Open Letter to Mr. Vedder

12467…14

Comments

  • MarylandTeacher
    MarylandTeacher Posts: 233
    Derrick,

    I agree. PJ is willing to explore the dark side of life. Look at Alive and Jeremy, for example.

    I'm glad that you enjoyed my analysis. I can only hope that PJ likes it as well.

    Thanks for your support,

    Mr. Bruno
    Dalai Lama—To say that humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of spiritual transformation may seem to be at odds with what I have said about the need for confidence. But there is clearly a distinction to be made between valid confidence or self-esteem, and conceit - which we can describe as an inflated sense of importance, grounded in a false image of self.
  • chadwick
    chadwick up my ass Posts: 21,157
    Derrick wrote:
    Absolutely Brilliant. Bravo. Bravo.


    EDIT: If you are going to tackle any more of PJ's lyrics for poetic analysis, I think you will see a God/Jesus/Religious connection in many songs. They will be direct (God's Dice) or indirect (Given to Fly). He also touches on the devil (Satan's bed) briefly and there are many themes of redemption.

    I have often considered PJ the world's most unintentional Christian band. Not in the sense that they are "RAH RAH GOD IS GOOD" but moreso in that they are not afraid to comment or reflect on faith/religion while still allowing the audience to formulate their own opinion of what's going on.

    Have fun,
    Derrick

    i dunno about it being religious as in church and worship.
    in my opinion.
    it feels to me more of a, being centered within yourself.
    a more being one with the mother earth/universe.
    a more balance in ones soul.
    earthly tenderness.
    not in a church.
    PJ writings are inspired by the mother earth, love, stars, trees, ocean,
    wrong, and right, and war, and life, ect.
    PJ is a rather large tree with limbs branching out into different feelings of life.
    although the universe is god.
    the universe is everything.
    this is how i see it.
    for poetry through the ceiling. ISBN: 1 4241 8840 7

    "Hear me, my chiefs!
    I am tired; my heart is
    sick and sad. From where
    the sun stands I will fight
    no more forever."
    Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
  • Two Birds
    Two Birds Posts: 256
    MarylandTeacher wrote:
    Two Birds,

    Your kind words inspire me. We all want to feel that we can make a difference. Through teaching, I hope to fulfill that destiny. Wouldn't it be a dream-come-true if we could get PJ to contact my school and answer my students' questions about "Black?"

    Mr. Bruno

    Good Luck!!
    Peace,
    ________________________
    Too many shows but never enough!
    These guys are the fruit of the earth...
  • MarylandTeacher
    MarylandTeacher Posts: 233
    xmoniquex wrote:
    wauw...you really are an inspiring teacher

    xmoniquex,

    Thanks. I'm glad to see that so many fellow bloggers enjoy teachers who are willing to take a literary risk. That, and reviewing "Black" was just that much fun!

    Mr. Bruno
    Dalai Lama—To say that humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of spiritual transformation may seem to be at odds with what I have said about the need for confidence. But there is clearly a distinction to be made between valid confidence or self-esteem, and conceit - which we can describe as an inflated sense of importance, grounded in a false image of self.
  • MarylandTeacher
    MarylandTeacher Posts: 233
    Chadwick,

    What I see about PJ, especially "Black," is that the band isn't afraid to confront very down to earth, painful events. They are willing to explore the darker, more painful side of existence.

    I have to respect that.

    Mr. Bruno

    chadwick wrote:
    i dunno about it being religious as in church and worship.
    in my opinion.
    it feels to me more of a, being centered within yourself.
    a more being one with the mother earth/universe.
    a more balance in ones soul.
    earthly tenderness.
    not in a church.
    PJ writings are inspired by the mother earth, love, stars, trees, ocean,
    wrong, and right, and war, and life, ect.
    PJ is a rather large tree with limbs branching out into different feelings of life.
    although the universe is god.
    the universe is everything.
    this is how i see it.
    Dalai Lama—To say that humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of spiritual transformation may seem to be at odds with what I have said about the need for confidence. But there is clearly a distinction to be made between valid confidence or self-esteem, and conceit - which we can describe as an inflated sense of importance, grounded in a false image of self.
  • wavescamecrashing
    wavescamecrashing Posts: 440
    i think tht teaching black was a great move.

    i am a trainee teacher. i dont think the curriculum would let me use pearl jam, im a history teacher, so would use masters of war, army reserve, etc..
    how do you/did you get around the 'c'word?

    also, i think the kids in my school would not be that open minded to listen to a pj song. maybe if ed did a hip hop version..lol

    just a suggestion..thumbing my way could be a really good follow up to black...

