Sonic Reducer
Pearl Jam Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I don't need anyone, don't need no mom and dad
Don't need no good advice, don't need no human rights
I got some news for you, don't even need you too
I got my time machine, got my 'lectronic dream
Sonic reducer, ain't no loser...oh...
Got a sonic reducer, sonic reducer...

People out on the streets, they don't know who I am

I watch them from my room, they are just passing by
I'm not just anyone, said I'm not just anyone
I got my time machine, got my little 'lectronic dream
Sonic reducer, ain't no loser...oh...
Sonic reducer, sonic reducer...ahhh...

I'll be your bearer soon, love on some cotton doom
Things will be different then, the sun will rise from here
Then I'll be ten feet tall, then you'll be nothing at all
I got my time machine, got my 'lectronic dream
Sonic reducer, ain't no loser...oh...
Sonic reducer, sonic reducer...oh...

Sonic reducer, sonic reducer...yeah...
Sonic reducer, sonic reducer, sonic reducer...oh...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Pearl Jam's song Sonic Reducer speak to a sense of individualism and self-sufficiency. The singer declares that they don't need anyone, not even a support system like a parent or good advice. They even claim not to require basic human rights. The repetition of "I got my time machine, got my 'lectronic dream" suggests a reliance on imagination and perhaps escape. The phrase "sonic reducer" is repeated often and is presented as a form of empowerment, a way to overcome feeling like a loser given the circumstances. The second verse takes on a more observational tone, with the singer watching people from their room but still declaring that they are not just anyone. The final verse takes on a more grandiose tone, with the singer proclaiming that they will be someone important and the sun will rise from their direction, as if they are the center of the universe.

Overall, the lyrics present a complex mix of desire for independence, escape, and power, all filtered through a punk rock lens. The repetition of phrases like "got my time machine" and "sonic reducer" lend a hypnotic quality to the song, as if the singer is trying to convince themselves of their own strength.

Line by Line Meaning

I don't need anyone, don't need no mom and dad
I do not require anyone's assistance or support, including my parents

Don't need no good advice, don't need no human rights
I do not require any recommendations or human rights

I got some news for you, don't even need you too
I have something to inform you, but I do not need your help

I got my time machine, got my 'lectronic dream
I possess a time machine and an electronic dream

Sonic reducer, ain't no loser...oh...
My sonic reducer is a source of success and I am not a loser

Got a sonic reducer, sonic reducer...
I possess a sonic reducer that is advantageous

People out on the streets, they don't know who I am
Random individuals on the streets are unaware of my identity

I watch them from my room, they are just passing by
I observe them from my room as they pass by

I'm not just anyone, said I'm not just anyone
I am not an average person, as I have stated before

I'll be your bearer soon, love on some cotton doom
I will support and protect you in the near future, despite any negative circumstances

Things will be different then, the sun will rise from here
The future will be diverse, with positive changes

Then I'll be ten feet tall, then you'll be nothing at all
I will appear as extremely confident or superior, while you will be insignificant

Sonic reducer, ain't no loser...oh...
My sonic reducer is still dependable and I am still not a loser

Sonic reducer, sonic reducer...oh...
My sonic reducer is still powerful and advantageous

Sonic reducer, sonic reducer...yeah...
My sonic reducer is notable and advantageous

Sonic reducer, sonic reducer, sonic reducer...oh...
My sonic reducer is continually stimulating and advantageous

Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STIV BATORS, CHEETAH CHROME, JIMMY ZERO, JOHNNY BLITZ, DAVID THOMAS, JEFF MAGNUM

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@evelconvivial743

9y↑1

These are sad times when the devil has been removed from Sonic Reducer.

