Meaning of Walk on Water by Eminem

The overall theme of Eminem's song "Walk on Water" centers around the pressure of living up to high expectations and the struggle with insecurities and self-doubt. Throughout the song, Eminem expresses his vulnerability and the constant scrutiny he faces as a renowned artist. With Beyonce's powerful vocals in the chorus, the song highlights the discrepancy between the public's elevated perception of Eminem and his own perception of himself.One standout lyric is "Why are expectations so high? Is it the bar I set?" This line delves into the pressure Eminem feels to constantly outdo himself and meet the expectations set by his previous successes. The theme presented here is the internal struggle to live up to one's own accomplishments and the fear of not being able to surpass them. It reflects the universal fear of stagnation and the need for constant growth and improvement.Another powerful line in the song is "Kids look to me as a god, this is retarded" (using the term "retarded" metaphorically to imply disbelief or irony). This lyric highlights the theme of the burden of being seen as an idol or role model. Despite Eminem's immense talent, he acknowledges that he is just a flawed human being and feels overwhelmed by the weight of others' expectations. This theme explores the unrealistic pedestal that society often places celebrities on and the pressure they face to live up to those idealized images.In the verse where Eminem mentions fellow artists such as Nas, Rakim, Pac, B.I.G., and James Todd Smith (LL Cool J), he establishes a theme of comparison and the feelings of not measuring up to these iconic figures. This lyric delves into the idea of self-doubt and feeling inadequate in the face of legendary talent. Eminem expresses his fear that he will never reach the same level of greatness, questioning his own worth and talent. This theme of self-comparison ties back to the overarching theme of the song, emphasizing the difficulties of living up to others' expectations.The post-chorus sung by Beyonce further adds to the themes of vulnerability and human fallibility. The lyrics "I'm only human, just like you, making my mistakes oh if you only knew" convey a sense of relatability and the acknowledgement that everyone, including Eminem, is prone to making errors. It highlights the shared human experience of imperfection and the fear of letting others down. This theme helps to humanize Eminem and connect with listeners on a deeper level, reminding us that even the most talented and successful individuals face their own challenges and insecurities.Ultimately, through the exploration of these standout lyrics, Eminem constructs a narrative of immense pressure, self-doubt, and the desire to overcome one's own limitations. The themes presented in each lyric help to reinforce the overarching theme of the song, emphasizing the struggles and vulnerabilities that come with living up to societal expectations and maintaining one's artistic integrity. "Walk on Water" is an introspective and self-aware track that explores the complexities of Eminem's journey as an artist and highlights the universal struggles of the human experience.