First off... big fan of MYM, love the ebbs and flows of they lyrics and the different places the music goes.
I always like the way Ed plays the lyrics off the music.
In the "self realized..." part the emphasis with the music on these words is great.
SELF
PHYSICALLY
LIVE
SOLVE
RIGHT
BIGGER
WILL
COULD
For all the ominous lyrics in the verses, there's a very real redeeming quality to that part... IMO
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I’ve got an unfotatenfortunate feeling
I’ve been beating down
I feel I don’t believe
And now truth is coming out
What they take is more than a vow
They’ve taken your innocence
And then they throw it on a burning pile
ALL ALONG THE'RE SAYING.
Mind your manners
I caught myself believing
That I needed God
And if it’s hard for some
We sure could use it not
Try my patience
My patience tried
This world’s a lonely living
That makes me wanna cry
ALL ALONE THEY'RE SAYING
Mind your manners
Silence save him
Self-realized and that i'll physically redeem.
May not live another life
May not solve our mystery
Right round the corner could be bigger than ourselves
We could will it to the sky
Or we could something else
NO LONGER SAYING
Mind your manners
Always burning
Self-realized and that i'll physically redeem.
May not live another life
May not solve our mystery
Right round the corner could be bigger than ourselves
We could will it to the sky
Or we could something else
Go to Heaven
That’s swell
How do you like it?
Living Hell.
So you don't think the cover with a plate, a gun, a rosary, and blood wasn't meant to attack Christianity? Sorry, I had a little fun with my opening comment because my first few reads felt like the writer found hope and then lost it again (ironically lining up to the timing of Obama's 2008 hope tour and 2012 letdown tour). I felt the blame was misplaced at Christians. Removing Christian views from the people of this country does not fix the gun problem. I would be interested in your viewpoint where it isn't an attack on Christianity. Maybe I'm wrong and misinterpreting it the meaning, but this a thread about the lyrics and thoughts.
Christianity has a lot to answer for and needs to be taken to task. I'm not talking about peoples beliefs I'm talking about the role religious groups play in peoples beliefs. Many of the religions have many serious issues that they have been brushing under the carpet for centuries. I can relate sex abuse cases and many other cover ups by the church to this song. This is brilliantly written and I'm sorry Christianity does have many things that it should be ashamed of and taken to task over.
Here’s my best attempt at interpreting the lyrics: I believe the song is about how it is somehow considered rude to condemn religion or even openly confess disbelief despite the deplorable actions of the church such as child rape. We can find fulfillment without relying on faith. We might not have another chance at life, or ever understand it, which is why we shouldn't squander our potential by complacently awaiting for a god to intervene. Religions seem well-intentioned but have made our lives a living hell here on earth.
Mind Your Manners
I've got an unfortunate feeling
I've been beaten down
I feel I don’t believe and now the truth is coming out
What they’ll take is more than a vow
They've taken your innocence
and then they throw them on a burning pyre ha ha hey hey
All along they’re saying
Mind your manners
I caught myself believing that I needed god
And if it’s out there somewhere
We sure could use it now
Tried my patience
My patience tried
This world's so lonely that it all
Makes me want to cry ha ha hey hey
All along they’re saying
Mind your manners
So they’re saying
Self-realized and metaphysically redeemed
May not live another life
May not solve our mystery
Right around the corner could be bigger than ourselves
We could will it to the sky
Or we could something else
All along they’re saying
Mind your manners
Always praying
Self-realized and metaphysically redeemed
May not live another life
May not solve our mystery
Right around the corner could be bigger than ourselves
We could will it to the sky
Or we could something else
Go to heaven
That’s swell
How do you like it?
Livin’ in hell
Go to heaven
That’s swell
How do you like it?
Livin’ in hell
Go to heaven
That’s swell
How do you like it?
Livin’ in hell
I agree with you. My point was that his anger/blame is misplaced. I do have a little disagreement though with "religion" versus "Christianity". I don't find Ed to attack any other religion except for Christianity.
I would say Marker In the Sand casts the blame at both sides claiming killing in God's name. You could argue the visions of "falling up somehow" in that song refer to suicide bombers believing they're headed to Paradise.
My reading of Faithfull seems to be an utter loss of confidence in any sort of religion (or, "faith") whatsoever.
If there seems to be an inordinate amount of attack on Christianity specifically, it's probably due to the fact it is the predominant religion of the land. If Ed were writing about the experience of living in Iran, I assume he would be hyper-critical of fundamentalist Islam.
everybody wants the most they can possibly get
for the least they could possibly do
So after several careful listens, as well as using parts of lyrics others have posted to figure out the parts I couldn't... I believe this is a pretty accurate synthesis of the lyrics:
I’ve got an unfortunate feeling…
I’ve been beaten down…
I feel left unbelieving and the truth needs coming out
What they’ll take is…
More than a vow…
They’ve taken young innocents and then they throw ‘em on a burning pile
All along they’re saying…
Mind your Manners!