Original lyrics:

DEAD BOYS
"Sonic Reducer"

I don't need anyone
Don't need no mom and dad
Don't need no pretty face
Don't need no human race
I got some news for you
Don't even need you too

I got my devil machine
Got my electronic dream
Sonic reducer
Ain't no loser
I'm a sonic reducer
Ain't no loser

People out on the streets
They don't know who I am
I watch them from my room
They all just pass me by
But I'm not just anyone
Said I'm not just anyone

I got my devil machine
Got my electronic dream
Sonic reducer
Ain't no loser
I'm a sonic reducer
Ain't no loser

I'll be a pharaoh soon
Rule from some golden tomb
Things will be different then
The sun will rise from here
Then I'll be ten feet tall
And you'll be nothing at all

I got my devil machine
Got my electronic dream
Sonic reducer
Ain't no loser
I'm a sonic reducer
Ain't no loser

All comments from YouTube:

@qsuzy3096

2y↑14

I love the Dead Boys! Had no idea PJ did a cover. YLS album is one of my all time favorites. Been listening to it since my teen years. Never tiring of it.

@ashleymonday298

1y↑1

Originally a Rocket From The Tombs song.

@chrissmith256

I had no idea, either.

@noahhazin7

10y↑16

amazing, brings me back to 18 years ago when I first heard this song

@PraiserHC

11y↑25

well, at least they got taste regarding the choice of their coversongs... and eddie vedder also did guest vocals for bad religion 20 years ago, they also shared the stage with the murder city devils and so i think, pearl jam are maybe closer to punk than some might think... and finally who cares if this is punk or rocknroll as some call it... dead boys were awesome and that's what it's important...

@otheozzy

10y↑3

I can't stop listening to this.

@oiyabastard8891

i met them they told me to get decry sonic reducer BOY IM GLAD I DID

@robertcubinelli4961

4y↑4

Great cover.

@thedeadserious

13y↑4

i love pearl jams live version of it. actually wasnt aware it was released on holiday single. damn, i joined 10c one year later - the postcard took so long back in the days :)

@TheKamilose

10y↑4

Temazo!!

@gunner105vs

13y↑3

i love this cover :) great song (i like both the original and the covers)

@Magnificent420

6y↑2

Amazing! I’ve been covering this song forever with my band PopulationU. I’ve heard this version when I was 14 years old.

@StonedReviewer

12y↑6

the Overkill cover is pretty awesome

@Mastecon21

13y↑1

60 seconds on the clock. youre goin down and im gonna ROCK

@geezush

14y

haha Nice I still have the first two holiday single 10 inch records from Debbie at the Ten Club...never thought I'd hear this again! Thanks for the upload!

@Canaderek

11y↑3

"Rocket from the Tombs" cover. The Dead Boys and Pere Ubu have also covered it.

@MrGregcarr

Heard someone mention at Kelley's Pub in Newton that this was a Dead Boys cover. Hadn't heard the song in a while.

@sergioj17

11y↑2

It was released in December 30, 1992. They only played it live after, in 1993. Cheers.

@idrinkdiesel8451

5y↑1

nah, they played it in 1992, in NYC i think

@alvaroramos9069

5y↑1

Very refined!

@Teetee33

14y↑2

I have four versions of this song in my rec collection: two from the Dead Boys (one studio, one live from 'Night of the Living Dead Boys'), one from the Creemers, and this one, although the original sleeve for it got lost years ago. I must say I have always liked the PJ version (not over the original, of course!). And no scratches either!

@toiletpaper5770

Why don't you have the pinups version?

@kierancowface

Saves the day made a really good cover for Tony Hawks American Wasteland

@ELEKTROSKANSEN

wow, no Overkill version?

@berndroemer3826

11y↑2

Pearl Jam!

@hel2369

13y

well when i first got into pearl jam in 91, i became a member of their fan club...well needless to say, they sent me a 78' of alive and on the back was sonic reducer...goodness i wish i still had it...it was super cool that they sent that out...so as my kid calls it old music then i guess im old and will hold on to that music alwasy

@Ertu300

Good music never gets old hahaha.

@Themostancient

Songs of Faith and Inspiration...the original carried me through some nasty stuff. "Ain't no loser!" "But i'm not just anyone!"

@ChessemillPerezChristopher

15y

I simply love this cover. Buzzcock fans should be proud...Rock on PJ

@shaungalbraith7881

2y↑5

It's a Dead Boys song though

@ChessemillPerezChristopher

@Shaun Galbraith right!

