The song "Good Guy" by Eminem featuring Jessie Reyez is a track from his 2018 album "Kamikaze." The song delves into themes of love, betrayal, and emotional turmoil. In the first verse, Eminem reflects on his past relationship with a woman. He confesses that he used to be her hero, comparing himself to Romeo. However, their relationship took a downward spiral, with both of them hurting each other. He mentions a severed earlobe, symbolizing the physical and emotional pain they have inflicted on each other. Eminem questions the lengths people can go to in order to manipulate others, even referencing Vincent van Gogh's self-mutilation. The chorus, performed by Jessie Reyez, expresses the idea that no matter what evidence is presented, cheaters and non-believers cannot be convinced. She acknowledges that she is not in her feelings and accepts the false portrayal of the "good guy" persona. In the second verse, Eminem discusses a violent altercation between himself and the woman. He reveals that she physically attacked him, emphasizing the pain of betrayal. He confronts her deceptive behavior, implying that she is a promiscuous person who has cheated on him multiple times. He uses a metaphorical reference to beat her with two-by-fours, asserting his dominance and victory in the relationship. However, in the bridge, Eminem admits to still feeling hurt by the situation. He expresses his longing for her to acknowledge her mistakes and infidelity, hoping for a day when she admits her role as a "skank." He talks about her moving on and finding someone new, which further intensifies his pain. Despite the pain, he swears to overcome the dark emotions and find happiness again. The song ends with Jessie Reyez repeating the chorus, emphasizing the idea that appearances can be deceiving. She challenges the notion of being labeled as the "good guy" and exposes the hypocrisy of her ex-partner's image. Overall, "Good Guy" depicts a troubled relationship filled with lies, betrayal, and violence. Eminem acknowledges his own flaws and struggles with the aftermath of the failed relationship.
