Release
Pearl Jam爀 Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I see the world
Feel the chill
Which way to go
Windowsill

I see the words
On a rocking horse of time
I see the birds in the rain

Oh dear dad
Can you see me now
I am myself
Like you somehow

I'll ride the wave
Where it takes me
I'll hold the pain
Release it

Oh dear dad
Can you see me now
I am myself
Like you somehow

I'll wait up in the dark
For you to speak to me
I'll open up
Release me
Release me




Release me
Release me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Pearl Jam's "Release" depict the singer's struggle to reconcile with his past, his father, and ultimately, himself. The opening lines show him facing the world with a sense of uncertainty and apprehension. The reference to the windowsill suggests a desire to escape, to see things from a different perspective. The second verse introduces the idea of time and its elusive nature, symbolizing the singer's nostalgia for the past and his fear of the unknown future. The image of birds in the rain also suggests an element of beauty amidst the chaos.


The chorus of the song features a poignant plea to the singer's father, who has passed away. He imagines what his father might have thought of him, showing a deep desire to connect with him even in death. The lines "I am myself like you somehow" suggest a sense of inheritance or legacy, despite the singer's own struggles with identity and purpose.


The final verse of the song shows the singer waiting in darkness for a sign, perhaps from his father, that he is on the right path. The repetition of the word "release me" conveys a sense of desperation and a longing to be free from the past and its hold on him. Overall, the lyrics of "Release" are a powerful expression of grief, acceptance, and the human struggle to come to terms with loss and change.


Line by Line Meaning

I see the world
I observe the world around me


Feel the chill
I sense a cold and unwelcoming atmosphere


Which way to go
I feel uncertain about my direction in life


Windowsill
I am sitting by the window, contemplating


I see the words
I notice the language and messages around me


On a rocking horse of time
I feel like time is both moving slow and fast at the same time


I see the birds in the rain
I observe birds in a harsh and difficult environment


Oh dear dad
I address my father with affection


Can you see me now
Do you acknowledge and understand me currently?


I am myself
I remain true to my own identity


Like you somehow
In a way that is difficult to explain, I am similar to you


I'll ride the wave
I will take life as it comes and see where it takes me


Where it takes me
I will accept whatever life has in store for me


I'll hold the pain
I will endure pain without giving up


Release it
I will eventually let go of that pain


I'll wait up in the dark
I will stay awake and attentive, even in difficult times


For you to speak to me
I am waiting for a communication, guidance or comfort


I'll open up
I will become vulnerable


Release me
I desire to be freed from emotional pain and turmoil


Release me
I again express my desire to be liberated


Release me
I repeat my plea for freedom from inner suffering


Release me
I yearn for an emotional release




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVE KRUSEN, EDDIE VEDDER, JEFF AMENT, MIKE MCCREADY, STONE GOSSARD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@BrooklynDuo

Hi guys! Sorry for the long wait since our last video. We've been busy recording tons of new stuff and we're excited to share it all with you very soon!
Some of you know that we occasionally play for weddings. As you can imagine, we get a lot of requests for Canon in D, and we discovered that there were no good arrangements available anywhere for piano and cello! Hard to believe given its popularity. So we decided to make our own! We tried to stick as closely to the original as possible (which was written for three violins and basso continuo), and we like to perform it not at a snail's pace so the bride can actually make it down the aisle without putting everyone to sleep. 🙊(Yeah, we said it! Nobody likes a slow processional!) Also, the number one complaint about this piece from cellists is always how booooring it is to play because they literally have to play the same 8 bass notes over and over for the entire piece. Problem solved with this arrangement because the cello never has to play the bass! 🙌(The piano does, but we get lots of other fun stuff too so it's ok!) So for all you musicians out there playing weddings, we hope you enjoy playing this arrangement a little more than the ones you were used to...You can get it from www.musicnotes.com. 😊Be sure to let us know in the comments if you do!

@margaridafrade8659

You guys are beautiful 😍 never fail to amaze me💖

@marysheerin747

Congratulations on your beautiful arrangement and the originality portrayed by both of you in this popular Canon. There were some glorious harmonies and NOT a boring note in any part (which, as you rightly say, could well have happened!). Patrick's Cello playing was superb and, as always, Marnie your piano collaboration was also superb. Bravo and many thanks to you both with best wishes and love from Mary, Dublin, Ireland xxx

@damapautu6828

Love this song so much...and this wedding version so romantic

@marysheerin747

PS Forgot to say that I LOVE your setting! Also, I've listened again and I particularly love the harmonies and phrasing at 2.30; 3.03 and 4.25 .... Well Done on a Great Arrangement. Mary, Dublin Ireland xxx

@hipotenuza5663

Cello always sounds better than violin. Nice version.

465 More Replies...

@debantrobus3396

Most beautiful version of the Canon I’ve ever heard. Love watching you. My husband passed away almost a year ago now, my eyes well up every time I hear this song, such great memories with my love. Thank you

@johnbyrne6656

Sorry for your loss

@hfhamp1

Agree !

@alfredoperez9110

Sonido para tus. Oídos.,,

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