At first, this song was almost 10 minutes long, as Vedder did "release" a lot of words when he started singing it.
Release
Pearl Jam Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I
Oh oh
Oh oh
I see the world, feel the chill
Which way to go, windowsill
I see the words on a rocking horse of time
Oh
Oh
Oh
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 me
Oh
Oh I, oh oh
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
How I've opened up, release me
Release me, release me dad, release me
Oh oh I
Oh ooh ooh
Ah ooh
Ooh
"Release" is a deeply personal and introspective song by Pearl Jam's lead vocalist Eddie Vedder. The song reflects on Vedder's relationship with his father, who he never met until he was in his thirties. The first verse sets the tone with Vedder feeling lost and unsure of which direction to take in life. The lyrics "Which way to go, windowsill" may be a metaphor for the decision-making process, feeling unsure whether to jump into the unknown or stay safely indoors. The next line "I see the words on a rocking horse of time" is a reference to time as a factor and how life is a fleeting ride.
Then Vedder sings "I see the birds in the rain," which could symbolize hope or beauty even in the darkest of times. The chorus is a plea to his father, who Vedder feels disconnected from, to acknowledge him and see him for who he is. The line "I am myself, like you somehow" is a way of Vedder saying that he sees himself in his father, even though they have never met. The second verse is Vedder waiting for his father to come to him, to offer some kind of connection or guidance. The final line "Release me, release me, release me dad, release me" is Vedder asking his father to let him go and move on from the past.
Overall, "Release" is a heartfelt and cathartic song that deals with themes of family, connection, and self-discovery.
Line by Line Meaning
I see the world, feel the chill
I am observing the world around me and it makes me feel uneasy
Which way to go, windowsill
I am contemplating which direction to take in my life, like a bird perched on a windowsill
I see the words on a rocking horse of time
I can see the passage of time and how it changes everything, like a rocking horse going back and forth
I see the birds in the rain, ohh
I am watching the beauty of nature even in difficult times, like birds in the rain
Oh, dear dad, can you see me now?
I am reaching out to my father from beyond, asking if he can see me as I am today
I am myself, like you somehow
I have become my own person, but I still see parts of my father within me
I'll ride the wave where it takes me
I will go with the flow and let life take me where it will
I'll hold the pain, release me
I will endure the struggles in my life, but I am asking for a way to be free of them
I'll wait up in the dark for you to speak to me
I am waiting for a sign of guidance from my father, even if it is in the darkness
How I've opened up, release me
I am acknowledging that I have unburdened myself and want to be set free
Release me, release me dad, release me
I am pleading with my father to release me from the pain and struggles I am enduring
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dave Krusen, Eddie Vedder, Jeff Ament, Mike Mccready, Stone Gossard
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Demitrival
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 me
Oh, dead 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
@ghostly10562
My dad passed, after five year's of Alzheimers. I took care of him, and I made sure he was cared for by his doctor's. I had mixed feelings about him, for he wasn't the greatest dad. He was abusive, but I tried to rise above him. I took him to places for interaction, got him his favorite foods, tried to show him love. Once the disease progressed to much, he had to be put in a facility. I had to say goodbye, twice, because he recovered from his finality. I told him, I loved him, and forgave him
@mgirasulo
Great job overcoming. God bless ya
@ghostly10562
@@mgirasulo Thank you, sir
@cacatucervena
I cried reading your message. My father has Alzheimer, too. He was abusive too. I will try to forgive him
@Andr3
@@cacatucervena thats the sign, go for it man
@ursula1893
Tough....very tough.....but the right thing to do. Hmdullah.
@Jmaccxx
I had this album & Vs on tape , 93'...summertime, riding round in the car with my mates in the National Park here in the UK not a care in the world, great times. Always been a fan, nearly 53 now and it's more poignant that ever. Reminding me of the kid I used to be, the man I became and the man I just realised I still need to become. <3
@javrak
30 years later and this song still doesn't leave eyes dry.
@jesusavina8657
For some reason this song makes me want to cry also.
@radiobear0205
I cry every time I hear this song live. It's just so heartbreaking.