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Pearl Jam — Given To Fly
Album: Yield
Avg rating:
7.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3607









Released: 1998
Length: 3:56
Plays (last 30 days): 3
He could have tuned in, tuned in, but he tuned out
A bad time, nothing could save him
Alone in a corridor waiting locked out
He got up out of there, ran for hundreds of miles
He made it to the ocean, had a smoke and tea
The wind rose up, set him down on his knee
Wave came crashing like a fist to the jaw,
Delivered him wings, "Hey, look at him now..."
Arms wide open with the sea as his floor
Oh – ah, ohhh...

He's - flying! Woah!
Flying! Wide! Oh...

He floated back down 'cause he wanted to share
His key to the locks on the chains, he saw everywhere
But first he was stripped, and then he was stabbed
By faceless men, well...fuckers, he still stands.
And he still gives his love, he just gives it away
The love he receives is the love that is saved
And sometimes is seen a strange spot in the sky
A human being that was given to fly

Flying! Woah...
High! Flying! Woah...
Flying! Woah...
Ohh, oahh...
Comments (337)add comment
I never cared for PJ. But I just gave this a 7. 
Merry Christmas. 
I'm probably not the first to notice this, and I LOVE Pearl Jam, but the similarity of this song to "Going To California" by Led Zeppelin is too obvious not to hear.  Still, this is a powerful song!
I was today years old (52) when I suddenly grokked the album cover
I love Eddie Vedder's voice... when he's not screaming!!
Just bumped this from a 9 >>> 10  The majesty of this song is indescribable ....
Great!!
Simply too much pearl jam on RP  -  i used really to love the voice of eddie vedder but as a regular RP listener i got completely overdosed - less is often more....
Sounds like they are Goin' to California...
 Triquel67 wrote:

 freddyfender wrote:

In my fantasies, I am the singer.  Perhaps we join forces and make the coolest fantasy band ever!

Perfect, I'll play lead guitar.
 kingart wrote:
In my fantasies, I'm the drummer to this track. Fookin' masterpiece. 
 
In my fantasies, I am the singer.  Perhaps we join forces and make the coolest fantasy band ever!
Great tune...... just take away the vocals....PLEASE !!!!
Ouch.

 
jahgirl8 wrote:
This is a tricky one. You hear it's beautiful, right?  And there's a message in it, about people. People who love the sky and want a purpose. I'm one of those... I love the sky more than any art and I surely need a purpose. Fingers crossed that 2020 brings a delivery of purpose and inspiration. 
 



"But first he was stripped, and then he was stabbed
By faceless men, well...fuckers, he still stands." 
♥️
 jahgirl8 wrote:
This is a tricky one. You hear it's beautiful, right?  And there's a message in it, about people. People who love the sky and want a purpose. I'm one of those... I love the sky more than any art and I surely need a purpose. Fingers crossed that 2020 brings a delivery of purpose and inspiration. 
 

Hmmm...

I too started the year hoping for a better one than the last.
This is a tricky one. You hear it's beautiful, right?  And there's a message in it, about people. People who love the sky and want a purpose. I'm one of those... I love the sky more than any art and I surely need a purpose. Fingers crossed that 2020 brings a delivery of purpose and inspiration. 
I think the drumline and exuberance here connects directly to some universal brain location. 
It took me too much time to like Pearl Jam, and now I feel silly... Well, guess that's the feeling that will make me fly someday
 junebaby65 wrote:

No.  Please stop droning er, singing, Eddie.  Permanently.
 
STFU asswipe
 Stodoroff wrote:
First thought was a grungy rip-off of Zep's "Goin' to California," music-wise anyway. I see that others hear that too. Bad song. 
 
Shows what you know genius 
 Stodoroff wrote:
First thought was a grungy rip-off of Zep's "Goin' to California," music-wise anyway. I see that others hear that too. Bad song. 
 
Bad song?  Oh please, that is way off the mark.  And I'm not even a PJ fan.  Read the rating and weep.  
First thought was a grungy rip-off of Zep's "Goin' to California," music-wise anyway. I see that others hear that too. Bad song. 
 jp33442 wrote:
Sing it eddie
 
No.  Please stop droning er, singing, Eddie.  Permanently.
Agree, very Led-esque.
Sing it eddie
 fredGarvin wrote:
pearl jam doesn't plumb the depths of hell that does Nickelback, but they certainly try.  caterwauling akin to constipated lynxes at mating season.
 
