the way you lie
I love the way you lie
Now I know we said things
Did things
That we didn’t mean
And we fall back
Into the same patterns
Same routine
But your temper’s just as bad
As mine is
You’re the same as me
But when it comes to love
You’re just as blinded
Baby please come back
It wasn’t you
Baby it was me
Maybe our relationship
Isn’t as crazy as it seems
Maybe that’s what happens
When a tornado meets a volcano
All I know is
I love you too much
To walk away though
Come inside
Pick up your bags off the sidewalk
Don’t you hear sincerity
In my voice when I talk
Told you this is my fault
Look me in the eyeball
Next time I’m pissed
I’ll aim my fist
At the dry wall
Next time
There will be no next time
I apologize
Even though I know it’s lies
I’m tired of the games
I just want her back
I know I’m a liar
If she ever tries to fucking leave again
I’mma tie her to the bed
And set this house on fire
Just gonna stand there and watch me burn
But that’s alright because I like the way it hurts
Just gonna stand there and hear me cry
But that’s alright because I love the way you lie
I love the way you lie
Meet Me In Montauk 
definitely a provocative song from a rehabilitated and rejuvenated Eminem. I still don’t find this album as great as the Marshall Matthers LP and the Eminem Show, but it is certainly better than his preceding drug addled efforts.
I have never been a fan of Eminem and have often felt he got too much praise for being a drug addicted, violent, misogynistic, homophobe. That said, I can’t help but like this song.
I agree with you that Rihanna was a brilliant addition. To be honest, I wouldn’t have listened to the song all the way through the first time if her chorus hadn’t hooked me. So, whether I like him or not, I will say the guy is pretty smart when it comes to his music.
P.S. Just listened to Part II. I like it even better than Part I. Likely reason – it’s Rihanna featuring Eminem instead of the other way around. 🙂
Kerrie–You are really missing the boat on Eminem. the Marshall Matthers LP is truly great as is The Eminem Show. I am not a big fan of rap, but, when Eminem is on his game, there is none better. unfortunately, many of his hits showed a more juvenile side, but it is a worthwhile endeavor to dig deeper. Do you not like (or have you never heard) “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” or “Stan?” Here’s the former:
Well, Dana, I can’t say I really like him much better, but that certainly is a different side than I’ve taken the time to see. Thanks for the nudge. I’ll try to keep a more open mind. 🙂
So many thoughts/questions I have when I hear this song and read the discussion between Kerrie and Dana….
First, I, too, was initially unsure what to think of Eminem when he first burst on the scene all those years ago. Skeptical of rap music – and the mysogynistic, homophobic, violent lyrics I read it espoused (read, because I certainly didn’t listen to it) – I didn’t know what to think when my husband and brother suddenly started listening to and raving about this new album.
When I watched him perform “Stan” with Elton John on some awards show, I took notice. If Elton John wanted us to give him a chance, who the hell was I not to do so. When I listened to the album, I was very impressed by his songwriting talent, though I certainly didn’t become an overnight rap music fan. I loved 8 Mile, the film starring him and based on a character much like him.
I still don’t listen to his music, but when my sister-in-law, a fellow English teacher, recently suggested that I watch his interview with Anderson Cooper, I was so taken with it that I showed it to my English class. Listening to Eminem, a high school drop-out, talk about “the science of breaking down words” is beyond fascinating. Here is the link if Kerrie – or anyone else – wants to check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCbtvBEPPs8
As for today’s SOTD, I think Rihanna’s presence is exceptional because of the widely seen photos of her battered face and the very public, apparently at least somewhat abusive relationship she had with Chris Brown. Her voice serves the song just fine, but no better or worse than any other pop singer’s voice would do. The significance of her impact is because of the gravitas she brings to the role she is playing. And Eminem is brilliant to have invited her to the party. I strongly suspect this song will win a handful of Grammy awards, and I will be intrigued to hear the acceptance speeches. Will Chris Brown be in the auditorium? That will be one hell of a cutaway shot for the producers.
So, yeah, great choice. Again, I hardly ever actually listen to Eminem, but there are few musical artists I admire more.
Since both Amy and I mentioned “Stan,” I thought it would be appropriate to feature that song as well, as it is, in my humble opinion, truly brilliant.
And here is the link to Elton performing with Eminem at the Grammy’s:
Wow. That performance still is utterly jaw dropping. I found myself crying by song’s end, as I had forgotten how they staged the singer’s final response to poor crazy “Stan.”
Elton John was so bold to duet with him on that song. I found an old Entertainment Weekly article about the controversty surrounding Eminem’s nominations, and Elton’s decision to peform with him (http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,100072,00.html)
I’d love to see something half that powerful occur at this February’s awards. Considering Eminem is up for a bunch of them – and it is the 10 year anniversary of that show – hmmmm…. maybe Elton will play Rihanna’s part? 😉
I had no idea my dislike of Eminem would prompt such conversation. 🙂 I had heard Stan before but, as with other of his songs, never paid much attention to the lyrics. I knew this song because of the Dido piece but nothing else.
Yes, it’s a powerful song and I can’t discredit Eminem’s talent as a songwriter. I still don’t like the guy. I actually saw the Anderson Cooper interview on 60 minutes when it first aired (yes, I’ve become my Aunt Mary…) and thought I might need to ease up a bit. I understand that he’s had a rough life and he’s trying to make his way through it in a more positive way for his kid. I appreciate that and applaud him for getting the help he needed. I also think his process is pretty interesting. The whole thing about rhyming with the word orange cracked me up. He’s intense; I get it.
Anyway, I’ve disliked him for years and I think it’s going to take more than a couple of videos and an interview with Anderson Cooper to change my mind completely. I will say, though, that from here on out, I’ll be more inclined to give him a serious listen.