@elway0798

12y↑1

@TheGargantuanSock Hate the reissues that they rerecord both Dave's drums out for Cameron.. Nothing wrong with Matt just my favorite (as a drummer myself) was Dave Abbruzzese.. Loved his version of Sonic Reducer

@staceylewis7569

11y

Thanks man! (: Yes, you are right.

@alvaromafra7693

6y↑7

Caralhooooooooooooooooo, Pearl Jam botou pra fuder!
Que cover foda, melhor do que o original, aliás eles sempre fazem isso...!

@Player4FunBR_x1

6y↑1

Pearl Jam vai lançar um cover? um certeza já temos: vai ser melhor que o original. xD

@LucasLeiteLLO

48w

O Abbruzzese é um filho da puta de foda na bateria, ele dá toda a alma que o pearl jam precisa. Desculpe o Cameron, mas nada supera ele.

@bedderslad

13y↑2

@tarabridegroom Pearl Jam don't need to cover anybody to become a great band. They cover so many different artists as a mark of respect. Punk had a massive influence on pearl jam's music and they cover the music they love, respect and that has influenced them, it isn't competitional, it isn't like they're releasing it to make money or gain sales they just love the song, like you do!

@Shepherd492

13y↑4

These drums are pretty kickass, who was the drummer for this release? I'm thinking Abbruzze but its been awhile...

@erichelvenston919

29w

Johnny Blitz

@TheNBSPerry

12w

It was Abbruzzese

@gianlucalodi8459

Overkill best version

@bastiwnx3410

9y↑5

buena csmm!! grande pearl jam y dead boys

@madzen112

39w

Thx to the internet for giving me both this and the Dead Boys' version.

@TomFromJersey

13y

does it say sonic reducer at the bottom of the picture? I can't even read it

@SamAndCheeseSandwich

12y↑5

we could keep hating on each other's favourite bands or we could all just respect everyone's taste in music. there's enough hate in the world, do we really have to bring it into music, one of the greatest things that makes the world a better place? i mean really?

@hearts4sleep.

2y↑1

Lmao this was the first song I have ever heard no joke😗

@Grunger19

14y

@ares122222 dont u mean rocket from the crypt

@robertcubinelli4961

6y↑2

The Boys' version is much harder, but being PJ, this is acceptable :)

@staceylewis7569

11y↑1

I think it was 1993, wasn't it? I still have the 45. I'll have to look at it again. It's somewhere in all my PJ stuff.

@johnwisehart9344

That's awesome!!! A buddy of mine in highschool had a live version of it on CD. '95-ish maybe?🤷‍♂️

@catfoodtitans

7y↑6

Everybody is talking about how this version is nothing compared to the original, but I thought it was beautiful. The instrumental might not be as desperate as the original, but the vocals more than make up for it.

@ericandriechack1726

38w

Vocals are way worse than dead boys

@tylerarmstrong1380

3y↑1

Pearl Jam and Dead Boys are both killer bands. Glad they did this cover, even if PJ can't mimic the raw energy of Stiv and Blitz's vocals and drums. It's a great homage to such an influential band and it's great to know that Eddie has been a big Dead Boys fan.

@Germanjorge

13y

i thought this had only been performed live and never recorded in the studio.

@evelconvivial743

9y↑1

@dcluvspie5777

I always heard time machine in the lyrics from Dead boys are you really sure he said Devil machine?

@meneocuskill3371

+DCLUVSPIE Yes, the dead Boys use "my devil machine, just listened to it this morning. Most if not all other covers use "my time machine."

@meneocuskill3371

+Evel Convivial Thx for the true lyrics. I believe that "my time machine" changes the meaning of the lyrics as it's relevant to time travel and that's not what this song is about. My devil machine is keyed not only on how he--the underrated individual--can use it to get his confidence by changing (reducing) reality of his world, but also how this change will make him to be all alone again in his new world ... yeah, 10 feet tall but nevertheless lonely. Thus, this machine of his (electronic dreams) is in this respect devil as it beats the purpose of being included in society.
But, I may be over analyzing .....

@MrThunderCouch

The devil gave you time travel

@wgamefreak

14y↑3

#OMG A cover you wouldnt expect by an artist like Pearl Jam! XD, I prefer The version from OVERKILL Though

@m00nracer

10y↑34

Great Pearl Jam shone a light on the dead boys, but this version is a bit light in contrast to the impact the original had. Kinda like U2 covering the Ramones, lacks the desperation.

