Amongst the Waves
Pearl Jam Lyrics


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What used to be a house of cards
Has turned into a reservoir
Save the tears that were water falling
Let's go swim tonight, darling

And once outside the undertow
Just you and me, and nothing more
If not for love, I would be drowning
I've seen it work both ways

But I am up riding high amongst the waves

Where I can feel like I
Have a soul that has been saved
Where I can feel like I've
Put away my early grave

I gotta say it now
Better loud than too late

Remember back, the early days
When you were young, and less amazed
Suddenly the channel changed
The first time you saw blood

Cut to later, now you're strong
You've bled yourself, the wounds are gone
It's rare when there is nothing wrong
Survived and you're amongst the fittest

Love ain't love until you feel it
Up riding high amongst the waves

I can feel like I
Have a soul that has been saved
I can see the light
Coming through the clouds in rays

I gotta say it now
Better loud than too late
I gotta say it now
Better loud than too late

Hey yeah

Riding high amongst the waves
I can feel like I
Have a soul that has been saved
I can see the light
Coming through the clouds in rays

I gotta say it now
Better loud than too late

I gotta say it now
Better loud than too late





Say it now
Better loud than too late

Overall Meaning

"Amongst the Waves" by Pearl Jam is a song that speaks about overcoming challenges and emerging stronger from difficult situations. The first verse of the song starts with the lines "What used to be a house of cards/ Has turned into a reservoir/ Save the tears that were water falling/ Let's go swim tonight, darling." These lines are a metaphor for how something that was once fragile has become resilient and powerful. The song goes on to speak about the singer's experience of being caught in an "undertow," which can be interpreted as a metaphor for being trapped in a difficult situation. However, with the help of a loved one, he is able to overcome it and rise above the waves.


The second verse of the song speaks about how, when we are young, we are often naively optimistic and wonderstruck by the world. However, as we grow older, we are faced with harsh realities that challenge our optimism. The lines "It's rare when there is nothing wrong/ Survived and you're amongst the fittest" speak to the fact that even when things seem impossible, we can still survive and become stronger. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "riding high amongst the waves," emphasizing the idea of overcoming difficulty and celebrating strength.


Overall, "Amongst the Waves" is a song that speaks to the human experience of facing adversity and growing stronger as a result. It offers a message of hope and resilience in the face of challenging circumstances.


Line by Line Meaning

What used to be a house of cards
What was once fragile and unstable


Has turned into a reservoir
Has become a source of strength and resilience


Save the tears that were water falling
Don't waste the emotions that were once overwhelming you


Let's go swim tonight, darling
Let's enjoy the moment and move forward


And once outside the undertow
Once you've escaped the forces that pull you down


Just you and me, and nothing more
Just the two of us, with no distractions


If not for love, I would be drowning
Love is what keeps me afloat and gives me strength


I've seen it work both ways
I've seen love both save and destroy people


But I am up riding high amongst the waves
But now I feel empowered and in control


Where I can feel like I Have a soul that has been saved
Where I can feel like I have been redeemed and renewed


Where I can feel like I've Put away my early grave
Where I can feel like I've moved on from my past struggles and fears


I gotta say it now Better loud than too late
I have to express my feelings now, before it's too late


Remember back, the early days When you were young, and less amazed
Remember when life was simpler and more innocent


Suddenly the channel changed The first time you saw blood
Suddenly things got more real and harsh


Cut to later, now you're strong You've bled yourself, the wounds are gone
Time has passed, and you have overcome your pain and healed


It's rare when there is nothing wrong Survived and you're amongst the fittest
It's rare to have a life without problems, but you've managed to survive and thrive


Love ain't love until you feel it
Love isn't real until you experience it deeply


Up riding high amongst the waves I can feel like I Have a soul that has been saved
By overcoming my obstacles, I feel like I've been reborn and redeemed


I can see the light Coming through the clouds in rays
I can see hope and positivity despite the challenges


I gotta say it now Better loud than too late
I have to express my love and appreciation now, before it's too late


Say it now Better loud than too late
Express yourself now, before it's too late




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EDDIE VEDDER, STONE GOSSARD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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