Well yeah Ed's been vocal for 18 years about being against religion, but you're missing the rest of the lyrics: "Gotta say it now, better loud than too late"
Change of hearts are in fact possible, and are most likely the case when someone sees the light.
All that said, I don't know why people always assume Ed is talking about himself in every song. Do I think this song is about someone finding faith? Yeah, but that's just me. Every song is open to interpretation, and this song could be about any change of heart for anyone
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Why does everyone who complains or criticizes starts of Oh I don't mean to complain or criticize................
Or, "I've been a fan of the band back when they were Mother Love Bone ... or actually, before that. In fact, I came up with the name Mother Love Bone. Anyway, the new album sucks."
everybody wants the most they can possibly get
for the least they could possibly do
Or, "I've been a fan of the band back when they were Mother Love Bone ... or actually, before that. In fact, I came up with the name Mother Love Bone. Anyway, the new album sucks."
That's pretty good... My favorite is telling people that Green River rehearsed in my basement and that's when they actually had talent.
One of the things that has always drawn me to Pearl Jam's music, is that it is spiritual without being religious. I don't believe in any god or any religion, but I still hold on to the feeling that there is more to life than this world, and that our souls live on. I feel like I know this is all true despite the fact that I can't prove any of it. I grew up having to attend a very joyless, hypocritical evangelical protestant church every Sunday, and I had to go the bible camp every summer for two weeks, one week with just kids, and another week with family. For the most part, I hated it. There were a few songs that we would sing at camp that I actually liked, and I was happy to find out later they actually were not Christian hymns. I Shall Be Released was one of them (my favorite one), and it turns out it's a Bob Dylan song, made famous by The Band, one of my favorite bands nowadays. I loved the way it was sung at camp... the boys would sing a line, like "I see my light come shining", and then the girls would sing the same line with a slightly different melody at a higher key before the next line started... I loved hearing the girls sing in unison. Very, very cool.
I found more spirituality in the world when I got to be an adult and stopped going to church. Music, art, and nature are my new church, and I don't have to believe in any silly nonsense that someone wrote down in a book a long time ago.
So when Eddie sings about "the other side" and saving souls, I don't hear that as Christian beliefs, because I know they are not... EV has been quite clear about that. These are concepts that predate organized religion, and exist outside of religion. You can discard or disregard your soul... many people do... and later, something brings it back, and some people think it's Jesus or Allah or Buddha that saves it, but I think it's something much more real than that.
When you posted it, I was thinking about knowledge and the Catholic Church's need to control what is and is not considered to be canon.
Starvation of minds, sir.
That's two completely different things though. The OP was saying that religion is responsible for killing more babies through both starving them and bombing them.
And I'm a person who wouldn't mind it if they were there.
EDIT: Just to tackle one of these ... "I'll say your prayers." It's not "I'll say MY prayers." The point of that bridge is "I'll do anything you want me to, in order to 'fix' this." HE's saying I'll say your prayers EVEN IF I DON'T BELIEVE THEM, if that will make you happy. It kind of reminds me of a lesser lyric from a Green Day song: "I'll go with you to church on Sunday, if you'll come with me on Friday night."
So, no, not Christian rock.
slightofjeff, i must say, you are on point this week!
Further back and forth a wave will break on me, today...
When you posted it, I was thinking about knowledge and the Catholic Church's need to control what is and is not considered to be canon.
Starvation of minds, sir.
That's two completely different things though. The OP was saying that religion is responsible for killing more babies through both starving them and bombing them.
One of the things that has always drawn me to Pearl Jam's music, is that it is spiritual without being religious.
Bingo.
So when Eddie sings about "the other side" and saving souls, I don't hear that as Christian beliefs, because I know they are not... EV has been quite clear about that. These are concepts that predate organized religion, and exist outside of religion. You can discard or disregard your soul... many people do... and later, something brings it back, and some people think it's Jesus or Allah or Buddha that saves it, but I think it's something much more real than that.
And double bingo.
