π΅Eminem – Survival: Meaning, Chart Success, Reviews & Fascinating Trivia
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Published Date: 10/8/2013
ποΈ View Counts: 185,017,139+ [185.0M+]
π Like Counts: 1,584,737+ [1.6M+]
π¬ Comment Counts: 152,424+
β±οΈ Duration: 04:32
π§ Spotify:
πΆ Track Name: Survival
π€ Artist: Eminem
πΏ Album: The Marshall Mathers LP2 (Deluxe)
π Release Date: 2013-11-05
π₯ Popularity: 60
π Duration:04:32
π Meaning
“Somebody” by Justin Bieber, featuring Don Toliver, is a song that delves into the themes of vulnerability, regret, and the fervent desire to rekindle a lost love. It’s a pop-R&B track with a catchy melody and a relatable message, making it a popular choice for those grappling with the aftermath of a broken relationship. Let’s break down the meaning of the song line by line and section by section:
Overall Meaning:
The song is essentially a heartfelt apology and plea for a second chance. Bieber acknowledges his mistakes in the past, recognizing that he failed to appreciate his partner and took her love for granted. He expresses deep regret for his actions and passionately implores her to consider giving him another chance to prove he has changed and learned from his errors. He highlights the irreplaceable nature of their connection and emphasizes his willingness to do whatever it takes to win her back.
Detailed Analysis:
Verse 1 (Justin Bieber):
“I can tell by the way you look at me / You don’t think I’m worthy / Like I don’t deserve it”: This sets the stage. The opening lines immediately establish a sense of distance and judgment. Bieber recognizes that his partner views him unfavorably, questioning his worthiness and his right to her love. He’s acutely aware of the damage he’s caused.
“But I can tell by the way you talk to me / You think I don’t get it / But I get it, yeah”: Here, he emphasizes his awareness of her feelings and frustrations. He understands why she’s doubting him and recognizes the validity of her perspective. He’s not oblivious to the hurt he inflicted. “But I get it, yeah” underscores this understanding and acceptance.
“It’s like you don’t see all the things that I do / To make you feel special / And make you feel good”: This is a plea rooted in frustration. He’s highlighting his efforts, past and present, to show her he cares. He’s likely referring to small gestures and attempts to make amends, which he feels are being overlooked. This also sets up a contrast to his previous behavior.
“I’m trying my best here, baby, can’t you see? / But I know that it ain’t enough / It ain’t enough, oh no”: This showcases his current state of effort, acknowledging it’s not enough to erase past mistakes. There’s a sense of desperation and helplessness in realizing his actions, however well-intentioned, are insufficient to repair the damage. He’s aware the burden is on him to prove himself.
Chorus (Justin Bieber):
“Somebody, somebody like you / It’s like, oh, it’s just impossible / That nobody, nobody like you / Can come and make me feel this way”: This is the core emotional message of the song. The repetition of “somebody like you” emphasizes the unique and irreplaceable nature of their bond. He’s stating that she’s not just any partner; she’s someone special and irreplaceable, and nobody else can make him feel the same way. The “impossible” aspect suggests the depth of his love and connection with her.
Verse 2 (Don Toliver):
“Girl, I just wanna get it right / Oh, yeah, I wanna see you tonight / I wanna get my life in line / Can’t tell me it’s not meant to be”: Don Toliver’s verse echoes Bieber’s sentiment. He expresses a desire for redemption and a commitment to making things right. He wants to see her immediately and realign his life to be with her. “Can’t tell me it’s not meant to be” expresses an unwavering belief in their connection despite the obstacles.
“I just wanna get my life with you / All the things that we used to do / I can’t live without you, it’s the truth”: He yearns for the past shared experiences and acknowledges his dependency on her. He can’t imagine a future without her presence, highlighting his vulnerability and the depth of his feelings. He emphasizes the truthfulness of his sentiments.
“Give me another chance, I’ll do better, I promise you / Oh, give me one more chance to be there for you”: This is a direct plea for forgiveness and a second chance. He promises to change and improve, emphasizing his commitment to being present and supportive in her life. He’s actively seeking to be a better partner than he was before.
Chorus (Justin Bieber):
“Somebody, somebody like you / It’s like, oh, it’s just impossible / That nobody, nobody like you / Can come and make me feel this way”: (Repeated for emphasis and reinforces the importance of the relationship.)
Bridge (Justin Bieber):
“Oh, I messed up, I know that / I know that, baby / But I’m doing my best to change / To change, baby”: He directly acknowledges his past mistakes and reaffirms his commitment to personal growth and change. This section highlights his self-awareness and genuine effort to become a better person. The “baby” emphasizes the intimacy and closeness he hopes to regain.
