"Esham's song What Did I Do Wrong" is a deeply introspective and emotionally raw track that delves into the artist's personal struggles with addiction, mental health issues, and feelings of despair. The lyrics paint a bleak picture of a life marked by pain and self-destructive tendencies. The chorus expresses a desperate plea, wondering what the protagonist did wrong to deserve such a difficult existence and contemplating not wanting to continue living. These lines reflect a sense of hopelessness and a desire to escape the overwhelming burdens of life. The verses delve deeper into the artist's experiences and thoughts. Esham reveals that his mother was a drug addict and also suffered from manic depression. He compares her struggles to those of the famous music group The Supremes, highlighting the magnitude of her mental health issues. He also mentions using drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism, hinting at his own battles with addiction. The lyrics touch upon the pain of losing River Phoenix, an actor who died tragically young, and compare it to the artist's own feelings of wanting to drop dead. There are references to self-harm, expressing how lost and damaged the protagonist feels. The verses continue to explore the depths of addiction, with mentions of using heroin and the destructive impacts it has on the body and relationships. Esham reflects on society's rejection and judgment of him, feeling like the man in the mirror is scared to face him. The song delves into the artist's thoughts on suicide and the societal issues surrounding drug addiction. Esham confronts the harsh reality that his addiction stems from childhood trauma and societal neglect. He criticizes the system and expresses a sense of alienation by referring to himself as public enemy number one. The lyrics also touch upon the birth of crack babies and the prevalence of addiction in the protagonist's community. Esham questions the state of humanity and society, expressing frustration and disillusionment with the world. Overall, "What Did I Do Wrong" is a contemplative and raw exploration of addiction, mental health struggles, and societal issues. Esham invites listeners to reflect on the pain and desperation that can come with these experiences, offering a poignant and personal perspective on these themes.