@janemuder4472

10y↑6

Agreed. Mike McCready is a decent guitarist in his own right (and has a lot of punk influences, I hear) but the way Cheetah plays this is beyond compare.

@oiyabastard8891

9y↑1

check out DECRY SONIC REDUCER 80s hardcore is where its at man leave these hippie turds in your hardcore dust

@joeleoni5273

9y↑1

oiyabastard Pearl Jam isn't hippy music bud. You're thinking of Phish or the Dead.

@ElectricLabel

7y↑4

Dead Boys wasn't the original, that was Rocket From The Tombs.

@seanmcfadden4699

7y↑3

it was written by two members of rocket from the tombs, but it made it's recorded debut on dead boys album young loud and snotty.

3 More Replies...

@Bigfoot42794

13y↑3

THUG 2 had the Dead Boys version, THAW had the Saves The Day version, The next Tony Hawk game needs the Pearl Jam version.

@antoniojoselima3947

32w

Rasgadinho, Dead Boys🤟, Stiv Battors 🇵🇹🇵🇹

@jittsaijazz

14y

the saves the day version sounds better than both to me

@andreweckstein8586

that is about the last band i would like to cover that song

@ChessemillPerezChristopher

15y

At least I am fairly certain it is? I am now second guessing myself. regardless, PJ are the worlds best band..

@alecsemicognito8905

2y↑1

He's imitating Dave Thomas's quavering vocals on the original recording of this song by Rocket from the Tombs, not so much Stiv's vocals from the later Dead Boys version. He's got some lyrics wrong, though (they are hard to catch in places). It's "rule from some golden tomb" not "some cotton tomb," and it's "devil machine" not "time machine" (I also used to think it was "time machine").

@theycallmefingers2

14y

@ares122222 dead boys was made up of rocket from the tomb members, they just changed the lineup a little and their name. so really, it's not a cover.

@MeanGreenMovies

14y

this is the best cover of the song but its just not hardcore enough for the dead boys. no ones got stiv bators voice and no one ever will

@elway0798

12y

@Tigerpuffer doesn't comment just air drums wildly..!

@emmanouilvlachos6493

7y↑2

good cover but it is not compared with overkill 's cover . much more energetic and powerfull

@patrickhamilton7448

Nah. Not even close. Dead Boys or noone. No arguments.

@DanDanTheBassman

14y↑2

I'm not crazy about the Overkill version and Saves The Day isn't even worth mentioning... but I think this is a damn good cover.

@dbellomchugh

12y

This is a cover of a punk song, it's originally by Dead Boys, I'm surprised you didn't just google that, assuming you wrote this from a computer.

@TheAerosmith3

12y

Bullet isn't actually all that bad. Their guitar stuff is pretty hard.

@Tigerpuffer

13y

-doesn't comment, just headbangs-

@gvazguimaraes

11y

everything is good in vedder's voice

@theskullkid72

12y

overkill covered this way better. this version sucks but i do dig PJ

@aroonage

13y

@tarabridegroom hear hear!

@Joshualbatross

7y↑49

It could be a good cover if Eddie didn't love humanity so much. You really have to be nihilist to the core to sing this song.

@davidshiffer1493

5y↑3

Little fucking slow as well

@i.ronnick9683

4y↑6

@David Shiffer It doesn't have the kickass guitar solo either. No body can do it other than Cheetah Chrome.

@t-man5196

4y↑2

I. Ron Nick amen to that

@zenbuddah420

3y↑1

kurt would have done it better

@blissband3601

3y↑1

@Randy Herrera he would cause hes a punk rocker

3 More Replies...

@sergioj17

11y

How can it be from 1996 if they did the cover in 1992?

@KristianMortensen

12y

@Nick992 You tell them! This will make them fell ashamed they made that cover 20 years ago..

@Ekyvvsaq

13y

@ohio1968javelin The roots of punk was good. Back then "punk" meant simple. Do you not think The Clash and Ramones are punkrock. and its a pretty aggressive version, although its not "heavy" but I dont think punk should be heavy. If you have heard Spin the black circle, Blood or Life Wasted you might get me...?