It's sort of like in LATG, after Faithfull (another Christian song ) where ed raises a toast to "a belief in something greater", then backtracks and changes it to "A belief that it's all going to work out."
everybody wants the most they can possibly get
for the least they could possibly do
Man, it's amazing how such a poorly thought-out rant can spawn such a long, drawn-out thread
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You are really stretching here. I find it funny. You do know that Ed doesn't believe in god.
how do you know? save the Garafolo article. I realize he DIDN'T. There's know way for either of us to know if he DOESN"T. Unless you are his wife or something.
Someone might have already addressed this point, but in 2008, at MSG I think he referenced God and within the same breath said "Who I don't believe in".
Someone can correct me if it was a different show.
The issue here though seems that you are reeeeeeaaaaaaaallllllllllllllyyyyyyyyyyyy reaching to connect anything from Backspacer to Christianity and by extension Eddie's belief system.
Now for the record there are a couple Christian references in the lyrics. We live in a Christian society, with religion jammed down our throats for much of our lives. Of course there are going to be cultural references in our daily lives.
Fuck I say "God Bless you" whenever anyone sneezes. And I'm as far away from Christianity as they come.
You are really stretching here. I find it funny. You do know that Ed doesn't believe in god.
how do you know? save the Garafolo article. I realize he DIDN'T. There's know way for either of us to know if he DOESN"T. Unless you are his wife or something.
Someone might have already addressed this point, but in 2008, at MSG I think he referenced God and within the same breath said "Who I don't believe in".
Someone can correct me if it was a different show.
The issue here though seems that you are reeeeeeaaaaaaaallllllllllllllyyyyyyyyyyyy reaching to connect anything from Backspacer to Christianity and by extension Eddie's belief system.
Now for the record there are a couple Christian references in the lyrics. We live in a Christian society, with religion jammed down our throats for much of our lives. Of course there are going to be cultural references in our daily lives.
Fuck I say "God Bless you" whenever anyone sneezes. And I'm as far away from Christianity as they come.
yeah, same here. lol.
ok, i appreciate the debate we've had here. hope i didn't offend anybody too badly. if it mattered as much to me as maybe i led all of you to believe, i wouldn't have listened to the record about 400 times since Friday. i can't tell if i really love BS as much as i think i do - i mean, my brother in law asked me for an objective opinion today. i told him i love it, but if they put out an album of pig calling and moo-ing, i'd probably love that too. but this really does seem like a special record. even with all the bible thumping ed does.
Not looking to complain or criticize, I'm just curious if this bothers anybody else. I love the album, have listened to it nonstop since Friday, and the more I listen, the more I like the ENTIRE record from start to finish.
But as that process goes on, and i familiarize myself with the lyrics, Eddie's apparent new willingness to include religious (even Christian) messages in the music is a turn off to me. I don't mind anybody's religion, I just don't like it in my rock music. That's called Christian rock, and it's something I don't get into. I am glad that Ed is happy with his current life situation, and if that includes being born again or just more comfortable writing about his faith, great for him. For me as a listener, that's the one thing I would change about Backspacer. Too many soul saving and prayer references for my taste.
Pretty sure Ed's not a born again Christian and never has been Christian, so I think those lyrics are meant in a very secular or humanistic sense... Kurt Vonnegut style.
One day Ed will find Jesus and then I will enjoy watching the fireworks here on the forums.
So what if he references some religious themes in the lyrics? I thought we were all tolerant liberals here.
We are, but it's still a blast to poke fun at religion, it's just so easy. Like how it apparently bothers you so much that Ed isn't Christian and you keep coming around here to tell everyone that one day Ed will believe in Jesus just like you do and it will make some huge difference for the world.
I'll start by saying that I'm a Christian. Not as a part of some "religious group", but in regards to my belief in Jesus Christ and the acceptance of the sacrifice He made for us. As far as I'm concerned, "religion" is the root of all evil. I have come to hate the word. One of the very reasons Jesus Christ was crucified to begin with was because of his disdain for religion and how legalistic it had become. Church leaders of the time, didn't really appreciate that. Many of today's church's reflect nothing of what Jesus taught; be humble, not proud and boastful, willing to serve, forgive others (for everything), give to those in need, love others, etc. etc.