Thank god there's no Nickelback hillbillies music on RP
pearl jam doesn't plumb the depths of hell that does Nickelback, but they certainly try.  caterwauling akin to constipated lynxes at mating season.
U2?
 flyboy wrote:

Plant?

 

Yeah, that puzzled me at first, too, until I looked farther down in the comments and somebody mentioned the resemblance of this song to "Going to California".  I think that is the connection with Plant.
In my fantasies, I'm the drummer to this track. Fookin' masterpiece. 
 gubbin wrote:
Liking this.  De-emphasizes Plant's overdone vocal stylings, shows off the melody and drums.
(Yes, I know Andrew Wood would've killed this, too bad he's long dead. Fuck heroin.)

 
Plant?
Liking this.  De-emphasizes Plant's overdone vocal stylings, shows off the melody and drums.
(Yes, I know Andrew Wood would've killed this, too bad he's long dead. Fuck heroin.)
this song is awesome
funny story in New York Magazine this week: David Letterman’s Rock Hall Induction Speech for Pearl Jam Was the Best of the Night

 kcar wrote:

{#Yes}

I've heard only a few PJ songs that I've liked. Eddie's singing just grates. My loss. 

 
I feel that way about Silversun Pickups, Decembrists, post-'78 Stones, Alt J, Radiohead, a few others. Usually not Eddie, since the band overall is no slack, and is spectacular live. 
 jkhandy wrote:
Really need PSD option when listening to RP on my TV through Roku. Pearl Jam is awful.

 
{#Yes}

I've heard only a few PJ songs that I've liked. Eddie's singing just grates. My loss. 
Blows.  PSD to the rescue
my wife always drags me to Pearl Jam concerts and they're freakin' awesome
 jkhandy wrote:
Really need PSD option when listening to RP on my TV through Roku. Pearl Jam is awful.

 
What? {#Iamwithstupid}
Really need PSD option when listening to RP on my TV through Roku. Pearl Jam is awful.
I've faith your highness regina could have tuned in
HE'S FLYING!!!  FUCKIN' BLAST IT MAN YEAH!!!!  WOOO-HOO!  : )
An air drummer's spectacular special order. 
 Proclivities wrote:

Judging by the comments in a lot of tunes here on RP, half the people posting must aspire to be copyright attorneys.

 
No kidding. Reminds me of the people who try to hard with body piercings and art. Get over it and yourself and appreciate what you sir and ma'am can't produce. 
Enough Leonard Cohen and Amy Boozehouse on RP already!
 lemmoth wrote:
Worth moving up

See this review in the Trib - https://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-10-08/entertainment/0510080183_1_zep-canon-eddie-vedder-katrina-victims - from which I quote:

"Pearl Jam emerged for its second encore past midnight and dedicated "Given to Fly" to Plant, a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment that the song mimics the chord sequence to Zeppelin's "Going to California." Plant than appeared from the wings with the two guitarists from his band to perform a luminous acoustic version of — what else? — "Going to California," while the members of Pearl Jam sat reverently at his feet."

 
Thanks for that.  Judging by the comments in a lot of tunes here on RP, half the people posting must aspire to be copyright attorneys.
Sounds like the Buddha 
FUCKIN' BLAST IT MAN YEAH!!!!  WOOO-HOO!  : )
Poor imitation, Eddie. Sucko barfo for that.
ii saw them in concert and this song reminds me a good feeling in there
 jeffhorwich wrote:
Enough Pearl Jam on RP already. PSD {#Wink}
 
how bout some stone temple pilots.. {#Mrgreen}
In that case {#Arrowd}, 9—>10!
Enough Pearl Jam on RP already. PSD {#Wink}
 {#Clap} {#Drummer}  me too! 

lemmoth wrote:
Magnificent......Love being among 25,000 voices screaming out "FLY"

 


Magnificent......Love being among 25,000 voices screaming out "FLY"
Yeah, growing on me, especially late at night.
I think I may have to investigate this band more deeply, perhaps a little late in the day, I know, but better than never! 
Noise.

To quote the first poster, here's hoping Cynaera is listening to this:

 


(In a hammock under my own vine and fig tree.)


I use my one and only 11 vote on this song.
 jim1964 wrote:

had it turned up so that my windows were ratteling.

 
cool man!  I cranked it to wake the neighbors (they're dooches), those drums have mystical powers!!!
Powerful and magnificent.
my favorite PJ song... I'll stop doing just about anything to listen and sing along.  {#Sunny}
 lemmoth wrote:
Worth moving up

See this review in the Trib - https://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-10-08/entertainment/0510080183_1_zep-canon-eddie-vedder-katrina-victims - from which I quote:

"Pearl Jam emerged for its second encore past midnight and dedicated "Given to Fly" to Plant, a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment that the song mimics the chord sequence to Zeppelin's "Going to California." Plant than appeared from the wings with the two guitarists from his band to perform a luminous acoustic version of — what else? — "Going to California," while the members of Pearl Jam sat reverently at his feet."

  
I remember hearing that LZ had accused PJ of stealing elements of their songs (ironic, considering the songs/song credits on LZ's first two albums)... anyway,  this does not remind me of Going to Califirnia except that I like them both.
looking forward seeing them in three weeks in berlin, wuhlheide!{#Bananajam}
Worth moving up

See this review in the Trib - https://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-10-08/entertainment/0510080183_1_zep-canon-eddie-vedder-katrina-victims - from which I quote:

"Pearl Jam emerged for its second encore past midnight and dedicated "Given to Fly" to Plant, a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment that the song mimics the chord sequence to Zeppelin's "Going to California." Plant than appeared from the wings with the two guitarists from his band to perform a luminous acoustic version of — what else? — "Going to California," while the members of Pearl Jam sat reverently at his feet."
Pretty close to perfect

 
8 -> 9 

 {#Bananajam}
Only 7.4 in average on Given To Fly?? Guys, that is sooooooo disappointing!
sweet drums.
 wintergaard wrote:
The only Pearl Jam song I like.

 
It's not your fault.
The only Pearl Jam song I like.
Inspiration.

This is a kick in the lazy ass man, this song bloody ROCKS my mind and spirit 
The video with the woman on stage signing, is one of the best live videos ever. I'm up and dancing in the kitchen!
This song is amazing live.  And on record.
MUTE
Sounds more like "Once" to me. 
 scrubbrush wrote:


Led Zeppelin's "Going to California"? or is there another one that actually sounds like this song?

 
Clearly influenced by and borrows some structure and chord progression from that great song.  Hardly mimics it.  Search for Robert Plant & Pearl Jam on you tube to see how these songs played out when they shared a bill. 
 scrubbrush wrote:


Led Zeppelin's "Going to California"? or is there another one that actually sounds like this song?

 
I don't know what you're hearing, but I don't hear only a hint of Going to California in this piece. In any case, it's no rip off. Perhaps you should write a song called Going to Name That Tune on The Way to the Ear Doctor. 
Stadium Rock bull....
 hayduke2 wrote:

glorious

Thank you!

so super when way loud 

 
had it turned up so that my windows were ratteling.


 Giselle62 wrote:
I get kind of miffed when this comes on—-Eddie Vedder seem VERY sweet and kind, and I love his hair; but this song doesn't just mimic "going to California" it is EXACTLY the tune with different words and somehow whiney to top it all off.

 

Led Zeppelin's "Going to California"? or is there another one that actually sounds like this song?

glorious

Thank you!

so super when way loud 

Everybody in my church loves this song...
 
 Cynaera wrote:
I'm about to bump this to 10. Heard the opening chords while I was trying to find a medical article on gout for a friend whose father suffers from it. I don't know why I get so involved in other peoples' lives when my own life is so heavy with conflict and unanswered questions. Sheesh.

Okay - there it goes. To 10. And now, I have to meddle in a friend's life (well, she asked me to!) and perhaps save a life. Funny how music can influence things like this. 
 


 Giselle62 wrote:
I get kind of miffed when this comes on—-Eddie Vedder seem VERY sweet and kind, and I love his hair; but this song doesn't just mimic "going to California" it is EXACTLY the tune with different words and somehow whiney to top it all off.
 
This song obviously is based on, or at least "inspired by" Led Zeppelin's "Going To California", but it is not "EXACTLY" the same tune.  For one thing, the Zeppelin tune has quite a few more chords.
I am 51 years old, on my 40th Bday my daughter burned me a copy of "Ten", hooked on Eddie & Peal Jam.  Amazing, powerful
I get kind of miffed when this comes on—-Eddie Vedder seem VERY sweet and kind, and I love his hair; but this song doesn't just mimic "going to California" it is EXACTLY the tune with different words and somehow whiney to top it all off.
Inspirational - only noticed the Going to California echoes when you chaps pointed it out - still gets me going though!
Marry me Eddie!!  {#Hearteyes}
 sirdroseph wrote:


Ummmmmmmmm no.
 

Hayell yes,  PJ is great!
Love this.

I've really come to appreciate PJ's music, especially the later stuff. Didn't pay much attention to them in the grunge heyday.
MUST   CRANK!!!