    I have not been home since you left long ago
    Im thumbing my way back to heaven
    Counting steps, walking backwards on the road
    Im counting my way back to heaven
    I cant be free with whats locked inside of me
    If there was a key, you took it in your hand
    Theres no wrong or right, but Im sure theres good and bad
    The questions linger overhead
    No matter how cold the winter, theres a springtime ahead
    Im thumbing my way back to heaven
    I wish that I could hold you
    I wish that I had
    Thinking bout heaven
    I let go of a rope, thinking thats what held me back
    And in time Ive realized, its now wrapped around my neck
    I cant see whats next, from this lonely overpass
    Hang my head and count my steps, as another car goes past
    All the rusted signs we ignore throughout our lives
    Choosing the shiny ones instead
    I turned my back, now theres no turning back
    No matter how cold the winter, theres a springtime ahead
    I smile, but who am I kidding?
    Im just walking the miles, every once in a while Ill get a ride
    Im thumbing my way back to heaven
    Thumbing my way back to heaven
    Im thumbing my way back to heaven...

    also, i would be tempted to use immortality, perhaps for older students? i would use it to set pretext for teaching kurt cobain's murder theory as a focus for a debate class, which uses a lot of historical skills...but the bastards wld nt let me!

    Vacate is the word...vengeance has no place so near to her
    Cannot find the comfort in this world
    Artificial tear...vessel stabbed...next up, volunteers
    Vulnerable, wisdom cant adhere...

    A truant finds home...and I wish to hold on...
    But theres a trapdoor in the sun...immortality...

    As privileged as a whore...victims in demand for public show
    Swept out through the cracks beneath the door
    Holier than thou, how?
    Surrendered...executed anyhow
    Scrawl dissolved, cigar box on the floor...

    A truant finds home...and I wish to hold on, too...
    But saw the trapdoor in the sun...

    Immortality...
    I cannot stop the thought...Im running in the dark...
    Coming up a which way sign...all good truants must decide...
    Oh, stripped and sold, mom...auctioned forearm...
    And whiskers in the sink...
    Truants move on...cannot stay long
    Some die just to live... ohh...

    i agree with wht u say about teaching being in your bones...keep up the good fight xx
  • Derrick
    Derrick Posts: 475
    chadwick wrote:
    i dunno about it being religious as in church and worship.
    in my opinion.
    it feels to me more of a, being centered within yourself.
    a more being one with the mother earth/universe.
    a more balance in ones soul.
    earthly tenderness.
    not in a church.
    PJ writings are inspired by the mother earth, love, stars, trees, ocean,
    wrong, and right, and war, and life, ect.
    PJ is a rather large tree with limbs branching out into different feelings of life.
    although the universe is god.
    the universe is everything.
    this is how i see it.

    I don't think I used the words "church" nor "worship" (and those omissions were intentional). I am not talking about the inspiration for the songs nor am I talking about what the songs feel like. Please do not misinterpret my post.

    I will say, that in a surprising number of songs, there are direct or indirect references to biblical figures...commenting on how those figures affect one's self or society.

    Here are a few examples:
    - Pilate
    - Given to Fly (strong references to Jesus)
    - God's Dice
    - Red Mosquito (visit from the devil)
    - Faithfull (the man upstairs is used to all this noise)
    - Tremor Christ
    - Thumbing my way
    - Unemployable (Jesus saves)
    - Push me, pull me (If there were no angels, would there be no sin?)
    - No Way (let's call in an angel)
    - Down (Redemption in a huge way)
    - Glorified G (smug remark at those who justify things with "it's ok because they love God")
    - Not for you (why bother reference Muhammad?)

    Anyways, that's a short list of the type of song I'm talking about. They don't preach bibilical figures and themes, but they sure do reference them a lot.
  • Lizard
    Lizard So Cal Posts: 12,091
    clairenordon wrote:
    i am a trainee teacher. i dont think the curriculum would let me use pearl jam, im a history teacher, so would use masters of war, army reserve, etc..
    how do you/did you get around the 'c'word?

    what "c" word? sorry--I can only think of one "c" word and have never seen it in a PJ song.
    So I'll just lie down and wait for the dream
    Where I'm not ugly and you're lookin' at me
  • Pearl Jam and toast
    Pearl Jam and toast Posts: 4,475
    Given to Fly's Jesus reference is questionable. If you want it to be Jesus then it could fit the mold nicely but I opt for a reference to one of Plato's allagories. (did I spell that right?). What would be neat would be to read the allagory of the cave (plato) and briefly discuss the parts of the bible that could relate to the song and have kids make their own interpretations.
    Come on pilgrim you know he loves you..

    http://www.wishlistfoundation.org

    Oh my, they dropped the leash.



    Morgan Freeman/Clint Eastwood 08' for President!

    "Make our day"
  • MarylandTeacher
    MarylandTeacher Posts: 233
    clairenordon,

    You have to be able to tie your subject matter to your objectives. So long as you can do that, you should be safe. One word of caution, though. If you use a song, you must ensure that the lyrics have no potty-mouth. Using materials that contain curse words is a sure way to get into hot water.

    You could easily use Black in a Social Studies setting. If Black deals with loss, couldn’t you relate that to Hurricane Katrina? What about Jeremy for Columbine High School?

    In that respect, you are only limited by your creativity.