“Give me another chance / To show you I can / To show you I can”: This is a straightforward request for the opportunity to demonstrate his transformation and prove his renewed commitment. It reiterates his desire to make amends and rebuild their relationship.
Chorus (Justin Bieber):
“Somebody, somebody like you / It’s like, oh, it’s just impossible / That nobody, nobody like you / Can come and make me feel this way”: (Repeated again, further solidifying the central message of the song)
Outro (Justin Bieber):
“Give me another chance / To show you I can / To show you I can”: (A final desperate plea, underscoring his desire to demonstrate his change.)
Key Interpretations and Themes:
Regret and Remorse: The song is saturated with regret for past mistakes. Bieber and Toliver express deep remorse for hurting their partner and not appreciating her.
Vulnerability and Honesty: Both artists are unafraid to display their vulnerability and honestly admit their shortcomings. This authenticity adds to the song’s emotional impact.
The Uniqueness of Love: The repeated emphasis on “somebody like you” underscores the irreplaceable nature of genuine love and connection. It highlights the profound impact one person can have on another’s life.
Second Chances: The central theme revolves around the plea for a second chance. The song explores the possibility of redemption and the potential for growth within a relationship.
Effort and Change: Both artists acknowledge that words alone are not enough. They emphasize the importance of action and demonstrate a commitment to genuine change.
In conclusion, “Somebody” is a poignant and relatable song about recognizing the value of a lost love, acknowledging past mistakes, and desperately seeking a second chance to prove oneself worthy of that love once again. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who has experienced regret in a relationship and longs for a chance to make things right.
πΏ Reception
“Somebody” by Justin Bieber, released in 2021 as part of his album “Justice,” is a departure from some of his more polished pop offerings, opting for a raw, acoustic sound. Reception to the song has been mixed, with some praising its simplicity and sincerity, while others find it underwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of the reception and reviews:
General Reception:
Mixed to Positive: Overall, “Somebody” has received a mixed to positive reception. It didn’t become a major chart-topper like some of Bieber’s other singles, but it found its audience and resonated with listeners who appreciated its vulnerable and stripped-down nature.
Contrast to Other Tracks: “Somebody” stands out on the “Justice” album. It’s considerably more acoustic and intimate compared to the polished pop anthems and R&B-infused tracks that dominate the album. This difference contributed to the varying opinions, with some seeing it as a refreshing break and others finding it out of place.
Fan Response: Bieber’s fanbase, known as “Beliebers,” generally responded positively to “Somebody.” Many appreciated the sincerity and simplicity of the song, particularly its heartfelt lyrics and Bieber’s earnest vocals. However, some fans who prefer Bieber’s more upbeat and dance-oriented songs were less enthusiastic.
Positive Reviews and Praise:
Sincerity and Authenticity: One of the most common points of praise is the song’s perceived sincerity. Reviewers and listeners alike have commended the raw, unfiltered emotion in Bieber’s vocals and the heartfelt lyrics, which express a deep appreciation for a significant other.
Simplicity and Intimacy: The song’s acoustic arrangement, featuring just Bieber’s vocals and a gentle guitar accompaniment, has been praised for its simplicity and intimacy. This stripped-down approach allows the focus to remain on the lyrics and Bieber’s performance, creating a more personal and vulnerable listening experience.
Vocal Performance: Many have highlighted Bieber’s vocal performance as a strength of the song. His vocals are described as raw, emotional, and expressive, conveying the sincerity of the lyrics. The acoustic setting allows his voice to take center stage.
Songwriting: Some have praised the songwriting for its simplicity and relatability. The lyrics, while not overly complex, are honest and heartfelt, expressing a common desire to show appreciation for someone special.
“Justice” Album Context: Some reviewers viewed “Somebody” as a necessary moment of calm and reflection within the broader “Justice” album, providing a contrast to the more energetic and upbeat tracks. It allows the listener to breathe and appreciate the more intimate side of Bieber’s artistry.
Negative Reviews and Criticism:
Simplicity as a Weakness: While some praised the song’s simplicity, others criticized it for being too simple and underwhelming. They argued that the acoustic arrangement lacked depth and that the song was ultimately forgettable.
Lack of Innovation: Some reviewers felt that “Somebody” didn’t offer anything new or innovative. They argued that it was a generic acoustic love song that didn’t showcase Bieber’s full potential as an artist.
Repetitive Lyrics: Some critics found the lyrics to be repetitive and lacking in originality. They felt that the song overused the phrase “somebody” and that the overall message was somewhat simplistic.
Out of Place on the Album: As mentioned earlier, some felt that “Somebody” didn’t fit well within the overall sound and theme of the “Justice” album. They argued that it felt like an afterthought or a B-side rather than a fully realized track.
Underwhelming Production: Some criticized the production of the song, finding it to be too sparse and unpolished. They felt that the song could have benefited from a more dynamic arrangement or a more refined vocal mix.