I caught myself believing..
That I needed God …
And if He’s out there somewhere we sure could use him now..
Trying my patience..
My patience tried…
This world’s got nothing left in it and it and make me want to cry
All along they’re saying..
Mind your Manners!
So they say!
Self-realized and metaphysically redeemed…
May not live another life..
May not solve our mysteries…
Right around the corner..
Could be bigger than ourselves..
We could will into the sky..
Or we could something else..
Go to Heaven!
That’s swell!
How do you like it-- living in Hell?
Definitely a political song, obviously. Seems to be an attack on the ultra right wing/fundamentalist gang. I don't believe it's an attack on religion, just the way religion is being used by our politicians to marginalize our real problems and enrich the few at the expense of the many.
So after several careful listens, as well as using parts of lyrics others have posted to figure out the parts I couldn't... I believe this is a pretty accurate synthesis of the lyrics:
I’ve got an unfortunate feeling…
I’ve been beaten down…
I feel left unbelieving and the truth needs coming out
What they’ll take is…
More than a vow…
They’ve taken young innocents and then they throw ‘em on a burning pile
All along they’re saying…
Mind your Manners!
I caught myself believing..
That I needed God …
And if He’s out there somewhere we sure could use him now..
Trying my patience..
My patience tried…
This world’s got nothing left in it and it and make me want to cry
All along they’re saying..
Mind your Manners!
So they say!
Self-realized and metaphysically redeemed…
May not live another life..
May not solve our mysteries…
Right around the corner..
Could be bigger than ourselves..
We could will into the sky..
Or we could something else..
Go to Heaven!
That’s swell!
How do you like it-- living in Hell?
Definitely a political song, obviously. Seems to be an attack on the ultra right wing/fundamentalist gang. I don't believe it's an attack on religion, just the way religion is being used by our politicians to marginalize our real problems and enrich the few at the expense of the many.
Good job!
My money say's that this is almost 100% accurate. Love MYM. Love it more reading these lyrics while listening to it. This song is a MONSTER!!!!! Even at 2:30.
"Had my eyes peeled both wide open, and I got a glimpse...of my innocense, got back my inner sence, baby got it...still got it"
My initial thoughts were uh oh, some one wasn't happy with POTUS. But I think it is just religion in general. Being raised a Catholic, and I struggle with where it fits in my life, and I imagine most genxers are having the same issue.
Religion is a man made institution, and God is a spiritual being. So trying to tie the two together isn't always easy. And when the institution continues to take advantage of the most vulnerable, and turns it's ear or attention when these crimes it becomes impossible to want to be a part of it. Yet, I feel my kids need something????
Anyway, I think Eddie is touching on the fact that there is something out there, but we shouldn't get bogged down on the institution of religion, instead make sure your ok with your life at what your relationship is with God, who ever that may be.
Think how many wars, battles, and lives fought and lost b/c of religion. All in the name of God????? Really!?!?!?!?!??!
I don't know, that is just my 2 cents. In 10 years the song will have a totally different meaning to me anyway.
I think Mind Your Manners is a very powerful song, with very strong words
Vocally it is a departure for Pearl Jam, and starts entering that stable of songs where there is deliberate ambiguity in the vocal delivery - playing with meaning, playing with words, playing with voices - is slightly garbled
I feel there is a strong political message in Mind Your Manners - and it all depends on what you hear and not just what you read
It unfolds
Cancel my subscription to the Ressurection
Send my credentials to the house of detention
I tell ya I've been back and forth on lyrics so many times and i'm easily a hundred spins in. it's always been one of the coolest parts about pj for me; falling for the melody, learning the lyrics and then seeing the song from an entirely different perspective. So Great. Anyhoo this is my take
I've got an unfortunate feeling... i been beaten down
I feel that I don't believe and now the truth is coming out
what they take is more than a vow...
they're taking your innocence and then they throw it on a burning pile yea-eah
and all along they're saying
mind your manners!
i caught myself believing that i needed God...
and if it's out there somewhere we sure could use him now...
tried my patience... my patience tried...
this world's no longer good and it makes me want to cry yea-eah
and all along they're saying
mind your manners!
it's all they're sayin'!
self-realized in that i'm physically redeemed
may not live another life
may not solve our mystery
right round the corner could be bigger than ourselves (our sins?)
we could will them to the sky... or we could something else
and all along they're saying
mind your manners!
always praying!
self-realized in that i'm physically redeemed
may not live another life
may not solve our mystery
right round the corner could be bigger than ourselves (our sins?)
we could will them to the sky... or we could something else
go to heaven and swear, how do you like your living hell
I don't have time right now to lay out my views of this song. I just wanted to chime in and commend bootlegger10 for starting an open conversation about the songs meaning. It is unfortunate at times to see the sheep follow our current leaders rather than doing your own research and asking questions. I feel fortunate to live in a free society and believe in the founders of our country. That is what gives us all the right to speak freely, but please add something interesting and worth reading.
