The Meaning Behind the "Not Afraid" Music Video?

[Neomic2006]

The first few times I watched the video, I pretty much figured the video was just Eminem kinda doing the whole Hancock thing, and the meaning being that he felt "amazing" again, as his lyrics would point out. Today however, I sort of realized that everything in the video is symbolic of Eminem's life over the past few years.

In the opening shots, Em is seen standing on top of a building, or another words "standing on top of the world". Eminem walks away, which I would think signifies him retiring from from rap. He begins walking down the street, trying to just be normal, but you get this sense that he feels out of place. I'm guessing this would all be when Eminem was laying low after retiring. As he continues walking, he begins to enter a mirror maze, and his face is shown somewhat distorted in some of the mirrors. I think this would signify him being under the influence of the drugs he was on, and being trapped within "himself." Eminem breaks out, and the world around him is broken, which could mean a couple of different things, but I'm going to go with it being symbolic of Proof. Eminem tips over the ledge, which would probably be his grieving, but suddenly he starts flying. He finally went to rehab, and him flying was him finally being free. He lands back on top of the building, signifying that he's back on top of the world again.

That's my interpretation of the video. Am I looking too deep into this? lol

[ChronicJon]

Your theory makes so much sense that I think it IS actually the meaning behind the video. Very good

Makes a lot of sense

[SajN]

I don't think you're loking too deep into this. I am sure I saw some other people saying something just like this, and this is the way I see it too.

[dR3]

No, you're not looking too deep.

I agree.

[Neomic2006]

As far as I remember Eminem explained the video is symbolic and it's about him been in a dark place and trying to get the fuck out of it so it was all that from before it even came out. What do you mean you got the idea today?

I never knew he explained it, and figured that the video was never really explained as I found nothing on Wikipedia or any website talking about the video. Like I said, before today, I thought it was just a music video that mimicked Hancock in a way.

[mrjizzbomber]

I like it. The mirrors is him with his first drug phase. He breaks out. Proof dies, the world is shattered. Maybe its that 'the world is ending' when he gets to the ledge, because Proof is dead. He jumps, which is the relapse and overdose. He is certainly going to die, until he miraculously bounces back, and soars back on top of the world.

The Beats By Dre billboard is symbolic of product placement.

[Neomic2006]

I like it. The mirrors is him with his first drug phase. He breaks out. Proof dies, the world is shattered. Maybe its that 'the world is ending' when he gets to the ledge, because Proof is dead. He jumps, which is the relapse and overdose. He is certainly going to die, until he miraculously bounces back, and soars back on top of the world.

[CRiS_BeAsT]

exactly correct

[Emadyville]

very good analyis of the video

which, btw, already has over 23 million plays, and lose yourself has like 55 million, soooo goddamn

[MOD22]

Your theory makes so much sense that I think it IS actually the meaning behind the video. Very good

Makes a lot of sense

good work man

[Devil'sAdvocate]

[Dark Blue]

Your theory makes so much sense that I think it IS actually the meaning behind the video. Very good

Makes a lot of sense