    And yes, since rock is on the decline with most teens, and since rap is popular, you could use some of the lyrics of Lose Yourself. Those lyrics deal with a young man's struggle to find his reason for being.

    Thanks again,

    Mr. Bruno
    Dalai Lama—To say that humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of spiritual transformation may seem to be at odds with what I have said about the need for confidence. But there is clearly a distinction to be made between valid confidence or self-esteem, and conceit - which we can describe as an inflated sense of importance, grounded in a false image of self.
  • chadwick
    chadwick up my ass Posts: 21,157
    Derrick wrote:
    I don't think I used the words "church" nor "worship" (and those omissions were intentional). I am not talking about the inspiration for the songs nor am I talking about what the songs feel like. Please do not misinterpret my post.

    I will say, that in a surprising number of songs, there are direct or indirect references to biblical figures...commenting on how those figures affect one's self or society.

    Here are a few examples:
    - Pilate
    - Given to Fly (strong references to Jesus)
    - God's Dice
    - Red Mosquito (visit from the devil)
    - Faithfull (the man upstairs is used to all this noise)
    - Tremor Christ
    - Thumbing my way
    - Unemployable (Jesus saves)
    - Push me, pull me (If there were no angels, would there be no sin?)
    - No Way (let's call in an angel)
    - Down (Redemption in a huge way)
    - Glorified G (smug remark at those who justify things with "it's ok because they love God")
    - Not for you (why bother reference Muhammad?)

    Anyways, that's a short list of the type of song I'm talking about. They don't preach bibilical figures and themes, but they sure do reference them a lot.

    thank you for pointing this out to me.
    i misinterpreted your thoughts.
    i respect your responce.
    for poetry through the ceiling. ISBN: 1 4241 8840 7

    "Hear me, my chiefs!
    I am tired; my heart is
    sick and sad. From where
    the sun stands I will fight
    no more forever."
    Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
  • BaxAbby
    BaxAbby Posts: 2
    Mr. Bruno, are you married?? I bet a number of the ladies in this message pit would marry you in a heartbeat.
  • MarylandTeacher
    MarylandTeacher Posts: 233
    BaxAbby wrote:
    Mr. Bruno, are you married?? I bet a number of the ladies in this message pit would marry you in a heartbeat.


    <blush>

    : )
    Dalai Lama—To say that humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of spiritual transformation may seem to be at odds with what I have said about the need for confidence. But there is clearly a distinction to be made between valid confidence or self-esteem, and conceit - which we can describe as an inflated sense of importance, grounded in a false image of self.
  • chadwick
    chadwick up my ass Posts: 21,157
    BaxAbby wrote:
    Mr. Bruno, are you married?? I bet a number of the ladies in this message pit would marry you in a heartbeat.

    go get em tiger.
    for poetry through the ceiling. ISBN: 1 4241 8840 7

    "Hear me, my chiefs!
    I am tired; my heart is
    sick and sad. From where
    the sun stands I will fight
    no more forever."
    Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
  • McShade
    McShade Posts: 156
    This was a great read. thanks for sharing!

    I'd say your students must enjoy your class and having you as a teacher.
  • Delivered_Wings
    Delivered_Wings Posts: 123
    Bumping for the world's best teacher!
    Be Sound...
  • MarylandTeacher
    MarylandTeacher Posts: 233
    Delivered_Wings wrote:
    Bumping for the world's best teacher!


    You're the best!

    : )

    She really is...really!
    Dalai Lama—To say that humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of spiritual transformation may seem to be at odds with what I have said about the need for confidence. But there is clearly a distinction to be made between valid confidence or self-esteem, and conceit - which we can describe as an inflated sense of importance, grounded in a false image of self.
  • frank coztansa
    frank coztansa Posts: 196
    yeah, this guy is obviously a really smart teach with posting his schools address and phone number on the web for all to see..


    christ towel yourselves off poeple, and come up for some air in between the verbal fellatios. im sure this isnt the first time someone has used *gasp* music in the classroom
    www.myspace.com/pitheory
  • Delivered_Wings
    Delivered_Wings Posts: 123
    frank coztansa wrote:
    yeah, this guy is obviously a really smart teach with posting his schools address and phone number on the web for all to see..


    christ towel yourselves off poeple, and come up for some air in between the verbal fellatios. im sure this isnt the first time someone has used *gasp* music in the classroom

    Of course this isn't the first time someone has used music in the classroom. But this is the first time one of the teachers who uses Pearl Jam has ever posted on this board.
    Be Sound...
  • frank coztansa
    frank coztansa Posts: 196
    Delivered_Wings wrote:
    Of course this isn't the first time someone has used music in the classroom. But this is the first time one of the teachers who uses Pearl Jam has ever posted on this board.


    well then when im a teacher, im gonna come and post here about using PJ in the classroom so then everyone can suck me off too.

    its cool, but c'mon. lets not get crazy here.

    and as far as using GTF, im sure "well fuckers we still stand" is a great song choice for 8th graders :\
    www.myspace.com/pitheory

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