W.M.A.
Pearl Jam栀 Lyrics
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Took his mothers white breast to his tongue
Trained like dogs color and smell
Walks by me to get to him
Police man
He won the lottery by being born
Big hand slapped a white male American
Dirty his hands it comes right off
Police man
Police stopped my brother again
Police man
Jesus greets me, looks just like me
Do no wrong so clean cut
Dirty his hands, it comes right off
Police man
Police stopped my brother again
Police man
Police stopped my brother again
Police man
All my pieces set me free, human devices set me free
All my pieces set me free
Human devices set me free
The song "WMA" by Pearl Jam, from their album Vitalogy, is a commentary on race and police brutality in America. The title is an acronym for "White Male American" and the lyrics describe the privilege that comes with being born into this demographic. The first two lines suggest that this character was born with advantages that others are not granted at birth, referencing the metaphor of winning the lottery with their genetics. The line "Took his mothers white breast to his tongue" speaks to the idea that white Americans have been conditioned to believe that they are entitled to the milk and resources of the country, whereas people of color have historically been oppressed and marginalized.
The second verse is where the song's criticism of the police kicks in. “Dirty his hands, it comes right off” is a nod to how police brutality and corruption is often sanctioned by those in power. This verse highlights an observation that being white means you are more likely to be treated better by the police and enjoy their protection. The chorus is where the darker reality of the song's message rings loudly. “All my pieces set me free, human devices set me free” conveys a sense of desperation – this character realizes he is both part of the problem and the solution.
Line by Line Meaning
He won the lottery when he was born
He was privileged by his birthright
Took his mothers white breast to his tongue
He enjoyed the benefits of his mother's race and social status
Trained like dogs color and smell
He was taught to differentiate people by their skin color and scent
Walks by me to get to him
He doesn't see me as a human being, just an obstacle in his way
Police man
A representative of the authority enforcing laws that further entrench privilege
He won the lottery by being born
His privilege is a result of his birth
Big hand slapped a white male American
The system rewards white males with privilege and power
Do no wrong so clean cut
His privilege protects him from the consequences of his actions
Dirty his hands it comes right off
His privilege allows him to distance himself from wrongdoing and blame others
Police stopped my brother again
The police target and harass those who are not privileged
Jesus greets me, looks just like me
The singer identifies with Jesus who was also oppressed by the privileged
All my pieces set me free, human devices set me free
The artist is finally freed from the limitations of their identity and can grow as a human being
All my pieces set me free
The singer is breaking free from societal constraints that limit their humanity
Human devices set me free
The singer is using tools of humanity, such as love and empathy, to break free
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID ABBRUZZESE, EDDIE VEDDER, JEFF AMENT, MIKE MCCREADY, STONE GOSSARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lotus films
This song got me through middle school. I was the only light skinned black girl. I sat in my room,and this song,and indifference set me free.Thank you Grunge era.
Jason Moore
Thats invigorating to hear
First Last
This song is racebaiting pap.
P. Thomas
@First Last perhaps only if you're of european extraction and feel that's important when it comes to meting out justice in 'Murrika?!
JMHO
purrrple
What's a light skinned black girl?
Taylor Fisher
Not by the color of your skin but the merit of your soul
deceiver
Eddie's vocal delivery on this album is out of this world on some parts. That song is so incredibly well arranged and performed and the relentless percussions just propell it to a new level of intensity
Eric Wilson
The angels, all of whom look as though they're human, are carrying their weight under THE ALMIGHTY FATHER and Jesus Christ, and are actually doing all the hard work. All I have to do is explain to Michael's daughter lucifer that she's an idiot and that she was no match for her Alpha Father Michael during the war in Heaven and she never will be. She who lied before her Father's eyes day and night about our brethren, a liar and murderer from the beginning. Oh daughter lucifer, how you have been cut down!
There was a war in Heaven, Jesus Christ, The Arch Angel Michael and His angels, fought Michael's daughter lucifer and her sheep, all of whom fell to earth like lightening after being slaughtered by the superior fighting force, under THE ALMIGHTY FATHER and Holy Ghost.
Jeremiah 29 11 Journey, for I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jesus preached, I come with a sword! America will pay the price for slavery. Have faith in God. Get baptized alone at home in cold water. Jesus Christ, The Arch Angel Michael is Lord, and I am a sinner. Moderation, temperance, self control, and self discipline. Sin is okay. Don't be evil. Have faith in God. I pray that you see The Kingdom of God. God's army is with you!
Love muss B
Deceiver spot on mate👍🏼
Jeff Blydenburgh
One of the best songs by PJ that no one ever mentions