Although I don't see where Ed has been overly spiritual in the lyrics, I do believe he has a spiritual side. That's just my opinion. If you've ever seen the episode of Iconoclasts where he and Laird are sitting watching the waves come in, he says something to the effect of "it's hard not to believe in something bigger". Also, just last week there was a post from the stalker (I say that jokingly) who followed him around a bit and then got to talk to Ed a little before he left. He told Ed about his dad having passed away, and Ed said something to the effect, "now you're dad and my dad are up there (pointing to the sky) looking down on us". So I would say that there is a possibility that he is a little more spiritual than he may acknowledge. I still find it funny that some of you seem to give the impression you would no longer be fans if that was the case. Talk about shallow. Just because he said something back in 1998, doesn't mean he still holds onto that belief today. Aside from that, someone's spirituality is a personal thing, and I don't know that it's any of our business what he believes.
I still find it funny that some of you seem to give the impression you would no longer be fans if that was the case. Talk about shallow. Just because he said something back in 1998, doesn't mean he still holds onto that belief today. Aside from that, someone's spirituality is a personal thing, and I don't know that it's any of our business what he believes.
that's why I'd not like it if the band suddenly started cranking out christian rock. spirituality is personal and i don't like being preached at. so if the band started doing that, i'd stop listening.
I'll start by saying that I'm a Christian. Not as a part of some "religious group", but in regards to my belief in Jesus Christ and the acceptance of the sacrifice He made for us. As far as I'm concerned, "religion" is the root of all evil. I have come to hate the word. One of the very reasons Jesus Christ was crucified to begin with was because of his disdain for religion and how legalistic it had become. Church leaders of the time, didn't really appreciate that. Many of today's church's reflect nothing of what Jesus taught; be humble, not proud and boastful, willing to serve, forgive others (for everything), give to those in need, love others, etc. etc.
Although I don't see where Ed has been overly spiritual in the lyrics, I do believe he has a spiritual side. That's just my opinion. If you've ever seen the episode of Iconoclasts where he and Laird are sitting watching the waves come in, he says something to the effect of "it's hard not to believe in something bigger". Also, just last week there was a post from the stalker (I say that jokingly) who followed him around a bit and then got to talk to Ed a little before he left. He told Ed about his dad having passed away, and Ed said something to the effect, "now you're dad and my dad are up there (pointing to the sky) looking down on us". So I would say that there is a possibility that he is a little more spiritual than he may acknowledge. I still find it funny that some of you seem to give the impression you would no longer be fans if that was the case. Talk about shallow. Just because he said something back in 1998, doesn't mean he still holds onto that belief today. Aside from that, someone's spirituality is a personal thing, and I don't know that it's any of our business what he believes.
I haven't read the whole thread, but i think you nailed it right with your comment. I am not a religious kind a guy. but very ofeten say stuff like what you mentioned.
This is not a stupid threasd. just someone giving their point of view, man.
dude who started this message...Have you every heard the word Spiritual?
Because you can be without being religious in anyway..
just curious..
yeah, in fact i used the word if you read my posts. no worries, as has been pointed out, SOME of the lyrics are overtly religious (not just spiritual) like Original Sin, etc.
I'll start by saying that I'm a Christian. Not as a part of some "religious group", but in regards to my belief in Jesus Christ and the acceptance of the sacrifice He made for us. As far as I'm concerned, "religion" is the root of all evil. I have come to hate the word. One of the very reasons Jesus Christ was crucified to begin with was because of his disdain for religion and how legalistic it had become. Church leaders of the time, didn't really appreciate that. Many of today's church's reflect nothing of what Jesus taught; be humble, not proud and boastful, willing to serve, forgive others (for everything), give to those in need, love others, etc. etc.
