my story

jrms09

i am only a sophmore in highschool, and until last year ( freshmen year) i had never heard of Pearl Jam.

I live in Louisiana. and on august 29, my life changed.. huriccane katrina. My house got a good amount of damage. it was really bad here. so my mother sent me to live with my father in missouri.

i had to go to school up there. Everyone treated me "differently" because i was a "refugee" . Everything was spinning out of control.

at that time in my life i only listened to like hip-hop and stuff. until the first day i walked into my english class in missouri.

the class room had Pearl jam posters all over the wall. I had no clue who this band was or anything.

days turned into weeks turned into monthes. my english teacher would give us a page with Pearl Jam lyrics on it. we would read through it, pick out the metaphors and similies. try to figure out what the lyrics really meant.

the first Pearl Jam song i ever heard was "Black", and the we did "jeremy" and "even flow".

"pearl jam is pretty deep" i thought, their songs have meaning. I learned so much in that class, that class and pearl jam inspired me. i finally felt like i had something in common with the people in my class... Pearl Jam.

i dont know how, but i couldnt of found out about pearl jam in a better time in my life.

Pearl Jams' music helped me through a hard time in my life. Thi swhole story may seem corny, but if you had an idea of what i went through, it would make since. Pearl Jams' music helped me fill a "void" i had.

Isnt it just amazing how music can change a connect some many people.

i guess i just felt like i should share that with someone.


whats yalls story

comebackwoman

Thanks for sharing - that's an amazing story. Somebody nominate that teacher for "Teacher of the Year" or something!

Pearl Jam came along at a time in my life when I really needed them. Words truly have the power to heal. I believe that. They validate our experiences and allow us to express our emotions - which is what healing is all about.

I'm glad you too found some solace with Pearl Jam

jrms09

comebackgirl wrote:

Thanks for sharing - that's an amazing story. Somebody nominate that teacher for "Teacher of the Year" or something!

Pearl Jam came along at a time in my life when I really needed them. Words truly have the power to heal. I believe that. They validate our experiences and allow us to express our emotions - which is what healing is all about.

I'm glad you too found some solace with Pearl Jam

yeah

isnt it so cool how music can be so powerful

comebackwoman

jrms09 wrote:

yeah

isnt it so cool how music can be so powerful

Really cool. Have you gotten to see them live yet?

jrms09

no!!

and i am sure no one will be performing down here for awhile.

i dont think they r even coming to louisiana

but my cousin says that pearl jam is one of the few bands that sound the same live as they do on cd.

comebackwoman

They're even better live. It's really amazing. I hope they come back and do another leg of the tour. There's nothing like seeing PJ live. It will be a living changing experience for you.

jrms09

i dont know when or how

but i will seem them perform one day.. i hope

jrms09

whats yalls story????

MichaelMcKevin

jrms09 wrote:

whats yalls story????

Christmas Day 1993: I was 7 years old and very into music for someone my age. I used to stand on top of my parents bed with my cheap acoustic they got me and pretend i was on stage. I used to do a "Pete Townshend-esque" strum and break all my strings off. Anyway, a lot of time was spent sneaking around to watch MTV when my parents weren't around and I'd seen the evenflow and jeremy videos.

So on christmas, i was at my aunt and uncle's house and all my presents were unwrapped and i was looking through my Uncle's cd collection near the tree. I remember telling him i liked the 2 songs I heard on MTV and he told me i could take the cd home with me. Even though it wasn't technically a christmas present, it's still the best gift i've ever received and to this day, Ten is the first cd I've ever owned and i've still got the same copy. It's got scratches all over it and it still plays perfectly the whole way through ( i think that cd was destined to withstand anything for me).

I'd like to hear more stories... it seems Pearl Jam fans have the best ones.


PS. I wish i had your english teacher in high school

jrms09

i was lucky

i think i got one of the most amazing teachers out there

heartdesire

I think you do have one of the most amazing teachers out there!!! That teacher definitely needs to be nominated for "Teacher of the Year"!

So sorry you had to experience such a catastrophic time. Glad you are safe and doing well.

Music is powerful and it is an amazing "connector". PJ along with other music has really saved the day for me quite a few times.

jrms09 you'll get to see PJ one day soon and it will be an amazing show for you! Believe it!!!

Nothingman54

Better late than never. LOL. Alot of teachers use PJ songs in class. My gf came home from class (college) one day and they discussed PJ songs. Pearl Jam has saved my life many times..... and my soul. I heard Black 11 years ago and thats when it happend.

Mickey1794

Your story really inspires because I too am a teacher and I use PJ songs for an extra credit assignment -song of the week. When I was a teen a went through some very hard times also and PJ helped me through all those times. I tatooed the Alive guy on my 18th birthday-long time ago-but feels like yesterday. Still everytime I hear a song like Black its like hearing it for the first time and it feels good to my soul. I want to share that feeling with my students.

AngelofIndifference

Your story gave me goosebumps! Welcome to the family

jrms09

AngelofIndifference wrote:

Your story gave me goosebumps! Welcome to the family

thanks

i appreciate it

Thin Air 211

I'm going into my freshmen year this fall...I hope I get a teacher like that!

Ahnimus

My friend gave me an old cassette of Ten, it was when I was 13 or 14, just listened to Weird Al Yankovic up to that point. I went and bought the Ten CD 3 times because people kept stealing it from me.

I own Ten, Vitology, Versus, Dissident: Live in Atlanta, No Code and Yield
I'm not as hardcore as most fans up in this place.

sweetlitlrocker

GivenToCarve wrote:

Ten is the first cd I've ever owned and i've still got the same copy. It's got scratches all over it and it still plays perfectly the whole way through ( i think that cd was destined to withstand anything for me).

I puchased "Ten" as a tape circa 1992... I don't think I even knew what a CD was then! However, it met it's demise in the "great truck melt", I do believe. (Tapes really WILL melt in your automobile in the summer!) I have the CD now. My teachers never gave us Pearl Jam lyrics, but I did have to write a final exam (in English class) to U2 lyrics! I'm so glad things are looking up for you. I lost a home in Hurricane Andrew, so I can relate to some of what you are feeling. Despite all I lost, I always turned to (and still do) my music. It will always be with you no matter what- in your head, in your heart. Music is EXCELLENT therapy! Rock on, and know that there are people out there who are thinking of you and care about your situation!

jrms09

sweetlitlrocker wrote:

I puchased "Ten" as a tape circa 1992... I don't think I even knew what a CD was then! However, it met it's demise in the "great truck melt", I do believe. (Tapes really WILL melt in your automobile in the summer!) I have the CD now. My teachers never gave us Pearl Jam lyrics, but I did have to write a final exam (in English class) to U2 lyrics! I'm so glad things are looking up for you. I lost a home in Hurricane Andrew, so I can relate to some of what you are feeling. Despite all I lost, I always turned to (and still do) my music. It will always be with you no matter what- in your head, in your heart. Music is EXCELLENT therapy! Rock on, and know that there are people out there who are thinking of you and care about your situation!

yeah

this past tuesday was the one year aniversery of katrina,,,, it is still so bad here. ansd school was soooo hard that day.. every1 was crying....

it so weird how it is so bad here andkatrina happend a lil over a YEAR AGO!!

redvedder

I think you should email your teacher a link to this thread, I bet he would be happy to know that he a) turned you on to Pearl Jam and b) that the band means so much to you.
It is true that their songs really can save lives- and hearts. I hope things are better for you now than they were this time last year. And, I hope you get to see them live one day soon - there is nothing in the world like it!

danika_bookworm

GivenToCarve wrote:

Christmas Day 1993: I was 7 years old and very into music for someone my age. I used to stand on top of my parents bed with my cheap acoustic they got me and pretend i was on stage. I used to do a "Pete Townshend-esque" strum and break all my strings off. Anyway, a lot of time was spent sneaking around to watch MTV when my parents weren't around and I'd seen the evenflow and jeremy videos.

