Amongst The Waves

Album: Backspacer (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This track is about the ebbs and flows of relationships. Singer Eddie Vedder told the Toronto Globe and Mail: "On the strength of this album, we feel good about where the band is at. Our relationship is long-standing, but it's turned into a forthcoming relationship. We're open and honest. Things go pretty easy – we feel like a gang. We feel like a galvanized group of individuals. As far as waves, I think we're up there."
  • Vedder is an enthusiastic surfer - this is one of several songs Pearl Jam have recorded referencing the ocean. Others include "Oceans" (1991), "Whale Song" (1999) and "Big Wave" (2006).
  • US sales of the ocean-themed video via iTunes were donated to Conservation International's Marine Programs. Back in 1995, Pearl Jam began its association with the Surfrider Foundation by donating proceeds from a pair of shows in San Diego and since then the band has regularly taken opportunities to put its music to work to help keep the world's waters clean.

Comments: 5

  • AnonymousStay stong
  • Pearjamfan from Susanville, CaPearl Jam is the most talented group of individuals God brought together to make the best music ever played or heard.
  • Frank from Philadelphia, PaThis song reminds me of my son. It was playing on the radio when we were headed to the hospital when he was born
  • Danny from Suffern, NyIt's a great song indeed. It did remind me of relationships. Like a guy confronting a girl.
  • Jake from Amelia, VaOne of my favorite songs off the backspacer album. Great album :)
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Cheerleaders In Music Videos

Cheerleaders In Music VideosSong Writing

It started with a bouncy MTV classic. Nirvana and MCR made them scary, then Gwen, Avril and Madonna put on the pom poms.

Shaun Morgan of Seether

Shaun Morgan of SeetherSongwriter Interviews

Shaun breaks down the Seether songs, including the one about his brother, the one about Ozzy, and the one that may or may not be about his ex-girlfriend Amy Lee.

Real or Spinal Tap

Real or Spinal TapMusic Quiz

They sang about pink torpedoes and rocking you tonight tonight, but some real lyrics are just as ridiculous. See if you can tell which lyrics are real and which are Spinal Tap in this lyrics quiz.

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson of Jethro TullSongwriter Interviews

The flautist frontman talks about touring with Led Zeppelin, his contribution to "Hotel California", and how he may have done the first MTV Unplugged.

Stan Ridgway

Stan RidgwaySongwriter Interviews

Go beyond the Wall of Voodoo with this cinematic songwriter.

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.