Can't Deny Me

Album: Single release only (2018)
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Songfacts®:

  • Pearl Jam's first release of original music since their 2013 album Lightning Bolt, "Can't Deny Me" was first put out as a surprise early download on March 10, 2018 for active members of the band's fan group, the Ten Club. It was subsequently made available for purchase at digital stores and streaming services.
  • "Can't Deny Me" was co-produced by Pearl Jam and longtime collaborator Brendan O'Brien and was recorded in Seattle in February 2018. The music for the track was written by guitarist Mike McCready and lyrics by vocalist Eddie Vedder.
  • A politically charged song, "Can't Deny Me" features apparent critical references to President Donald Trump - albeit without mentioning his name.

    Your ignorance is sinful
    You plant your lying seeds
    Watch as the roots take hold
    The country you are now poisoning
    Condition critical
  • Pearl Jam performed "Can't Deny Me" live for the first time at the band's first show of 2018, which took place on March 13 at the Movistar Arena in Santiago, Chile. Eddie Vedder spoke to the crowd in Spanish and dedicated the song to the "incredible" students of Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

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