The Way I Am is a song by American rapper Eminem, released as the second single from his third studio record, The Marshall Mathers LP. The single was issued in late December 2000 (commonly cited release date: December 27, 2000). The track was later included on Eminem's 2005 compilation greatest hits album Curtain Call: The Hits.
Release and chart performance
Upon release, the song entered the US singles chart and peaked at number 58 on the Billboard Hot 100. It received radio play and generated attention for its direct lyrical tone and stark production.
Lyrics and themes
The song finds Eminem addressing the pressure he felt from the music industry, the media and parts of his audience. He uses forceful, confrontational language to reject expectations and to describe the stress of public scrutiny. One line in the song mentions a bullied student who "shoots up his school", which has been read as a reference to the two perpetrators of the 1999 tragedy: Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, who carried out the Columbine High School massacre. The lyric prompted discussion about the relationship between violent events and popular culture.
Remix, performances and legacy
An official remix produced by Danny Lohner features Marilyn Manson; Manson has also joined Eminem onstage to perform the song. The title "The Way I Am" was later used by Eminem as the name of his 2008 autobiography, linking the song's themes of identity and public image to his broader public narrative.