Although I don't see where Ed has been overly spiritual in the lyrics, I do believe he has a spiritual side. That's just my opinion. If you've ever seen the episode of Iconoclasts where he and Laird are sitting watching the waves come in, he says something to the effect of "it's hard not to believe in something bigger". Also, just last week there was a post from the stalker (I say that jokingly) who followed him around a bit and then got to talk to Ed a little before he left. He told Ed about his dad having passed away, and Ed said something to the effect, "now you're dad and my dad are up there (pointing to the sky) looking down on us". So I would say that there is a possibility that he is a little more spiritual than he may acknowledge. I still find it funny that some of you seem to give the impression you would no longer be fans if that was the case. Talk about shallow. Just because he said something back in 1998, doesn't mean he still holds onto that belief today. Aside from that, someone's spirituality is a personal thing, and I don't know that it's any of our business what he believes.
I still find it funny that some of you seem to give the impression you would no longer be fans if that was the case. Talk about shallow. Just because he said something back in 1998, doesn't mean he still holds onto that belief today.
If that is aimed at me, you twisted my words. I said the day PJ turns into a Christian Rock band is the day I move on.
Bright eyed kid: "Wow Typo Man, you're the best!"
Typo Man: "Thanks kidz, but remembir, stay in skool!"
dude who started this message...Have you every heard the word Spiritual?
Because you can be without being religious in anyway..
just curious..
yeah, in fact i used the word if you read my posts. no worries, as has been pointed out, SOME of the lyrics are overtly religious (not just spiritual) like Original Sin, etc.
he says "original sin" in johnny guitar, a song about a made up situation about a guy that is not ed. its a fairy tale. fake. false. like religion
seriously, you could pick out "examples" like you gave from any PJ album. ed is not religious. stop worrying about it.
Comments
Change of hearts are in fact possible, and are most likely the case when someone sees the light.
All that said, I don't know why people always assume Ed is talking about himself in every song. Do I think this song is about someone finding faith? Yeah, but that's just me. Every song is open to interpretation, and this song could be about any change of heart for anyone
and then they do!
Or, "I've been a fan of the band back when they were Mother Love Bone ... or actually, before that. In fact, I came up with the name Mother Love Bone. Anyway, the new album sucks."
for the least they could possibly do
I found more spirituality in the world when I got to be an adult and stopped going to church. Music, art, and nature are my new church, and I don't have to believe in any silly nonsense that someone wrote down in a book a long time ago.
So when Eddie sings about "the other side" and saving souls, I don't hear that as Christian beliefs, because I know they are not... EV has been quite clear about that. These are concepts that predate organized religion, and exist outside of religion. You can discard or disregard your soul... many people do... and later, something brings it back, and some people think it's Jesus or Allah or Buddha that saves it, but I think it's something much more real than that.
When you posted it, I was thinking about knowledge and the Catholic Church's need to control what is and is not considered to be canon.
Starvation of minds, sir.
3 Decibels Doubles the Volume
2006
I should have prefaced my post, then. Sorry.
Bingo.
And double bingo.
It's sort of like in LATG, after Faithfull (another Christian song
for the least they could possibly do
So what if he references some religious themes in the lyrics? I thought we were all tolerant liberals here.
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Irvine 6/03/03
Los Angeles 7/9/06
Los Angeles 7/10/06
Los Angeles 7/12/08 (VH1 Rock Honors the Who)
Los Angeles 10/01/09
Los Angeles 4/12/08 (EV solo)
Los Angeles 10/06/09
MSG 5/20/10
San Diego 7/5/11 (EV solo)
Los Angeles 11/23/13
Los Angeles 11/24/13
Sao Paulo, Brazil 11/14/15
Ohana Encore 10/01/21
San Diego 5/03/22
Los Angeles 5/21/24
Los Angeles 5/22/24
This album is huge step in the right direction for those things.
Someone might have already addressed this point, but in 2008, at MSG I think he referenced God and within the same breath said "Who I don't believe in".
Someone can correct me if it was a different show.
The issue here though seems that you are reeeeeeaaaaaaaallllllllllllllyyyyyyyyyyyy reaching to connect anything from Backspacer to Christianity and by extension Eddie's belief system.