@johannamix966

8y↑1

just leave this to stiv mateys

@dannyaxelsunday

13y

@tarabridegroom why man? can it ever just be about respect for the art form that is rock and roll?

@diego.brigante

13y↑1

Overkill was the only band that this make song a proud the other cover sux !

@Ekyvvsaq

13y

@skoi87 I know, but sadly that hasnt been realized by the punks... Just as real punk means not caring about how you look, most punks dress in leather, peircings and colored spike hair. And your right its not about violence, but it is a little bit about stupidity, or atleast naiveness. read the lyrics to Dead Boys Aint nothing to do...

@ohio1968javelin

13y

@Ekyvvsaq Cool ill check it out

@ohio1968javelin

13y

@Ekyvvsaq ,,Yea good point,,But when you play punk either you feel pist off and angry or you end up sounding like this?Watered down version of a very powerful song.Punk rock is not intelligence,its expression and angst.Discover and research the roots of punk,its a good lesson.Pearl Jam are just not angry enough to play punk,and especially this tune.

@davestrongman9519

This version is much better than dead boys version

@theycallmefingers2

14y

@jittsaijazz Your allowed to have your own opinion, I'll concede that. But your opinion is wrong.

@jittsaijazz

14y

@wormer104 mmhhmm think watever u want but i know im not a game so.........later

@elway0798

12y

@SirLokiChuffingtom Yeah u just cant recreate that magic and the aura of PJ on the 1st 3 albums.. Nothing against any other cd they have done since..

@jittsaijazz

14y

@aaronwanker1 OK WHY DOES EVERY BODY KEEP GETTING ON MY NERVES ABOUT WHOS BETTER ITS MY OPPENION I HEARD IT FROM SAVES THE DAY FIRST SO I THINK ITS BETTER ITS MY CHOICE MIND UR BIZ GOOOSH THE WORLDS NOT GONNA END CAUSE I LIKED SAVES THE DAY BETTER

@jittsaijazz

14y

@TheGargantuanSock see though you insulted me alittle but thats wat im sayen y do they reasponed to my opinion leave me alone and let me think wat i think and i wasnt talken bout pearl jam i was talken bout the other band that sings sonic reducer

@Azko3

11y

PUNK ROCK!

@Dokken77

11y↑2

ummmm i dont know how you define punk but this song is definitely punk, abiet this isnt the most punk version, but this song is very punk

@Ekyvvsaq

13y

@ohio1968javelin Pearl Jams opinions and feelings are deeper and more intelligent than "Hey, im pissed at the world, lets burn someones car and destroy a phone booth!!!"

@karloseklasamentes

11y

Ξενερωσα...

@tickedoffnow

6y↑5

Why is everyone picking on Eddie???

@ChessemillPerezChristopher

15y

It's a Buzzcock song

@HarryPotter-op4yw

4y↑1

Tony Hawk for the DS

@peteburke73

50w

Hold up.

@grundisgrok

15y

Not a Buzzcocks song... a Dead Boys song.

@wormer104

14y

@jittsaijazz People who talk tough online = people who are total bunnies IRL

@jinpartyji

14y

pear jam's versoin of this song is not bad i like Overkill's verson better but this is good though

@davidcook6208

Frank Sinatra doing the Beatles revolution would be similar...

@daniel01158

12y

I think you have "this version" confused with "your mom".

@TheSickjits

13y

LOL

@undershock94

13y

@MeanGreenMovies eddie vedder has a better voice jajaja :D

@ejtrbovic8213

21w

😂

@maverickvogt

13y

Leave us (35 deep people) alone, how about that?

@andreisidro

13y

The instrumental is not bad but it kinda bugs me that eddie vedder trys to sing in this song!

@jittsaijazz

14y

@TheGargantuanSock i dont go around youtube to look for stupid things actually like today and yesterday i leave my oppinionated comment and people gotta put there two cents in it i got shit to do i dont have the childishness in me to argue with people over vids id much rather fight about it but watevs im out take the vid and shove it take the comments and shove it leave me alone and go upload some more vids