Stan (Long Version) – Eminem ft. Dido

Released in 2000, “Stan” is one of Eminem’s most critically acclaimed songs, blending storytelling, raw emotion, and a haunting melody. Featuring British singer Dido, the track is a chilling portrayal of fan obsession gone too far. “Stan” serves as the third single from Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP, and it continues to be regarded as one of the most iconic rap songs of all time. The song’s long version features an extended narrative and music video, which heightens the tragic tale of the titular character. It touches on themes of fame, mental illness, and the often destructive nature of idolization.

The Narrative: A Letter From a Fan
The song is structured as a series of letters from an obsessive fan named Stan, who writes to Eminem over time, growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of a reply. In the first three verses, Stan addresses Eminem directly, expressing how deeply he relates to his music. Initially, Stan seems like a passionate fan, eager to connect with his idol. However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that Stan’s admiration is unhealthy, and his mental state deteriorates.

The first verse begins with Stan writing his first letter, in which he explains his love for Eminem’s music, calling himself his “biggest fan.” As the verses progress, Stan’s letters become more erratic and troubling. He confesses to cutting himself and expresses an unhealthy identification with Eminem’s darker lyrics. The fan’s obsession spirals into frustration and anger, as Eminem doesn’t respond. In the final verse, Stan records a tape while driving his car, with his pregnant girlfriend tied up in the trunk, intending to drive off a bridge as a desperate final act of attention-seeking.

Eminem finally responds in the fourth verse, but it’s too late. The artist tries to offer advice, urging Stan to seek help and assuring him that his previous letters simply hadn’t reached him yet. However, Eminem realizes too late that the letter he’s responding to is from the same person he had just heard about on the news—Stan has already taken his own life and the life of his girlfriend in a tragic car accident.

Dido’s Haunting Chorus
One of the most significant aspects of “Stan” is the use of Dido’s song “Thank You” in the chorus. Her soft, melancholic voice contrasts with Eminem’s intense verses, adding a layer of emotion to the song. Dido’s lyrics, “My tea’s gone cold, I’m wondering why I got out of bed at all,” emphasize the sense of despair and loneliness that Stan feels. It’s a perfect fit for the song’s narrative, as it subtly reinforces the themes of isolation, desperation, and the feeling of being overlooked.

The chorus, repeated throughout the song, serves as a thematic anchor, grounding the listener in the emotional state of Stan. While Eminem’s verses become more frantic and aggressive, Dido’s vocals offer a sad, contemplative counterpoint. The combination of rap and soft pop in “Stan” was innovative for the time, and it helped the song reach a wider audience beyond just rap fans.

Themes of Fame and Fan Obsession
“Stan” is a complex song that addresses the darker side of fame and fan culture. Eminem uses the character of Stan to explore what can happen when a fan’s admiration turns into an unhealthy obsession. Through Stan’s letters, we see how he begins to blur the lines between reality and fantasy, interpreting Eminem’s lyrics as personal messages to him. This dangerous misinterpretation leads Stan to emulate the darkest parts of Eminem’s songs, particularly those that deal with anger and self-harm.

The song also highlights the impact that fame can have on both artists and fans. For Eminem, it’s a cautionary tale about the responsibility that comes with being in the public eye. He is forced to confront the fact that his music, which often deals with controversial and violent subjects, can be taken literally by some listeners. This realization leads him to express regret and concern in the final verse, where he tries to reach out to Stan too late.

From the fan’s perspective, “Stan” shows how obsessive fandom can lead to dangerous consequences. Stan believes he has a personal connection with Eminem because he identifies so strongly with his lyrics. He sees Eminem as someone who understands him in ways that no one else does, leading him to feel entitled to a response. When that response doesn’t come, Stan’s sense of rejection and isolation grows, culminating in his tragic, violent end.

Cultural Impact and Legacy
“Stan” was an instant hit upon its release, peaking at number one in several countries and receiving widespread critical acclaim. It has since become one of Eminem’s most famous songs, often cited as one of the greatest hip-hop tracks ever made. Its storytelling, emotional depth, and unique structure set it apart from other songs of its era.

The term “stan” has even entered popular culture as a term used to describe overzealous or obsessive fans. What was once a fictional character in a song has become a label for a specific kind of fandom, showing the lasting impact of the song on both music and culture.

In addition to its commercial success, “Stan” also received numerous accolades. It was nominated for multiple awards, including Best Song at the MTV Europe Music Awards and Best International Male at the BRIT Awards. The song’s music video, directed by Dr. Dre and Philip Atwell, also became iconic. The video mirrors the song’s narrative, following Stan as he descends into madness. Devon Sawa, who plays Stan in the video, delivers a chilling performance, further emphasizing the tragic nature of the story.

Criticism and Controversy
While “Stan” was praised for its emotional depth and creativity, it wasn’t without controversy. Some critics argued that the song’s depiction of violence and mental illness was problematic, especially given Eminem’s history of controversial lyrics. Others believed that the song glorified unhealthy behavior, although Eminem’s final verse serves as a clear caution against such actions.

Despite these criticisms, “Stan” has remained a cornerstone of Eminem’s discography. It marked a turning point in his career, showing that he was capable of more than just shock value and controversy. With “Stan,” Eminem proved himself to be a master storyteller, capable of tackling difficult subjects with nuance and emotional depth.