So on christmas, i was at my aunt and uncle's house and all my presents were unwrapped and i was looking through my Uncle's cd collection near the tree. I remember telling him i liked the 2 songs I heard on MTV and he told me i could take the cd home with me. Even though it wasn't technically a christmas present, it's still the best gift i've ever received and to this day, Ten is the first cd I've ever owned and i've still got the same copy. It's got scratches all over it and it still plays perfectly the whole way through ( i think that cd was destined to withstand anything for me).

I'd like to hear more stories... it seems Pearl Jam fans have the best ones.


PS. I wish i had your english teacher in high school

Hey, I've had the same experience when I was also 7 in '91. I really had a few friends (up until high school), and I always tuned in to my dad & mom's CDs. It's really amazing how I discovered PJ because we had only one channel on TV then... I guess fate has really planned to connect PJ and me... Anyway, it was my older cousin who brought PJ to me in '91, and I really think he related to PJ because he had a lot of problem then, with his parents breaking up...

Years ago my parents separated... PJ was there... I fell in love with someone... PJ again. I can really say there's always a Pearl Jam song for every emotion I've ever experienced!

jrms09

i guess i am just lucky

alice's pearl garden

wow i wish any ofmy teachers were remotely like that! i think thats awesome that you "saw the light" in music. i mean if you still like rap and hip hop thats fine, thats what you liked before, but the meaning behind lyrics of pearl jam is much more important. i suggest you get into other rock bands from the same era,you may like them. alice in chains, mad season,soundgarden, not so much nirvana, but those are just to name a few.

danika_bookworm

alice's pearl garden wrote:

wow i wish any ofmy teachers were remotely like that!

yeah, i was thinking of teaching poetry using PJ lyrics when i was teaching a year ago... I guess i gott hooked on filipino poetry so i prioritized poetry that's closer to home... but anyway, i'll try to teach PJ lyrics in class once i get the chance

rockandrollqueen83

I've just started teaching English and Drama (or should I say subbing as haven't got a full time job yet!) While I've mentioned Pearl Jam a number of times already, I've always wanted to bring in PJ lyrics and study them as an introduction to poetry!! How cool is it that this has already been done and actually worked and influenced you!! Only thing holding me back is what the Head of Department would say, they might prefer the kids to learn the "classics." But fuck that, I've always said I would use my so-called power and influence to turn my pupils in to rock and roll crazy people just like me!! Thanks for sharing your story + I hope things are going better for you now.

PS - so what songs would you recommend me having a go with?

jrms09

rockandrollqueen83 wrote:

I've just started teaching English and Drama (or should I say subbing as haven't got a full time job yet!) While I've mentioned Pearl Jam a number of times already, I've always wanted to bring in PJ lyrics and study them as an introduction to poetry!! How cool is it that this has already been done and actually worked and influenced you!! Only thing holding me back is what the Head of Department would say, they might prefer the kids to learn the "classics." But fuck that, I've always said I would use my so-called power and influence to turn my pupils in to rock and roll crazy people just like me!! Thanks for sharing your story + I hope things are going better for you now.

PS - so what songs would you recommend me having a go with?

Have u ever seeen the movie

Dead Poets Society

if not u should see it

i think it will inspire u with teaching

if u can be a teacher like the character robin williams portrays...

u r the best teacher ever!!

seanw1010

jrms09 wrote:

i am only a sophmore in highschool, and until last year ( freshmen year) i had never heard of Pearl Jam.

I live in Louisiana. and on august 29, my life changed.. huriccane katrina. My house got a good amount of damage. it was really bad here. so my mother sent me to live with my father in missouri.

i had to go to school up there. Everyone treated me "differently" because i was a "refugee" . Everything was spinning out of control.

at that time in my life i only listened to like hip-hop and stuff. until the first day i walked into my english class in missouri.

the class room had Pearl jam posters all over the wall. I had no clue who this band was or anything.

days turned into weeks turned into monthes. my english teacher would give us a page with Pearl Jam lyrics on it. we would read through it, pick out the metaphors and similies. try to figure out what the lyrics really meant.

the first Pearl Jam song i ever heard was "Black", and the we did "jeremy" and "even flow".

