“Little Engine” is the 15th track on Eminem’s 2020 project ‘Music to Be Murdered By.’ Long has fans requested for Slim Shady, the crazier and more psychotic alter ego of Eminem. It is noteworthy that the album cover credits the album to Slim Shady and this song is the perfect example of what Slim Shady is.
Eminem released his much anticipated eleventh studio album titled ‘Music to Be Murdered By’ on January 17, 2020. Although the album was heavily awaited by Stans, the release of the album was a surprise as Eminem nor any official party gave out any confirmation of the release. ‘Music to Be Murdered By’ album consists a staggering 20 tracks and is considered as a double album. The album is seemingly an address to the current status of the Rap God, addressing his friends and foes in the game. This recent surprise project follows Eminem’s 2018 surprise hit ‘Kamikaze‘ album that literally attacked every disdainful aspect in society including mumble rap.
This song also samples Alfred Hitchcock’s album by the same name of ‘Music to Be Murdered By’ released in 1958. And this is not the only song. The intro to “Little Engine” is entirely a sample from “I Don’t Stand a Ghost of a Chance With You” by Alfred Hitchcock.
Listen to “Little Engine” by Eminem
Buy ‘Music to Be Murdered By’ Album on Apple Music and Amazon
In the song, Eminem raps about a few controversial cases in society. One such case is the O. J. Simpson murder trials and Tate Murders of 1969. In the latter event, actress Sharon Tate and her guests were brutally murdered by the Charles Manson cult in her own home. The 2019 movie ‘Once Upon A Time In Hollywood’ is based on this story.
Eminem goes on to draw similarities of his mental state to that of these convicted felons in the above cases. He calls it “The kinda crazy you can’t fix.” There is still a large proportion of people who can’t stand Eminem and lyrics. However, he is beyond the point of caring about what anyone has to say.
The chorus of the song suggests that Eminem’s wicked mental state is a result of drug abuse. If his brain is a “Little Engine,” drugs are its fuel.
The second verse of the song addresses more controversies following Eminem throughout his life. He has been called from ‘good’ to ‘bad’ to ‘ugly.’ Slim Shady shows no sign of stopping. He says that he has the right to remain violent, and anyone who crosses Eminem’s path shall get a load of his verbal abuse.
However, it is noteworthy that Eminem says that the “Little Engine” is no more. Could this be about that Eminem is no longer on drugs? But even now he does sound as fiery and wicked as his old days.
Check out the complete lyrics and further song meaning breakdown on Genius.