I tend to avoid writing about certain songs or bands because I love them too much. For some reason, the more a song touches me, the harder it is for me to write something about it. I think in part because it is hard for me to analyze a song that reaches into my chest and squeezes my heart. I can’t hear the individual guitars or determine why the crush of sound moves me so much. Some songs are just a full body experience and are difficult to divide up to their components.
Pearl Jam and their music is a one of those bands that are hard for me to write about. I wasn’t always a member of the “Jamily.” I kind of married in. I met my husband way back in the forgotten time of 2001. He was already a card carrying member of the Ten Club. I was familiar with PJ. I was a teenager in the early 90’s after all. I’d worn flannel and listened to grunge but I have never placed Pearl Jam above the other bands of their ilk. I liked Soundgarden, Candlebox, Silverchair too and they stood on equal musical ground in my mind.
As my relationship with my (not yet) husband grew, my understanding and appreciation of Pearl Jam also grew. In 2006, I had the opportunity to see Pearl Jam live for the first time and I started to understand what the fuss was about. I have now seen PJ live, 6 times. Their concerts are amazing and unlike other concerts I have been to. They have power and memories and movement. There is almost always at least one song that will make me cry.
So finally, I will talk about the song I am posting this morning. It’s a song from their newest album which came on this morning on Pandora and I was reminded how much I love the song.
I like the slow build of this song and how Eddie Vedder’s voice is so gentle in the start of the song. It’s a reassuring song of hope. I particularly like these lyrics:
Feel the sky blanket you
With gems and rhinestones!
See the path cut by the moon
For you to walk on
As I said, my analysis of this song isn’t going to be great because its an emotional and doesn’t necessarily have good reason. Just listen, consider and determine for yourself if this song has any power for you.