Conclusion
“Stan” is much more than just a song; it’s a powerful commentary on fame, mental health, and the complicated relationship between artists and their fans. Eminem’s storytelling, combined with Dido’s haunting vocals, creates a deeply emotional experience that resonates with listeners on multiple levels. Whether it’s through the cautionary tale of obsession or the exploration of fame’s darker side, “Stan” remains one of the most impactful and thought-provoking songs in modern music history. Its legacy continues to grow, cementing Eminem’s status as one of the greatest storytellers in hip-hop.

My tea’s gone cold, I’m wondering why I
Got out of bed at all
The morning rain clouds up my window (Window)
And I can’t see at all
And even if I could, it’d all be grey
But your picture on my wall
It reminds me that it’s not so bad, it’s not so bad (Bad)

Dear Slim, I wrote you, but you still ain’t callin’
I left my cell, my pager and my home phone at the bottom
I sent two letters back in autumn, you must not’ve got ’em
There prob’ly was a problem at the post office or somethin’
Sometimes I scribble addresses too sloppy when I jot ’em
But anyways, fuck it, what’s been up, man? How’s your daughter?
My girlfriend’s pregnant too, I’m ’bout to be a father
If I have a daughter, guess what I’ma call her? I’ma name her Bonnie
I read about your Uncle Ronnie too, I’m sorry
I had a friend kill himself over some bitch who didn’t want him
I know you prob’ly hear this every day, but I’m your biggest fan
I even got the underground shit that you did with Skam
I got a room full of your posters and your pictures, man
I like the shit you did with Rawkus too, that shit was phat
Anyways, I hope you get this, man, hit me back
Just to chat, truly yours, your biggest fan, this is Stan

Dear Slim, you still ain’t called or wrote, I hope you have a chance
I ain’t mad, I just think it’s fucked up you don’t answer fans
If you didn’t want to talk to me outside your concert, you didn’t have to
But you coulda signed an autograph for Matthew
That’s my little brother, man, he’s only six years old
We waited in the blisterin’ cold for you, for four hours, and you just said, “no”
That’s pretty shitty, man, you’re like his fuckin’ idol
He wants to be just like you, man, he likes you more than I do
I ain’t that mad, though I just don’t like bein’ lied to
Remember when we met in Denver? You said if I’d write you, you would write back
See, I’m just like you in a way: I never knew my father neither
He used to always cheat on my mom and beat her
I can relate to what you’re sayin’ in your songs
So when I have a shitty day, I drift away and put ’em on
‘Cause I don’t really got shit else, so that shit helps when I’m depressed
I even got a tattoo with your name across the chest
Sometimes I even cut myself to see how much it bleeds
It’s like adrenaline, the pain is such a sudden rush for me
See, everything you say is real, and I respect you ’cause you tell it
My girlfriend’s jealous ’cause I talk about you 24/7
But she don’t know you like I know you, Slim, no one does
She don’t know what it was like for people like us growin’ up
You gotta call me, man, I’ll be the biggest fan you’ll ever lose
Sincerely yours, Stan, PS: We should be together too

Dear Mr. I’m-Too-Good-to-Call-or-Write-My-Fans
This’ll be the last package I ever send your ass
It’s been six months, and still no word, I don’t deserve it?
I know you got my last two letters, I wrote the addresses on ’em perfect
So this is my cassette I’m sendin’ you, I hope you hear it
I’m in the car right now, I’m doin’ ninety on the freeway
Hey, Slim, I drank a fifth of vodka, you dare me to drive?
You know the song by Phil Collins, “In the Air of the Night”
About that guy who coulda saved that other guy from drownin’
But didn’t, then Phil saw it all, then at a show he found him?
That’s kinda how this is: You coulda rescued me from drownin’
Now it’s too late, I’m on a thousand downers now, I’m drowsy
And all I wanted was a lousy letter or a call
I hope you know I ripped all of your pictures off the wall
I loved you, Slim, we coulda been together, think about it
You ruined it now, I hope you can’t sleep and you dream about it
And when you dream, I hope you can’t sleep and you scream about it
I hope your conscience eats at you, and you can’t breathe without me
See, Slim, shut up, bitch! I’m tryna talk
Hey, Slim, that’s my girlfriend screamin’ in the trunk
But I didn’t slit her throat, I just tied her up, see? I ain’t like you
‘Cause if she suffocates she’ll suffer more and then she’ll die too
Well, gotta go, I’m almost at the bridge now
Oh, shit, I forgot, how am I supposed to send this shit out?!

Dear Stan, I meant to write you sooner, but I just been busy
You said your girlfriend’s pregnant now, how far along is she?
Look, I’m really flattered you would call your daughter that
And here’s an autograph for your brother, I wrote it on a Starter cap
I’m sorry I didn’t see you at the show, I must’ve missed you
Don’t think I did that shit intentionally just to diss you
But what’s this shit you said about you like to cut your wrists too?
I say that shit just clownin’, dawg, come on, how fucked up is you?
You got some issues, Stan, I think you need some counselin’
To help your ass from bouncin’ off the walls when you get down some
And what’s this shit about us meant to be together?
That type of shit’ll make me not want us to meet each other
I really think you and your girlfriend need each other
Or maybe you just need to treat her better
I hope you get to read this letter, I just hope it reaches you in time
Before you hurt yourself, I think that you’ll be doin’ just fine
If you relax a little, I’m glad I inspire you, but, Stan
Why are you so mad? Try to understand that I do want you as a fan
I just don’t want you to do some crazy shit
I seen this one shit on the news a couple weeks ago that made me sick
Some dude was drunk and drove his car over a bridge
And had his girlfriend in the trunk, and she was pregnant with his kid
And in the car, they found a tape, but they didn’t say who it was to
Come to think about it, his name was, it was you
Damn

Dido Eminem