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I don't feel that the song is a critic of religion as much as it is a bashing of western political leaders, who (sometimes in the name of God, but beside thee point) act against the will of the electorate - the people they're supposed to be representing.
For all the useless rhetoric backed up by actions to the contrary of what they're saying how can anyone have faith in the politicians anymore?
In response to the unrest we may feel about this we're told to trust and believe in their high moral standards, and mind our own manners. They're capable men who know best so we must not get involved.
Democracy is dead so in a situation like this is would be great if there actually were a god who would rescue us from our leaders.
I don't know for sure but this is the feel that I've had about MYM ever since it came out.
I don't feel that the song is a critic of religion as much as it is a bashing of western political leaders, who (sometimes in the name of God, but beside thee point) act against the will of the electorate - the people they're supposed to be representing.
For all the useless rhetoric backed up by actions to the contrary of what they're saying how can anyone have faith in the politicians anymore?
In response to the unrest we may feel about this we're told to trust and believe in their high moral standards, and mind our own manners. They're capable men who know best so we must not get involved.
Democracy is dead so in a situation like this is would be great if there actually were a god who would rescue us from our leaders.
I don't know for sure but this is the feel that I've had about MYM ever since it came out.
What do you think?
Agree, particularly after watching the video. The song and video, to me, are about the hypocrisy of the powers that be polluting, starting wars, bascially raping the earth, while telling the rest of us to mind our manners. I think the same message basically applies to the hypocrisy of religious leaders these days (catholic church presuming to dictate moral to us while abusing young boys and covering it up, mega church leaders who are in it for the money, etc).
Baed on the lyrics "We could will it to the sky, or we could something else" and the part of the video where the finger (of God?) flicks zombie Eddie to the ground, I think there is also a positive message that we can or should do anything we can to try to fix the problems that we face instead of feeling powerless or trusting in God or our leaders to take care of things for us. At least that's my take. I'm sure that the song is open to many interpretations, which is part of its greatness
Comments
I always like the way Ed plays the lyrics off the music.
In the "self realized..." part the emphasis with the music on these words is great.
SELF
PHYSICALLY
LIVE
SOLVE
RIGHT
BIGGER
WILL
COULD
For all the ominous lyrics in the verses, there's a very real redeeming quality to that part... IMO
~ Kansas City 5/3/10 ~ Alpine Valley 9/3/11 ~ Alpine Valley 9/4/11 ~
~ Wrigley Field 7/19/13 ~ Oklahoma City 11/16/13 ~ St. Louis 10/3/14 ~
~ Wrigley Field 8/20/16 ~ Wrigley Field 8/18/18 ~ Wrigley Field 8/20/18 ~
~ Fenway Park 9/4/18 ~ Denver 9/22/22
I’ve got an unfotatenfortunate feeling
I’ve been beating down
I feel I don’t believe
And now truth is coming out
What they take is more than a vow
They’ve taken your innocence
And then they throw it on a burning pile
ALL ALONG THE'RE SAYING.
Mind your manners
I caught myself believing
That I needed God
And if it’s hard for some
We sure could use it not
Try my patience
My patience tried
This world’s a lonely living
That makes me wanna cry
ALL ALONE THEY'RE SAYING
Mind your manners
Silence save him
Self-realized and that i'll physically redeem.
May not live another life
May not solve our mystery
Right round the corner could be bigger than ourselves
We could will it to the sky
Or we could something else
NO LONGER SAYING
Mind your manners
Always burning
Self-realized and that i'll physically redeem.
May not live another life
May not solve our mystery
Right round the corner could be bigger than ourselves
We could will it to the sky
Or we could something else
Go to Heaven
That’s swell
How do you like it?
Living Hell.
Christianity has a lot to answer for and needs to be taken to task. I'm not talking about peoples beliefs I'm talking about the role religious groups play in peoples beliefs. Many of the religions have many serious issues that they have been brushing under the carpet for centuries. I can relate sex abuse cases and many other cover ups by the church to this song. This is brilliantly written and I'm sorry Christianity does have many things that it should be ashamed of and taken to task over.
