Rats

Album: Vs. (1993)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In this album track, Pearl Jam is comparing the human race with rodents. In an interview with the Melody Maker, frontman Eddie Vedder concludes that "rats are probably a hell of a lot more admirable."
  • The closing lyric, "Ben, the two of us need look no more," is actually the opening lyric from Michael Jackson's "Ben," which is the title song to the 1972 movie of the same name. The film, a sequel to 1971's Willard, is about a colony of rats taking over the human world. Ben is the lead rat who befriends and protects a sick young boy with heart trouble. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Demetrios "Meter" Pappas - Atlanta, GA, for above 2
  • During a 2016 performance at Madison Square Garden, Vedder dedicated the tune to Enrico Salvatore Rizzo, Dustin Hoffman's character who was nicknamed "Ratso" in the 1969 movie Midnight Cowboy.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Chris Frantz of Talking Heads

Chris Frantz of Talking HeadsSongwriter Interviews

Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz on where the term "new wave" originated, the story of "Naive Melody," and why they never recorded another cover song after "Take Me To The River."

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

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