What is the meaning behind “But in my head there’s something I can feel tugging and struggling Angels fight with devils and here’s what they want from me”? Rap God by Eminem
- by imrk
- March 25, 2023
Eminem is referring to a “ strong shoulder angel .” The angel represents the person’s conscience, often accompanied by a shoulder devil representing temptation. It’s a common plot device in media in order to represent someone’s inner conflict visually. Eminem has used the same device before in Guilty Conscience , wherein he and Dre act as fictional characters' shoulder devil and angel respectively. Eminem feels guilty about the sexism and homophobia in his songs, but also knows it will get him publicity, sell records and make money – and he doesn’t want to be told what to do! It goes back to that battle, back and forth in my head, of wanting to feel free to say what I want to say, and then [worrying about] what may or may not affect people. – Rolling Stone