Gonna See My Friend

Album: Backspacer (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Written by Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, this high-energy rocker is the opening track from Pearl Jam's ninth studio album, Backspacer. It had been 18 years since Pearl Jam released their stunning debut, Ten, but they were still going strong - the album debuted at #1 in America. The band was able to adapt and prosper far better than any of the others from the Seattle grunge scene.
  • In an interview with Canadian radio station The Edge, Vedder called this a "drug song," but elaborated that it's about going to see a friend to stay off drugs.
  • Brad Wheeler of the Toronto Globe and Mail spoke to Eddie Vedder about this track. The Pearl Jam frontman recalled: "All I remember is writing it in a little room on a small table with a little 4-track tape machine. I got it sounding loud real quick, without disturbing the neighbors. I work using headphones a lot. I'm not going to have any hearing left. We all make sacrifices at our jobs, and my hearing is obviously going to be the first thing to go."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.