Indifférence
Allison Crowe Lyrics


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Indifference

Words & Music by Pearl Jam
As performed by Allison Crowe

I will light the match this mornin', so I won't be alone
Watch as she lies silent, for soon night will be gone
Oh, I will stand arms outstretched, pretend I'm free to roam
Oh, I will make my way, through, one more day in Hell

How much difference does it make
How much difference does it make, yeah

I will hold the candle till it burns up my arm
I'll keep takin' punches until their will grows tired
Oh, I will stare the sun down until my eyes go blind
I won't change direction, and I won't change my mind

How much difference does it make
How much difference does it make... how much difference...

I'll swallow poison, until I grow immune
I will scream my lungs out till it fills this room





How much difference
How much difference does it make

Overall Meaning

Allison Crowe's rendition of Pearl Jam's "Indifference" is haunting and profound in its simplicity. The lyrics speak to the human capacity for endurance in the face of pain and suffering, and the quest for freedom and meaning in an indifferent world.


The opening line "I will light the match this mornin', so I won't be alone" sets the tone for the rest of the song. The singer is seeking a way to alleviate their loneliness and despair, but the act of setting fire to something also carries a sense of rebellion and defiance. The line "Oh, I will stand arms outstretched, pretend I'm free to roam" further emphasizes the desire for freedom and autonomy, even if it is only an illusion.


The chorus, "How much difference does it make, How much difference does it make, yeah" serves as a reminder of the futility of one's struggle in the face of an indifferent universe. The repetition of this line underscores the sense of resignation and helplessness that pervades the song.


The verses that follow describe a willingness to endure physical and emotional pain in order to assert one's will and identity. The lines "I will hold the candle till it burns up my arm, I'll keep takin' punches until their will grows tired" convey a sense of determination and fortitude, while "I'll swallow poison until I grow immune, I will scream my lungs out till it fills this room" represents the singer's refusal to be silenced or broken. The final line "How much difference does it make" serves as a rhetorical question, challenging the listener to reflect on their own struggles and the ultimate significance of them.


Line by Line Meaning

I will light the match this mornin', so I won't be alone
I will create a thing to burn and provide light to avoid loneliness


Watch as she lies silent, for soon night will be gone
Observe as she sleeps quietly, knowing the night will soon end


Oh, I will stand arms outstretched, pretend I'm free to roam
I will hold my arms out and imagine myself free to explore


Oh, I will make my way, through, one more day in Hell
I will struggle through yet another day in my personal hell


How much difference does it make
What impact or effect will this have?


I will hold the candle till it burns up my arm
I will not let go of the candle until it burns all the way to my arm


I'll keep takin' punches until their will grows tired
I will continue to endure attacks until my opponents lose their will to fight


Oh, I will stare the sun down until my eyes go blind
I will look directly at the sun until I can no longer see


I won't change direction, and I won't change my mind
I will remain on my current path and not change my decision


I'll swallow poison, until I grow immune
I will consume poison until I become immune to its effects


I will scream my lungs out till it fills this room
I will shout so loudly that the entire room will be filled with my voice


How much difference
What noticeable change will there be?


How much difference does it make
What effect will this have on me or others?




Contributed by Cooper W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

silas

Where’d you get the picture of the old second Ave pizza box?

Allison Crowe

It's one of a couple of boxes from pizzas we had there in Summer of 2001!

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