"pearl jam is pretty deep" i thought, their songs have meaning. I learned so much in that class, that class and pearl jam inspired me. i finally felt like i had something in common with the people in my class... Pearl Jam.

i dont know how, but i couldnt of found out about pearl jam in a better time in my life.

Pearl Jams' music helped me through a hard time in my life. Thi swhole story may seem corny, but if you had an idea of what i went through, it would make since. Pearl Jams' music helped me fill a "void" i had.

Isnt it just amazing how music can change a connect some many people.

i guess i just felt like i should share that with someone.


whats yalls story

damn i wish my eglish teacher was that cool

Carlos D

Thanks for that!:) It reminded me of why I got into Pearl Jam,of course my problems have never even been nearly able to compare with a disaster like that but I think we can all relate to Pearl Jam getting us through hard times.

threecrookedhearts6

jrms09 wrote:

i am only a sophmore in highschool, and until last year ( freshmen year) i had never heard of Pearl Jam.

I live in Louisiana. and on august 29, my life changed.. huriccane katrina. My house got a good amount of damage. it was really bad here. so my mother sent me to live with my father in missouri.

i had to go to school up there. Everyone treated me "differently" because i was a "refugee" . Everything was spinning out of control.

at that time in my life i only listened to like hip-hop and stuff. until the first day i walked into my english class in missouri.

the class room had Pearl jam posters all over the wall. I had no clue who this band was or anything.

days turned into weeks turned into monthes. my english teacher would give us a page with Pearl Jam lyrics on it. we would read through it, pick out the metaphors and similies. try to figure out what the lyrics really meant.

the first Pearl Jam song i ever heard was "Black", and the we did "jeremy" and "even flow".

"pearl jam is pretty deep" i thought, their songs have meaning. I learned so much in that class, that class and pearl jam inspired me. i finally felt like i had something in common with the people in my class... Pearl Jam.

i dont know how, but i couldnt of found out about pearl jam in a better time in my life.

Pearl Jams' music helped me through a hard time in my life. Thi swhole story may seem corny, but if you had an idea of what i went through, it would make since. Pearl Jams' music helped me fill a "void" i had.

Isnt it just amazing how music can change a connect some many people.

i guess i just felt like i should share that with someone.


whats yalls story

My brother-in-law had a teacher that taught with pearl jam's lyrics as well, and since then he has been a huge fan...this teacher inspired him to spread the gospel of pearl jam. when he met my sister she really didnt like songs she heard on the radio (alive, jeremy) but after being exposed to different songs she really got something out of it. our father died when i was 12, and she was 17. i think pearl jam might have helped her through that.

the first song i ever heard by pearl jam was Last Kiss. i think i was 9, and my dad and i would sit down and listen to it, which wasnt something we did with other songs. he wasnt really into pearl jam but he remembered hearing the original version when he was a little boy. since my dad passed away in a car accident it reminds me of him. after he died i went through depression and i wasnt suicidal i thought about it, like most people do. then one day my sister was dying her hair in the bathroom and listening to No Code. the songs really struck a chord with me, especially Present Tense. i went out and bought a live album. the first few months that i got into their music i only really listened to live performances. i would go to my sisters house and watch live dvds. in the two years that ive been a fan i have been lucky enough to see 3 pj shows and have good seats. i also feel that i couldnt have found pearl jam at a more crucial time in my life...i wouldnt be who i am today if it werent for their music and i like who i am, i respect myself and other people and the environment all thanks to pearl jam. eddies lyrics have, in some small way, made up for the things that my father isnt able to teach me and i wonder if maybe it was all meant to end up this way. i am now 16 and living with my sister which is what i have wanted to do since i was a little girl.

anyway...its always uplifting to hear how pearl jam has enhanced peoples quality of life. who knew music could be so beneficial? keep on posting your stories people! we could be the ones to make this world a better place.

"some people have religion, i have pearl jam"

ezekiels_oblivion

wow...''pearl jam poetry'' should be thaught in all schools arround the world...

jrms09

ezekiels_oblivion wrote:

wow...''pearl jam poetry'' should be thaught in all schools arround the world...

shouldnt it though