Mind Your Manners
I've got an unfortunate feeling
I've been beaten down
I feel I don’t believe and now the truth is coming out
What they’ll take is more than a vow
They've taken your innocence
and then they throw them on a burning pyre ha ha hey hey
All along they’re saying
Mind your manners
I caught myself believing that I needed god
And if it’s out there somewhere
We sure could use it now
Tried my patience
My patience tried
This world's so lonely that it all
Makes me want to cry ha ha hey hey
All along they’re saying
Mind your manners
So they’re saying
Self-realized and metaphysically redeemed
May not live another life
May not solve our mystery
Right around the corner could be bigger than ourselves
We could will it to the sky
Or we could something else
All along they’re saying
Mind your manners
Always praying
Self-realized and metaphysically redeemed
May not live another life
May not solve our mystery
Right around the corner could be bigger than ourselves
We could will it to the sky
Or we could something else
Go to heaven
That’s swell
How do you like it?
Livin’ in hell
Go to heaven
That’s swell
How do you like it?
Livin’ in hell
Go to heaven
That’s swell
How do you like it?
Livin’ in hell
Living in hell
I would say Marker In the Sand casts the blame at both sides claiming killing in God's name. You could argue the visions of "falling up somehow" in that song refer to suicide bombers believing they're headed to Paradise.
My reading of Faithfull seems to be an utter loss of confidence in any sort of religion (or, "faith") whatsoever.
If there seems to be an inordinate amount of attack on Christianity specifically, it's probably due to the fact it is the predominant religion of the land. If Ed were writing about the experience of living in Iran, I assume he would be hyper-critical of fundamentalist Islam.
for the least they could possibly do
Good job!
My money say's that this is almost 100% accurate. Love MYM. Love it more reading these lyrics while listening to it. This song is a MONSTER!!!!! Even at 2:30.
Religion is a man made institution, and God is a spiritual being. So trying to tie the two together isn't always easy. And when the institution continues to take advantage of the most vulnerable, and turns it's ear or attention when these crimes it becomes impossible to want to be a part of it. Yet, I feel my kids need something????
Anyway, I think Eddie is touching on the fact that there is something out there, but we shouldn't get bogged down on the institution of religion, instead make sure your ok with your life at what your relationship is with God, who ever that may be.
Think how many wars, battles, and lives fought and lost b/c of religion. All in the name of God????? Really!?!?!?!?!??!
I don't know, that is just my 2 cents. In 10 years the song will have a totally different meaning to me anyway.
Vocally it is a departure for Pearl Jam, and starts entering that stable of songs where there is deliberate ambiguity in the vocal delivery - playing with meaning, playing with words, playing with voices - is slightly garbled
I feel there is a strong political message in Mind Your Manners - and it all depends on what you hear and not just what you read
It unfolds
Send my credentials to the house of detention
I've got an unfortunate feeling... i been beaten down
I feel that I don't believe and now the truth is coming out
what they take is more than a vow...
they're taking your innocence and then they throw it on a burning pile yea-eah
and all along they're saying
mind your manners!
i caught myself believing that i needed God...
and if it's out there somewhere we sure could use him now...
tried my patience... my patience tried...
this world's no longer good and it makes me want to cry yea-eah
and all along they're saying
mind your manners!
it's all they're sayin'!
self-realized in that i'm physically redeemed
may not live another life
may not solve our mystery
right round the corner could be bigger than ourselves (our sins?)
we could will them to the sky... or we could something else
and all along they're saying
mind your manners!
always praying!
self-realized in that i'm physically redeemed
may not live another life
may not solve our mystery
right round the corner could be bigger than ourselves (our sins?)
we could will them to the sky... or we could something else
go to heaven and swear, how do you like your living hell
(the hypocrisy that is big religion?)
For all the useless rhetoric backed up by actions to the contrary of what they're saying how can anyone have faith in the politicians anymore?
In response to the unrest we may feel about this we're told to trust and believe in their high moral standards, and mind our own manners. They're capable men who know best so we must not get involved.
Democracy is dead so in a situation like this is would be great if there actually were a god who would rescue us from our leaders.
I don't know for sure but this is the feel that I've had about MYM ever since it came out.
What do you think?
Agree, particularly after watching the video. The song and video, to me, are about the hypocrisy of the powers that be polluting, starting wars, bascially raping the earth, while telling the rest of us to mind our manners. I think the same message basically applies to the hypocrisy of religious leaders these days (catholic church presuming to dictate moral to us while abusing young boys and covering it up, mega church leaders who are in it for the money, etc).
Baed on the lyrics "We could will it to the sky, or we could something else" and the part of the video where the finger (of God?) flicks zombie Eddie to the ground, I think there is also a positive message that we can or should do anything we can to try to fix the problems that we face instead of feeling powerless or trusting in God or our leaders to take care of things for us. At least that's my take. I'm sure that the song is open to many interpretations, which is part of its greatness