Ten - Pearl Jam Lyrics

Once
Even Flow
Alive
Why Go
Black
Jeremy
Oceans
Porch
Garden
Deep
Release

The CD begins and you can hear an ambient instrumental slowly becoming louder until you suddenly hear crunching guitars...

1.Once
For those who don't know, 'Once' is part of the well-known 'Mamasan' trilogy along with 'Alive' and the b-side, 'Footsteps'. It's a mini-opera that tells the story of a boy who learns a terrible thing about his life as a child and then goes on to become a murderer and then finally seeks redemption on Death Row. 'Once' is the second song in the trilogy, and it harshly depicts a story of a man who freely admits to what he's done but realizes he used to be able to control himself...

"Once upon a time
I could control myself..."

It's a good song, with Vedder's usual growling very apparent. However, in my opinion it's one of the weaker tracks on the album, and it sounds a little dated after all these years. Star rating: 3 out of 5

2.Evenflow
This song just rocks from start to finish. Ignore those who say that the re-recorded version is better, this version is awesome. As the band often say that it's up to the fans to make their own interpretations, I think that it tells the story of a homeless man...

"Freezing, rests his head on a pillow made of concrete.
Feeling maybe he'll see a little better set of days."

The live version is where this song really shines though, with guitar god Mike McCready's guitar solos often taking the song to around 7 or 8 minutes. That boy can really play. Star rating: 4 out of 5
Then...you hear those next guitar chords and you're thrown straight into...

3.Alive!!
What is there to say? It's the song that introduced Pearl Jam to the world, the song that probably defines them more than any other in their catalogue. It's so anthemic, and the music is also brilliant. This is the first song in the 'mamasan' trilogy and it's also based loosely on Vedder's own life. The song is just so amazing in so many different ways, and to see the way the fans and the band unite when it's performed live is just awe-inspiring! I can't say enough about this song, i never tire of it and the album could get 4 stars simply because of this one song! The guitar solo at the end lasts for over 2 minutes and it's simply brilliant. Star rating: 5! I'd give it 6 if i could!

4. Why Go
Don't get me wrong, I like this song but it just sounds a little too 'early 90s' for my liking. Whereas most songs sound better over time, Why Go simply sounds old and tired. It hasn't been played live in 6 years, and I'm glad. It's an average song, but the drum beat and bass line is good. Star rating: 2.5 stars

5.Black
Oh my! Where to begin? It's a lyrical masterpiece. Eddie Vedder pours so much emotion to this song and it shows in the way he delivers the words. This is the song that made me become obsessed with this band. It's a tragic tale of love gone bad, and i can't even imagine what must have happened to Eddie to make him write this song. By far this is my all-time favourite Pearl Jam song. The piano at the end is also very moving. Probably the most heart-wrenching lyric Eddie has ever written or sung comes near the end...

"I know someday you'll have a beautiful life
I know you'll be a star in somebody else's sky
But why, why, why can't it be, can't it be in mine?"

I'm a guy and I freely admit that I cry almost every time I hear this. The album is a must-have because of this song.
Star rating: 10! Dammit, it's out of 5. Ok, 5 out of 5!

6.Jeremy
I'm not going into detail with this one, because Pearl Jam fan or not the chances are you've heard this song or seen the infamous video. It's so over-played but the song's message still hits you hard. It's based on a pre-Columbine event where a lonely student who was bullied walked into his classroom and shot himself in front of his classmates. It's over-played but still a great song. Star rating: 4 out of 5

7.Oceans
The effects on this song give it a very strange vibe that fits in well with the subject. It's a lovely little song that isn't played as often as it should. Vedder's voice is wonderful here. Star rating: 4 out of 5

8.Porch
It's not as long as it should be, clocking in at a little over 3 minutes. This is the opposite to 'Black' as it's much angrier and far more aggressive, yet to fully appreciate this song you have to hear it live as it takes on a new life of its own, sometimes running for close to 10 minutes! The jam in the middle is awesome! Star rating: 4 out of 5

9.Garden
This is a very enigmatic song, and it's oddly relaxing. It's also much better live, as is the case with most Pearl Jam songs. The intro is quiet and moody and sets a good tone for the rest of the song. 4 out of 5

10.Deep
At the time of writing, this song has recently been resurrected from the ashes and been played a few times on the band's current 'Riot Act' tour. It's good, but nothing special. 3 out of 5

11.Release
This is a beauty, and another favorite of mine. Starts off slow, and slowly builds to a breathtaking climax. Vedder has never publicly discussed the lyrics and never offered an explanation but it's thought it's about his real father. This is the definitive Pearl Jam show opener in my opinion, and its a song i love singing along to!! 5 out of 5!

Now, depending on which version you get, there may be different extra tracks. I have the European version which has 'Wash', a blistering live version of 'Alive' and a funny little track called 'Dirty Frank' which sounds too much like a Chili Peppers song for its own good. However, there a few alternate album versions out there, so be on the lookout!

In my opinion, this is Pearl Jam's only 'grunge' album. It's definitely a classic but i think it's definitely not their best work. Future albums have surpassed it if you ask me. The production isn't brilliant either. But, this album contains 3 of Pearl Jam's greatest tracks in 'Alive', 'Black' and 'Release'. If you're having any doubts simply buy it for these tracks and you're life will be changed forever. I know mine was...