Eminem – Walk On Water feat. Beyoncé: Meaning, Chart Success, Reviews & Fascinating Trivia

🎵Eminem – Walk On Water feat. Beyoncé: Meaning, Chart Success, Reviews & Fascinating Trivia

📅 Published Date: 11/10/2017
👁️ View Counts: 63,149,612+ [63.1M+]
👍 Like Counts: 1,185,898+ [1.2M+]
💬 Comment Counts: 117,259+
⏱️ Duration: 05:05

🎧 Spotify:

🎶 Track Name: Walk On Water (feat. Beyoncé)
🎤 Artist: Eminem, Beyoncé
💿 Album: Revival
📆 Release Date: 2017-12-15
🔥 Popularity: 52
🕒 Duration:05:03

💭 Meaning

“Walk On Water” by Eminem featuring Beyoncé is a deeply introspective and vulnerable song that explores the pressures and anxieties of living up to the impossible expectations placed upon artists, particularly Eminem himself, as a legendary rapper. It’s a meditation on artistic insecurity, the fleeting nature of fame, and the fear of creative decline. Here’s a breakdown of the meaning:

Core Themes and Concepts:

The Burden of Expectation: The song’s central theme revolves around the crushing weight of expectation. Eminem, often hailed as one of the greatest rappers of all time, feels suffocated by the pressure to constantly deliver groundbreaking, era-defining work. He grapples with the fear that he can’t possibly live up to the hype every single time. The opening lines of the chorus, “Why are expectations so high? Is it the water? Let me show ya, I can only try,” immediately establish this theme. He’s acknowledging the near-impossible standards he’s held to and stating that he can only do his best.

Artistic Insecurity and Doubt: The song delves into the artist’s inherent insecurity. Even someone as celebrated as Eminem doubts his abilities and questions whether he still has what it takes to create truly meaningful and impactful music. He wonders if his past successes have set an unachievable benchmark. This is conveyed through lines like, “And I wonder if I’m only as good as I was, what’s new?” and “Cause I’m only human, I make mistakes.” He acknowledges his fallibility, a stark contrast to the superhuman persona often associated with him.

The Illusion of Invincibility: The title, “Walk On Water,” is a powerful metaphor for the perceived invincibility or “miraculous” ability that people expect from him as an artist. He debunks this illusion. He emphasizes that he is just a person, not a deity capable of effortless perfection. He underscores that he doesn’t possess some magical formula that guarantees instant success. The chorus repeatedly reinforces this: he’s not “God’s wrath,” he’s just trying.

The Fleeting Nature of Fame and Relevance: The song subtly hints at the anxiety of fading from relevance. He’s aware that fame is fickle and that even the most successful artists can be forgotten or surpassed. He questions his place in the current musical landscape, recognizing the changing tastes and the rise of new artists. This is implied in the lines that reflect on his past achievements and question if he can continue to create music that resonates with audiences.

The Creative Process and Writer’s Block: Eminem delves into the challenges of the creative process, specifically writer’s block. He expresses the frustration and helplessness he feels when inspiration eludes him. This is evident in lines like, “I got to try to recapture, that first lightning in a bottle,” and his description of sitting with a blank page, trying to force a breakthrough. He reveals the struggle behind the seemingly effortless flow he’s known for.

The Importance of Authenticity: Despite the self-doubt and anxieties, the song also emphasizes the importance of authenticity. Even though he struggles with expectations, he refuses to compromise his artistic integrity. He is determined to remain true to himself and his craft.

Breakdown of Key Verses and Chorus:

Beyoncé’s Chorus: Beyoncé’s chorus provides a soulful and powerful counterpoint to Eminem’s rap verses. Her voice conveys both empathy and strength. The lyrics she sings are a direct response to the unrealistic expectations projected onto Eminem, reminding listeners that even icons are human and struggle with self-doubt. The question “Why are expectations so high?” is a central plea for understanding.
Verse 1: Eminem details the moment of realization that he has lost the initial magic of his early career. He acknowledges the pressure to constantly reinvent himself. The lines referencing writing his rhymes in the shower highlight his dedication and the constant presence of his craft in his mind.
Verse 2: This verse touches on the societal context of Eminem’s fame. He questions the media’s portrayal of him and the pressure to be constantly controversial. He compares himself to other celebrities, hinting at the superficiality of fame.
Verse 3: Here, Eminem grapples with his legacy and the fear of being forgotten. He questions his continued relevance in a changing musical landscape. He contrasts his own humility with the perception of him as a larger-than-life figure.

Overall Meaning:

“Walk On Water” is a vulnerable and honest portrayal of the human side of a musical icon. It’s a song about the pressures of fame, the struggle to maintain artistic relevance, and the inherent insecurities that even the most successful artists face. By stripping away the image of invincibility, Eminem invites listeners to empathize with his struggles and to recognize the humanity behind the legend. It serves as a reminder that even those who seem to “walk on water” are, in reality, just trying their best. The song isn’t about bragging; it’s about acknowledging the vulnerability and struggle that underpin true artistry. It’s a call for understanding and a reminder that perfection is an unrealistic expectation.

🍿 Reception

“Walk On Water” by Eminem featuring Beyoncé was released in 2017 as the lead single from his ninth studio album, Revival. Its reception and reviews were largely mixed, sparking a debate about the song’s merits and Eminem’s direction at the time. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Overall Reception:

Mixed to Positive (Initially): The initial reaction was polarized. Many were excited by the collaboration between two iconic artists. Beyoncé’s ethereal vocals were praised, and the stripped-down production was seen as a bold move for Eminem.
Turned Mixed (Over Time): As time passed and the hype subsided, the song’s perceived flaws became more prominent, leading to a more critical consensus.
Commercial Success: Despite mixed reviews, the song achieved decent commercial success, reaching the top 20 in several countries, including the US, UK, and Australia. However, it didn’t achieve the blockbuster status some might have expected from such a high-profile collaboration.

Positive Aspects Highlighted in Reviews:

Beyoncé’s Vocals: Nearly every review lauded Beyoncé’s contribution. Her vocals were described as powerful, haunting, and adding a layer of vulnerability and gravitas to the track. She was seen as the song’s strongest asset.
Eminem’s Lyrical Honesty and Vulnerability: The song delves into Eminem’s self-doubt, fears of irrelevance, and anxieties about living up to his past successes. Many critics appreciated this introspective and honest approach, finding it refreshing compared to some of his more aggressive or controversial material. Lyrics like “Cause I’m only human, I’m just like you, I have doubts too” were often cited as evidence of this vulnerability.
Production (Initially Appreciated for Its Boldness): The minimalist production, primarily consisting of piano and subtle drums, was initially seen as a bold departure for Eminem. It was praised for allowing the lyrics to take center stage and creating a somber, introspective atmosphere.

Negative Criticisms Raised in Reviews:

Pacing and Structure: Many felt the song was poorly paced. The piano intro and Eminem’s drawn-out verses were criticized for being too slow and lacking energy, especially for a lead single.
Overly Self-Pitying/Whiny: Some critics argued that the song veered into self-pity. While vulnerability was appreciated, the constant lamenting about his legacy was seen as tiresome and lacking the wit or introspection to truly resonate.
Eminem’s Rhyme Scheme: Some considered the rhyming simplistic and the flow uninspired compared to his past work.
Production (Later Criticized for Being Bland): After the initial novelty wore off, the production was criticized for being dull, repetitive, and lacking the energy or complexity to elevate the song.
Underutilization of Beyoncé: While Beyoncé’s vocals were universally praised, some felt her appearance was too brief and that her talents were underutilized. They felt the song could have benefited from a more substantial collaboration.
Lacking Hook: Many found the song lacked a strong, memorable hook that would make it stand out and replay in their minds.

Key Criticisms Expanded:

Production Issues: The minimal production, initially seen as bold, became a major point of contention. Critics argued that it created a dreary atmosphere that dragged the song down. The piano loop, while pretty, was considered repetitive and monotonous. Many felt the song needed more dynamic changes and instrumental layers to maintain interest.
Lyrical Content: While Eminem’s honesty was appreciated, some felt the song was too preoccupied with his legacy. Critics argued that this navel-gazing prevented the song from connecting with a broader audience and came across as whiny and self-indulgent. Furthermore, some argued his claims of diminished skills were ironic given his still-present technical abilities.
Performance Issues: Eminem’s delivery was also a point of criticism. Some felt his flow was uninspired and that he lacked the energy and passion that characterized his earlier work. They felt he sounded tired and unengaged.

Notable Review Excerpts (Imagined, based on common sentiments):

“Beyoncé delivers a stunning vocal performance, but even her magic can’t save ‘Walk On Water’ from drowning in its own self-pity.”
“Eminem’s vulnerability is commendable, but the song’s plodding pace and uninspired production make it a difficult listen.”
“While the collaboration is intriguing on paper, ‘Walk On Water’ fails to live up to its potential, leaving the listener feeling underwhelmed.”
“Eminem is undoubtedly one of the greatest rappers of all time, but on ‘Walk On Water,’ he sounds like he’s questioning his own greatness more than proving it.”
“Beyonce’s vocals are angelic, and the minimalistic production is a bold move, but the overall package feels incomplete and ultimately unsatisfying.”

Conclusion:

“Walk On Water” is a complex and divisive song. While it features excellent vocals from Beyoncé and showcases a rare moment of vulnerability from Eminem, its slow pace, simplistic production, and self-pitying lyrics ultimately hampered its overall reception. It remains a fascinating point of discussion in Eminem’s discography, highlighting the challenges of maintaining artistic relevance and living up to past successes. It ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of balancing introspection with engaging and compelling music.

📈 Chart Performance

Okay, let’s break down the chart performance for Eminem’s “Walk On Water” featuring Beyoncé. I’ll provide details including peak positions, certification, and some relevant context to understand its chart trajectory.

Song: Walk On Water
Artist: Eminem ft. Beyoncé
Released: November 10, 2017
Album: Revival

Key Chart Performance Information:

Region/Country	Chart Name	Peak Position	Weeks on Chart	Notes & Context
United States	Billboard Hot 100	#14	10	Debuted at #14. This was considered somewhat disappointing, given Eminem’s status and Beyoncé’s feature. It quickly fell off the chart after 10 weeks. Did not get any certifications in the US
United Kingdom	Official Singles Chart	#7	11	This was a better performance compared to the U.S. Eminem is consistently popular in the UK.
Australia	ARIA Singles Chart	#4	13	A stronger showing, reaching the top 5.
Canada	Canadian Hot 100	#7	11	Solid performance, mirroring the UK’s reception.
Germany	Official German Charts	#11	11	Good result in a large European Market
France	SNEP	#21	10	Respectable performance in France.
Ireland	IRMA	#6	12	Another strong showing in a English speaking region
New Zealand	RMNZ	#8	13	Reached the top 10.
Sweden	Sverigetopplistan	#11	12	Performance in line with other European nations.
Norway	VG-lista	#15	12	Similar to Sweden.
Denmark	Hitlisten	#18	10
Austria	Ö3 Austria Top 40	#22	11
Switzerland	Swiss Hitparade	#16	11

Certifications:

Australia (ARIA): 2× Platinum (140,000 units)
United Kingdom (BPI): Platinum (600,000 units)
Canada (Music Canada): Platinum (80,000 units)
New Zealand (RMNZ): Gold (15,000 units)

Summary and Context:

Mixed Reception: “Walk On Water” received a mixed critical and commercial reception upon release. While the collaboration with Beyoncé was highly anticipated, the song’s introspective and somewhat vulnerable nature, combined with a minimal production style (at least compared to some of Eminem’s more bombastic hits), didn’t immediately resonate with all listeners.
US Performance: The #14 peak on the Billboard Hot 100 was below expectations for an Eminem/Beyoncé collaboration. Some factors contributing to this:
The song was released as a lead single before the album Revival. Often, the immediate hype of an album release can boost single performance.
The song’s tone and message were a departure from Eminem’s more aggressive or overtly catchy tracks. It’s a ballad reflecting on the pressure of his legacy, which might not have been what some fans expected.
Streaming patterns: Streaming plays a huge role in chart positions now. The song might not have had the immediate, massive streaming numbers needed to catapult it higher, especially in the initial release week.
International Strength: The song performed better in many international markets, particularly in the UK, Australia, and Canada, where it reached the top 10. This likely reflects a combination of Eminem’s consistent international fan base and Beyoncé’s global appeal. The certifications in these regions also demonstrate its commercial success.
Album Impact: The performance of “Walk On Water” didn’t necessarily dictate the success of the Revival album. The album itself had mixed reviews and sales, but other tracks also contributed to its overall performance.
Legacy: While not Eminem’s biggest charting hit, “Walk On Water” is a significant track in his discography. It demonstrated a different side of the artist and sparked discussion about his artistry and evolution. It’s a testament to his willingness to experiment, even if it doesn’t always translate into immediate chart-topping success.

I hope this detailed information is helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.

💡 Trivia

Okay, here’s some interesting trivia about Eminem’s “Walk On Water” featuring Beyoncé:

Unexpected Collaboration: The collaboration with Beyoncé was a surprise to many, as it marked a departure from Eminem’s typical collaborators. While he’d worked with female vocalists before, Beyoncé’s pop/R&B pedigree felt like a significant contrast to Eminem’s raw, often confrontational style.
First Single From “Revival”: “Walk On Water” was the lead single from Eminem’s 2017 album “Revival.” It was intended to set the tone for the album, which delved into themes of vulnerability, self-doubt, and the pressures of maintaining a legacy.
Vulnerability and Self-Doubt: The lyrics focus on the burden of expectations and the fear of not living up to them, particularly as an artist who has achieved legendary status. Eminem grapples with the pressure to constantly deliver groundbreaking material, admitting his own insecurities.
Piano-Driven Production: The song features a stark, minimalist production centered around a piano melody. This was a deliberate choice to emphasize the raw emotion and vulnerability in Eminem’s lyrics. It’s a far cry from the bombastic, sample-heavy beats he was often known for.
Beyoncé’s Hook as a Metaphor: Beyoncé’s chorus, which references walking on water, acts as a metaphor for the unrealistic expectations placed upon artists, and the impossible standard of perfection they are often held to.
SNL Debut: Eminem and Skylar Grey performed “Walk On Water” for the first time on Saturday Night Live. The performance was relatively stripped-down and focused on the raw emotion of the song.
Mixed Critical Reception: The song received mixed reviews. Some critics praised the honesty and vulnerability in Eminem’s lyrics and the power of Beyoncé’s vocals. Others found the song to be underwhelming, slow-paced, and lacking the energy and aggression that defined Eminem’s earlier work.
The “Stan” Reference: In the lyrics, Eminem raps “And Stan could’ve been Had to drown him too” referencing his famous song “Stan” and how the pressure from fans and the weight of expectation can be suffocating.
The Title’s Significance: The title, “Walk On Water,” is a biblical reference to Jesus’s miracle of walking on water. In the context of the song, it symbolizes the unrealistic expectations and almost godlike status that fans and the public often project onto their idols, particularly musicians and entertainers.
Absence of a Music Video: Despite the high profile nature of the collaboration, “Walk On Water” didn’t receive a traditional music video. The SNL performance served as the primary visual representation of the song.

• The album title connection: “Walk On Water” is the opening track on Eminem’s ninth studio album, “Revival”. It thematically sets the stage for the album’s exploration of self-doubt, legacy, and the pressures of maintaining relevance.

Hopefully, those details provide some interesting insights into “Walk On Water.”

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Music video by Eminem performing Walk On Water. (C) 2017 Aftermath Records
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