Tears of Joy

wish you'd play the entire album 
PJs most under-rated record. I just love it.
Relayer wrote:
Led Zeppelin did sue PJ over this song's similarity to Going To California. 
 
Nonsense - boys played Fool in the Rain with Robert at House in Chicago in 2005

See this review in the Trib - https://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-10-08/entertainment/0510080183_1_zep-canon-eddie-vedder-katrina-victims - from which I quote:

"Pearl Jam emerged for its second encore past midnight and dedicated "Given to Fly" to Plant, a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment that the song mimics the chord sequence to Zeppelin's "Going to California." Plant than appeared from the wings with the two guitarists from his band to perform a luminous acoustic version of — what else? — "Going to California," while the members of Pearl Jam sat reverently at his feet."



 Stingray wrote:


You're saying that everybody in your head is an idiot, Romeo...?
  You were really on a roll Jan 7, weren't you, Stinkbug? What happened - did you go off your meds again?{#Nyah} 


 Stingray wrote:


You're saying that everybody in your head is an idiot, Romeo...?
 
You can really be a dick, you know. 
Massive PJ fan who now finds himself agreeing with srdroseph for the third time.  Boys don't get that credit.  Nirvana does.

PA1749 wrote: Best band of all time! If it wasn't for PJ we would all still be wearing bright colored parachute pants and listening to Cindy Lauper!

 
SRDROSEPH wrote:
Ummmmmmmmm no.

 Stingray wrote:
Surprising what incredible SHIT good band can produce!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWFUL!!!!
 

Stingray - you are clearly clueless - Just come to a PJ concert and look at the reaction of the 20,000 in the crowd as they groove to this beauty and all scream =- FLY - with one voice.

Brilliant PJ tune melodically inspired by Going to California.

9
 romeotuma wrote:

Everybody in my hotel room loves this song...


 
 

You're saying that everybody in your head is an idiot, Romeo...?
Surprising what incredible SHIT good band can produce!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWFUL!!!!
What does "bead marmelade" or "pearl jelly" mean for a rock band?
I'm about to bump this to 10. Heard the opening chords while I was trying to find a medical article on gout for a friend whose father suffers from it. I don't know why I get so involved in other peoples' lives when my own life is so heavy with conflict and unanswered questions. Sheesh.

Okay - there it goes. To 10. And now, I have to meddle in a friend's life (well, she asked me to!) and perhaps save a life. Funny how music can influence things like this. 
My favourite band! I love RP's selection of PJ's discography - Wishlist, Off the Girl, Inside Job, this....we want more! :)
 PA1749 wrote:
Best band of all time! If it wasn't for PJ we would all still be wearing bright colored parachute pants and listening to Cindy Lauper!

 

Ummmmmmmmm no.
Yum.  Just yum. {#Music}
I hear Tori singing Silent All These Years somewhere in there. :/
 iSoul wrote:
This song ist a plagiat of "Going to California" from Led Zeppelin. And that is the origin and real great song!!
 
Nope!

This song ist a plagiat of "Going to California" from Led Zeppelin. And that is the origin and real great song!!
Love love love

A great track from a strange yet appealing album.  I always seem to like popular bands' oddball albums like this one, R.E.M.'s "Up" and U2's "Pop."  I like it when bands take chances even at the risk of confusing their fan base and delivering lowered sales.

{#Clap}

Great album
 Relayer wrote:

Led Zeppelin did sue PJ over this song's similarity to Going To California.
 
Citation?

 drews wrote:
Ditto! Perhaps Bill has noticed this too, seeing that Led Zepp only got played 2 songs ago
 
Giselle62 wrote:
try singing "going to california" with this song. I just figured it out that it moves and sounds a lot like that tune.
 


 


Led Zeppelin did sue PJ over this song's similarity to Going To California.
 PA1749 wrote:
Best band of all time! If it wasn't for PJ we would all still be wearing bright colored parachute pants and listening to Cindy Lauper!

 
What's with this "we" stuff?  Speak for yourself.  Good song.


Personally, I have to give Soundgarden most of the credit for that one. {#Angel}

 PA1749 wrote:
Best band of all time! If it wasn't for PJ we would all still be wearing bright colored parachute pants and listening to Cindy Lauper!

 


Best band of all time! If it wasn't for PJ we would all still be wearing bright colored parachute pants and listening to Cindy Lauper!

Pearl Jam, Ray LaMontagne, Led Zeppelin. What a great set...love RP.  {#Cowboy}