This is the first Eminem song that ever grabbed my heart and held it. Walking around the halls of my school, there were rumors about me that people believed to be gospel truth. There were stories and lies. But only a few knew the truth about who I was.
Constantly I would get looks and words of judgement from people who thought that they knew me. People who thought they truly understood what my motivations were in life. I never got a chance to defend my position, they did not want to hear it, their mind was made.
So I learned to hold my head high, knowing exactly who I was. Knowing what I was capable of. I no longer cared about my perceived reputation because that was not alterable. Who I am, the character I have, that is what I am to be held accountable for. As for others, what they view and what they think. That is on them.
When Eminem sings this song, he is pointing out how stupid it is for people to think that everything they read about him is true. Or for them to think that that is the whole story. His saying "I am whatever you say I am", is pointing out the fact that who they believe him to be is entirely made up of hear-say.
Let them talk and let them watch. You are not who they say you are. You may not be able to prove them wrong, but you have the truth on your side.