Now for the record there are a couple Christian references in the lyrics. We live in a Christian society, with religion jammed down our throats for much of our lives. Of course there are going to be cultural references in our daily lives.
Fuck I say "God Bless you" whenever anyone sneezes. And I'm as far away from Christianity as they come.
Philly-8/28/98, 8/29/98, 9/1/00, 9/2/00, 4/28/03, 7/5/03, 7/6/03, 10/3/05, 5/27/06, 5/28/06, 6/19/08, 6/20/08, 10/27/09, 10/28/09, 10/30/09, 10/31/09, 10/21/13, 10/22/13, 4/28/16, 4/29/16
Jones Beach-8/25/00
PSU-5/3/03
Irvine-6/2/03
San Diego-6/5/03
Hershey-7/12/03
Reading-10/1/04
The Gorge-9/1/05
Vancouver-9/2/05
AC-9/30/05
E. Rutherford, NJ-6/1/06,6/3/06
Bonnaroo-6/14/08
VA Beach-6/17/08
MSG-5/20/10,5/21/10
Baltimore 10/27/13
yeah, same here. lol.
ok, i appreciate the debate we've had here. hope i didn't offend anybody too badly. if it mattered as much to me as maybe i led all of you to believe, i wouldn't have listened to the record about 400 times since Friday. i can't tell if i really love BS as much as i think i do - i mean, my brother in law asked me for an objective opinion today. i told him i love it, but if they put out an album of pig calling and moo-ing, i'd probably love that too. but this really does seem like a special record. even with all the bible thumping ed does.
Because you can be without being religious in anyway..
just curious..
http://www.myspace.com/mrmojorisinca
Pretty sure Ed's not a born again Christian and never has been Christian, so I think those lyrics are meant in a very secular or humanistic sense... Kurt Vonnegut style.
We are, but it's still a blast to poke fun at religion, it's just so easy. Like how it apparently bothers you so much that Ed isn't Christian and you keep coming around here to tell everyone that one day Ed will believe in Jesus just like you do and it will make some huge difference for the world.
Although I don't see where Ed has been overly spiritual in the lyrics, I do believe he has a spiritual side. That's just my opinion. If you've ever seen the episode of Iconoclasts where he and Laird are sitting watching the waves come in, he says something to the effect of "it's hard not to believe in something bigger". Also, just last week there was a post from the stalker (I say that jokingly) who followed him around a bit and then got to talk to Ed a little before he left. He told Ed about his dad having passed away, and Ed said something to the effect, "now you're dad and my dad are up there (pointing to the sky) looking down on us". So I would say that there is a possibility that he is a little more spiritual than he may acknowledge. I still find it funny that some of you seem to give the impression you would no longer be fans if that was the case. Talk about shallow. Just because he said something back in 1998, doesn't mean he still holds onto that belief today. Aside from that, someone's spirituality is a personal thing, and I don't know that it's any of our business what he believes.
that's why I'd not like it if the band suddenly started cranking out christian rock. spirituality is personal and i don't like being preached at. so if the band started doing that, i'd stop listening.
I haven't read the whole thread, but i think you nailed it right with your comment. I am not a religious kind a guy. but very ofeten say stuff like what you mentioned.
This is not a stupid threasd. just someone giving their point of view, man.
yeah, in fact i used the word if you read my posts. no worries, as has been pointed out, SOME of the lyrics are overtly religious (not just spiritual) like Original Sin, etc.
I think Ed is singing about Beastiality.
very good explanation.
i thought it was "Like Pilate I have ate dog"
so I always thought he was Korean.
If that is aimed at me, you twisted my words. I said the day PJ turns into a Christian Rock band is the day I move on.
Typo Man: "Thanks kidz, but remembir, stay in skool!"
he says "original sin" in johnny guitar, a song about a made up situation about a guy that is not ed. its a fairy tale. fake. false. like religion
seriously, you could pick out "examples" like you gave from any PJ album. ed is not religious. stop worrying about it.