| ←Once | Even Flow | Alive→ |
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"Even Flow" is the second single and second song from Pearl Jam's debut album Ten. The lyrics are written by vocalist Eddie Vedder and the music written by guitarist Stone Gossard. The song is widely considered one of the most popular and preferred song of fans since its debut on the first record.
The poetry around the music adresses all the themes that covered the first album, but specially on this song, social critic was raised and a quick rhythm is well recognized
Analysis[]
The song is particularly the description made by third view from a homeless man who deals with every kind of handicaps. Surviving cold and madness, the protagonist expects for someday getting out of the streets, no matter if praying or just wishing this day would come, but the convenience of being sometimes helped on the streets delay the will force of getting a new life. A strong critic is present on the song leading the listener to realize that the help homeless people need is beyond change, that will only keep them on the streets.
Composition[]
"Even Flow" is in the key of D major, with Stone Gossard's guitar tuned to Open D tuning, Jeff Ament's bass to drop D, and Mike McCready's in standard tuning. Stone plays a funky riff throughout the song, while McCready compliments it with a similar riff and guitar licks. The solos are played entirely in the D minor pentatonic scale.
Music & Lyrics[]
Freezin', rests his head on a pillow made of concrete, again
Oh, feelin', maybe he'll feel a little better set a days, ooh yeah
Oh, hand out, faces that he sees time again ain't that familiar, oh yeah
Oh, dark grin, he can't help, when he's happy looks insane, oh yeah
Even Flow, thoughts arrive like butterflies
Oh, he don't know, so he chases them away
Someday yet, he'll begin his life again
Life again, life again...
Kneelin', looking through the paper though he doesn't know to read, ooh yeah
Oh, prayin', now to something that has never showed him anything
Oh, feelin', understands the weather of the winters on its way
Oh, ceilings, few and far between all the legal halls of shame, yeah
Even flow, thoughts arrive like butterflies
Oh, he don't know, so he chases them away
Someday yet, he'll begin his life again
Whispering hands, gently lead him away
Him away, him away...
Yeah!
Woo...ah yeah...fuck it up...
Even flow,, thoughts arrive like butterflies
Oh, he don't know, so he chases them away
Someday yet, he'll begin his life again, yeah
Oh, whispering hands, gently lead him away
Him away, him away...
'Yeah!
Woo...uh huh...yeah, yeah, fuck'em up again...
Trivia[]
- Vedder usually changes "Freezin'" from the first phrase with "Kneelin" from the first phrase after the chorus on live performances.