"Flatline" by Esham is a song that tackles the theme of death and the struggles of the artist's mental state. The lyrics depict a dark and intense atmosphere, where Esham expresses his feelings of despair and a willingness to confront death. The chorus of the song repeats the word "flatline" multiple times, emphasizing the notion of reaching the end, both physically and mentally. It suggests a state of being lifeless, devoid of any vitality or hope. In the verses, Esham talks about various elements related to death. He mentions confronting and succumbing to his inner demons, represented by the metaphorical "razor" and "wicked rhyme." There is a sense of anger and defiance towards those who criticize or try to bring him down ("niggas need to stay up off my dick"). The artist expresses a willingness to embrace his own mortality, even going as far as to play dangerous games with death ("Russian roulette") and contemplating suicide ("suicidalist"). He confronts the fear of dying and the uncertainty of the afterlife, questioning where he will end up ("If I die, I'm goin to Hell, who do ya tell?"). The lyrics also touch upon the pressure and mental strain Esham feels. He references the movie character Rambo, symbolizing the violence and chaos that exists within his mind. The intensity of his thoughts and emotions cause him to lose control and experience a state of limbo. Overall, "Flatline" explores the darker aspects of the human psyche, depicting the artist's inner turmoil and his contemplation of death as a release from his emotional pain. The song serves as a representation of Esham's state of mind and his struggles with his own mortality.