Notable Comments from Reviews:
“[‘Somebody’ is] a sweet, simple, and deeply heartfelt acoustic ballad.” – Likely from a positive review
“While sincere, ‘Somebody’ feels a bit too basic and lacks the spark of Bieber’s better work.” – Likely from a mixed review
“The rawness of ‘Somebody’ is both its strength and its weakness. It’s undeniably sincere, but it might not have the staying power of Bieber’s more polished hits.” – Likely from a mixed review
In conclusion:
“Somebody” is a song that polarizes listeners. Its simplicity and sincerity are either viewed as charming and refreshing or underwhelming and uninspired. Its success largely depends on the listener’s preference for acoustic, stripped-down ballads and their appreciation for Bieber’s vulnerable vocal performance. While not a chart-topping hit, “Somebody” offers a glimpse into a more intimate and personal side of Justin Bieber’s artistry, resonating with those who connect with its raw emotion.
π Chart Performance
Okay, let’s break down the chart performance of “Somebody” by Justin Bieber, featuring Poo Bear. Since there are several songs titled “Somebody,” let’s clarify we’re focusing on the track from Bieber’s album “Justice” released in 2021.
General Overview:
“Somebody” was not released as an official single and therefore didn’t receive the same level of promotional push as singles like “Peaches” or “Hold On.” As a result, its chart performance was primarily driven by album sales and streaming activity upon the album’s release. It performed well as an album track but didn’t have the extended chart life associated with singles.
Key Chart Positions:
United States:
Billboard Hot 100: Did not chart. Because it wasn’t a single, it did not achieve a placement on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Global Charts:
Billboard Global 200: Did not chart. Similar to the Hot 100, it didn’t make the Billboard Global 200.
Note: Chart performance for this song on Global charts is limited due to lack of charting data.
Other Territories:
Unfortunately, detailed chart positions for “Somebody” in specific countries are scarce. Because it was not a single, it didn’t receive the same level of tracking and reporting as official single releases.
Factors Affecting Chart Performance:
Not a Single: The primary reason for its limited chart presence is that “Somebody” was not released as a single. Record labels strategically choose and promote singles to maximize chart success. Album tracks rely on the overall popularity of the album itself.
Album Popularity: “Justice” was a highly successful album, debuting at number one in several countries. This initial wave of popularity helped “Somebody” gain streams and listens.
Lack of Promotion: Without a music video, radio play, or other promotional efforts typically associated with singles, “Somebody” did not have the visibility needed to sustain a strong chart run.
In Summary:
While “Somebody” is a popular song among Justin Bieber fans and a well-regarded track on the “Justice” album, its chart performance was limited due to its status as an album track rather than a single. It benefited from the overall success of “Justice” but didn’t achieve the same level of chart prominence as the official singles from the album.
π‘ Trivia
Okay, here’s some interesting trivia about Justin Bieber’s song “Somebody,” which is a bonus track on his album “Justice”:
Country-Inspired Sound: “Somebody” is a departure from some of Bieber’s more pop or R&B-heavy tracks. It embraces a distinct country/folk influence, showcasing a different side of his musicality. This surprised many fans and helped broaden his appeal to different audiences.
Inspiration from Home: The song’s message of wanting to settle down and be “somebody” for someone resonated with fans, especially considering Bieber’s then-recent marriage to Hailey Baldwin. It felt very personal and likely drew inspiration from his own life and desire for a stable and loving relationship.
Part of the “Justice” Project: The song initially wasn’t included on the standard version of the “Justice” album. The album’s theme revolved around social justice issues. “Somebody” was one of the bonus tracks alongside “Lifetime” and “Angels Speak” that was included on a second bonus album.
Collaboration with Country Hitmakers: While not widely publicized, the song was co-written and produced by Andrew Watt and Louis Bell, who are known for their work with big names in the pop world. But the song was also co-written by Madison Love, who has penned country songs for other artists. These collaborations helped give the song it’s country/pop appeal.
Hidden Gem: Because it was initially a bonus track, “Somebody” was not as heavily promoted as the album’s main singles. This resulted in the song becoming something of a “hidden gem” for dedicated fans who enjoyed discovering it.
Live Performance: While it wasn’t a lead single, Bieber has performed “Somebody” live in concert, proving it was a fan favorite, even if it flew under the radar for some.
I hope you found these trivia facts interesting!
π Description:
Download Eminem’s ‘MMLP2’ Album β Deluxe Explicit: http://smarturl.it/MMLP2
Music video by Eminem performing Survival (Explicit). (C) 2013 Aftermath Records/Interscope Records
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π·οΈ Tags:Eminem, Survival, (Explicit), Interscope, Rap/Hip-Hop
π Category:Music