The song's name is "I Got Id"[2] (as in the Freudian concept of id) and not "I Got ID" (as in a form of identification), a frequent mistake in labeling the album's songs. "I Got Id" is also known as "I Got Shit" by the band and its fans, due to the actual lyrics of the song, "I got memories, I got shit..." It is rumored that when Vedder proposed the idea of a single to Epic, the label made him change the title of the song.
I Got Id
Pearl Jam Lyrics
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Been a month since I heard myself talk
All the advantage this life's got on me
Picture a cup in the middle of the sea
And I fight back in my mind
Never lets me be right, oh
I got memories, I got shit
I walked the line
When you held me in that night
I walked the line
When you held my hand that night
An empty shell seems so easy to crack
Got all these questions, don't know who I could even ask
So I'll just lie alone and wait for a dream
Where I'm not ugly and you're lookin' at me
And I'll stay in bed
Oh, blue eyes, I've seen him
If just once, I could feel loved
Oh, stare back at me, yeah
But I walked the line
When you held me in that night
Oh, I walked the line
When you held my hand that night
Oh, I walked the line
When you held me close that night
I paid the price
Never held you in real life
My lips are shakin'
The lyrics to Pearl Jam's "I Got Id" are raw and emotional, portraying the pain and confusion of a person who is struggling with their own identity and relationships. The opening lines, "My lips are shakin', my nails are bit off // Been a month since I've even heard myself talk," reveal the singer's obvious anxiety and inner turmoil. The feeling of being lost and alone intensifies with the next line, as the singer admits, "Only advantage this life's got on me // Picture empty cup in the middle of the sea."
The singer then delves into their past, with the line "And I fought back in my mind // Never lets me be right, I got memories, I got shit // So don't you go and show it." This suggests that the singer has experienced trauma or pain in the past, and that it continues to haunt them in the present. They then reminisce about a past lover, saying "Oh, I walked the line, when you held me in at night // Oh, I walked the line, when you held my hand at night // Oh, I walked the line, when you held me close at night // I paid the price, never held you in real life." This suggests that the relationship was one-sided or perhaps even imaginary, adding to the darker tone of the song.
The final verse adds even more weight to the lyrics, as the singer laments about their inability to find answers to life's questions or to find a true connection with someone. They say, "On empty shells seem so easy to crack // Got all these questions // Don't know who I could even ask // So I'll just lie, and wait for the dream // Where I'm not ugly as you're lookin' at me." This final plea reveals a deep-seated insecurity and fear of rejection that is clearly causing the singer immense frustration and pain.
Overall, "I Got Id" is a poignant and powerful exploration of identity and relationships, and the struggles that can arise when we feel lost or alone.
Line by Line Meaning
My lips are shakin'
I am anxious and nervous, which is causing my lips to shake.
my nails are bit off
I have been so anxious that I have bitten my nails down to the skin.
Been a month since I've even heard myself talk
I have isolated myself from others for a month and have not had the opportunity to express myself or communicate with others.
Only advantage this life's got on me
The only positive thing I can find about my life is that I am still alive.
Picture empty cup in the middle of the sea
I feel like I am stranded and alone in the world, like an empty cup in the vast and endless sea.
And I fought back in my mind
I am battling with my thoughts and trying to resist negative emotions and feelings.
Never lets me be right, I got memories, I got shit
My mind is always filled with negative memories and unpleasant thoughts that make me feel like a failure.
So don't you go and show it
I do not want others to see my negative emotions or vulnerabilities.
Oh, I walked the line, when you held me in at night
I tried to put on a facade of being okay when you were holding me at night, but the truth is that I was struggling internally.
On empty shells seem so easy to crack
When I am feeling weak and vulnerable, it is easy for others to take advantage of me and break me down.
Got all these questions
I have many unanswered questions and uncertainties in my life.
Don't know who I could even ask
I do not have anyone I trust or feel comfortable enough to ask for help or guidance.
So I'll just lie, and wait for the dream
I will pretend everything is okay and wait for a better future, even if it is just a dream and not reality.
Where I'm not ugly as you're looking at me
I want to be seen as beautiful and accepted by others, instead of feeling judged or unworthy.
And I sent you to bed
I let you go to sleep, but I am still struggling with my thoughts and emotions.
Oh, in a little while I'll see now
I hope that soon I will feel better and see a brighter future.
If just once I found true love
If I could experience genuine love and acceptance from someone, it would change everything for me.
Oh, I'd say it like I mean it
I would express my love and gratitude sincerely and authentically, without holding back or pretending.
But I walked the line
I tried to cope and keep going, even when things were tough, but it took a toll on me emotionally.
When you held me in at night
I sought comfort and support from you, but it was only temporary relief from my inner struggles.
I paid the price
I suffered the consequences of bottling up my emotions and not seeking help or guidance.
Never held you in real life
I never had the chance to fully experience a genuine connection or relationship with you beyond the surface level, and I regret it.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Eddie Jerome Vedder
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind