Samiksha Jaiswal (Editor)

Sing for the Moment

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Released
  
February 25, 2003

Genre
  
Hip hop, rap rock

Recorded
  
2000-2001

Format
  
CD cassette digital download

Length
  
5:40 (album version) 4:48 (clean radio edit)

Label
  
Aftermath Shady Interscope

"Sing for the Moment" is a song by American rapper Eminem from his fourth album The Eminem Show (2002). It was released in February 25, 2003, as the fourth single from The Eminem Show and the final single in the United States. The song samples "Dream On" by American hard rock band Aerosmith.

Contents

"Sing for the Moment" received positive reviews from music critics, with many critics praising Eminem's rapping ability, the lyrics, and the "Dream On" sample. "Sing for the Moment" proved to be successful, peaking inside the Top 10 in twenty countries. In the United States, "Sing for the Moment" reached number fourteen on the Billboard Hot 100. The song, along with the original "Dream On", was used in a trailer for the 2016 animated film Sing.

Background

"Sing for the Moment" contains samples of the song "Dream On" by the rock band Aerosmith. Joe Perry plays the guitar solo at the end of the song, and a sample of Steven Tyler singing is used as the chorus for this song. Eminem says "sing" when Tyler starts to sing the chorus, and Eminem also says "sing with me" and "come on". Eminem says the words in his live performances as well. The song also contains a sample of "Dream On" at the beginning of the song. "Sing for the Moment" was later released on Eminem's greatest hits compilation album Curtain Call: The Hits (2005).

"Sing for the Moment" deals with the themes of rap music's effect on society and the misunderstanding Eminem claims critics and parents have towards his message. Eminem uses the song to refute critics who have accused him of promoting violence to young people, saying that committing a crime is ultimately up to the offender in a post-9/11 world. He also explains that his music has an advantage for young people, claiming that his music is a relief from boredom and depression. Eminem's altercation with a bouncer named John Guerrera is also referenced in this song.

"That's why we seize the moment, try to freeze it and own it - Squeeze it and hold it, 'cause we consider these minutes golden"

The song reached #14 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart, #6 on the UK Singles Chart, and #5 on the Australian ARIAnet Singles Chart.

Critical reception

David Browne wrote: "In 'Sing for the Moment,' which includes a tirade against the media and politically motivated prosecutors, the intensity of his delivery overcomes the hoariest of ideas – incorporating a portion of an overly familiar classic-rock oldie, Aerosmith's 'Dream On.' The song becomes a clarion call of suburban kids everywhere, not just an easy route to a hit."

DX magazine concluded that in this song Eminem is dealing with his life and called it "guitar-fueled track." RapReviews was positive: "'Sing For the Moment' may throw his fans a curveball though: a song which appears to sample Aerosmith's 'Dream On' yet simultaneously features the REAL Joe Perry playing guitar. Obviously not a stretch for the hard rock icons though, who are still remembered for recording 'Walk This Way' with Run-D.M.C. back in the 1980's, so it's an enjoyable diversion from non-stop hardcore hip-hop."

Music video

The music video, released in 2003, is a collage created with various clips, including shots from the Anger Management Tour. It also contains cameos by various fellow rappers, including Dr. Dre, the members of D12, 50 Cent and Ludacris. Eminem stands in neutral positions and stares at the camera several times in the video. The video is very similar to the 50 Cent music video "If I Can't". On The Eminem Show, "Sing for the Moment" segues into "Superman". On Curtain Call: The Hits, the segue also fades out as "Superman", since Superman is not included in the compilation. In a clean version of the video, the word "handguns" is omitted from the second verse ("any dispute won't hesitate to produce handguns").

Track listing

  • German CD single
    1. "Sing for the Moment" - 5:40
    2. "Rabbit Run" - 3:10
  • German Maxi CD single
    1. "Sing for the Moment" - 5:40
    2. "Rabbit Run" - 3:10
    3. "Sing for the Moment" (Instrumental) - 6:25
    4. "Sing for the Moment" (Video) - 5:26
  • German Limited Edition Maxi CD single (Encased in a limited edition digipak with three limited edition postcards)
    1. "Sing for the Moment" - 5:40
    2. "Rabbit Run" - 3:10
    3. "Sing for the Moment" (Instrumental) - 6:25
    4. "Sing for the Moment" (Video) - 5:26
  • UK CD single
    1. "Sing for the Moment" - 5:40
    2. "Sing for the Moment" (Instrumental) - 6:25
    3. "Rabbit Run" (Soundtrack Version) - 3:10
    4. "Sing for the Moment" (Video) - 5:26
  • UK Cassette
    1. "Sing for the Moment" - 5:40
    2. "Sing for the Moment" (Instrumental) - 6:25
    3. "Rabbit Run" (Soundtrack Version) - 3:10

    References

    Sing for the Moment Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA