The band released its only album, the self-titled Temple of the Dog, in April 1991 through A&M Records. The recording sessions took place in November and December 1990 at London Bridge Studios, in Seattle, Washington with producer Rakesh "Rick" Parashar. Although earning praise from music critics at the time of its release, the album was not widely recognized until 1992, when Vedder, Ament, Gossard, and McCready had their breakthrough with Pearl Jam. Cameron would later join Pearl Jam, serving as drummer since 1998.
The band toured in 2016 in celebration of the 25th anniversary of their self-titled album.
Temple of the Dog was started by Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, who had been a roommate of Andrew Wood, the lead singer of Malfunkshun and Mother Love Bone. Wood died on March 19, 1990, of a heroin overdose, the day Cornell got back from a tour. As he went on to tour Europe a few days later, he started writing songs in tribute to his late friend. The result was two songs, "Reach Down" and "Say Hello 2 Heaven", which he recorded as soon as he returned home from touring.
The recorded material was slow and melodic, musically different from the aggressive rock music of Soundgarden. Cornell approached Wood's former bandmates, Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament—who were still figuring out how to continue without Mother Love Bone—with the intention of releasing the songs as a single. Ament described the collaboration as "a really good thing at the time" for Gossard and him that put them into a "band situation where we could play and make music." The band's lineup was completed by the addition of Soundgarden (and later Pearl Jam) drummer Matt Cameron and future Pearl Jam lead guitarist Mike McCready. They named themselves Temple of the Dog, a reference to a line in the lyrics of the Mother Love Bone song "Man of Golden Words".
Your Saviour
Temple of the Dog Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Walk in the shoes of somebody else
Whisper to me, my tragic fate
Whisper to me, my tragic end
But don't give me your savior
But don't give me your savior
I said, "hey"
People I choose, life on my own
Burn me your fuse, throw me your stones
Give me your brand, burn on my hand
Whisper to me, my tragic end
But don't give me your savior
But don't give me your savior
I said, "hey"
People I choose, I know myself
Lay my need out, give you my help
But you give me your blues
And you whisper my fate
But don't give me, don't give me your savior
Don't give me, don't give me
Whisper high oh fate, fly high oh fate
Whisper high oh fate, fly high oh fate
Whisper high oh fate, fly high oh fate
Whisper
The song "Your Saviour" by Temple of the Dog is a powerful declaration of self-reliance in the face of others trying to impose their beliefs and values onto oneself. The lyrics suggest that the singer is tired of hearing other people's opinions on what they think is best for him and instead wants to determine his own path in life. The first verse, "People like you, I know myself, walk in the shoes of somebody else, whisper to me, my tragic fate, whisper to me, my tragic end," can be interpreted as the singer asking others to empathize with him and understand that he wants to live life on his own terms. He's tired of hearing about what could go wrong and would rather take the risk and see where life takes him. The second verse continues this theme, with the singer asking others to let him be and not try to save him from himself.
The chorus repeats the phrase, "But don't give me your savior," which can be seen as a commentary on the idea of a religious or messianic figure who is supposed to save people from their own perceived shortcomings. The singer is saying that he doesn't need someone else to save him, he can handle his own life and choices. The bridge of the song adds a sense of urgency, with the repetition of "I said, hey" emphasizing the singer's desire to be heard and understood. The final verse again emphasizes the singer's sense of self-knowledge and desire to help others, but he doesn't want to be weighed down by their problems and worries.
Overall, "Your Saviour" is a powerful song about the importance of self-determination and refusing to let others control your life. It's a message that still resonates today, especially in a world where social media and constantly connected technology can make it even more difficult to carve out an individual identity.
Line by Line Meaning
People like you, I know myself
I understand who I am by comparing myself to those who are not like me.
Walk in the shoes of somebody else
Put yourself in someone else's position to understand their experience.
Whisper to me, my tragic fate
Tell me what my future holds, even if it is painful.
Whisper to me, my tragic end
Warn me of the bad things that will eventually happen to me.
But don't give me your savior
I don't want your help, especially if it comes with strings attached.
I said, "hey"
In this moment, I am addressing you directly.
People I choose, life on my own
I prefer to be independent and choose my own path in life.
Burn me your fuse, throw me your stones
Challenge me and push me to my limits, even if it hurts.
Give me your brand, burn on my hand
Mark me with your identity, even if it is painful or dangerous.
But don't give me your savior
I don't want your help, especially if it comes with strings attached (repeated from earlier).
People I choose, I know myself
I understand who I am and the people I associate with reflect that.
Lay my need out, give you my help
I will be open about my needs and offer my help to others.
But you give me your blues
When I try to help, you share your sadness and depression with me.
And you whisper my fate
You hint at what the future holds for me or remind me of my past mistakes.
Don't give me, don't give me your savior
I don't want your help, especially if it comes with strings attached (repeated again).
Whisper high oh fate, fly high oh fate
Addressing fate or destiny, asking for it to show itself and take charge.
Whisper high oh fate, fly high oh fate
Addressing fate or destiny, reinforcing the request for it to take over.
Whisper high oh fate, fly high oh fate
Addressing fate or destiny, repeating the invocation with emphasis.
Whisper
A final plea to fate or destiny.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Chris Cornell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind