Who You Are

Album: No Code (1996)
Charted: 18 31
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Songfacts®:

  • The lyrics seem to have the intention of making suicidal people rethink their ideas. Some of they lyrics imply depression, but later in the song, Eddie Vedder sings about how you have reason to live - you have a part to play in the world. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Dan - Pittsburgh, PA
  • There's some funky drumming on this song thanks to Jack Irons, who joined the band for the No Code album, replacing Dave Abbruzzese. In Pearl Jam's book Twenty, he recalled, "There was a lot of jamming going into No Code. We'd get into the studio and start kicking it up. With 'Who You are,' I liked to play that drumbeat a lot, and Stone [Gossard] came in and started kicking something over it. Next thing you know, there's a fairly loose track. Eddie sort of wrote right over it. I don't even think there were more than a few hours involved in cutting what became that basic track."
  • "Who You Are" was the lead single from Pearl Jam's fourth album, No Code. After releasing their stunningly successful debut Ten in 1991, they stopped making videos and pulled away from the media, granting very few interviews. They also took on Ticketmaster, which forced them to play non-traditional venues and do a lot of work setting up the shows. Their next two album, Vs. and Vitalogy sold very well despite these restrictions, but No Code sagged, selling just a million copies in America compared to Vitalogy's 5 million. Only their core fans remained, but they were legion, supporting Pearl Jam over the next decades as they evolved. The band reciprocated, making sure fan club members got access to the best tickets, exclusive shows, and a Christmas single every year.
  • This was included on Pearl Jam's greatest hits album Rearviewmirror: Greatest Hits 1991-2003 with a slight lyric change. Instead of "circumstance, clapping hands," it's "avalanche, falling fast." >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France

Comments: 9

  • Zach from Tallahassee, FlI wonder why Pearl Jam hates this song and this album so much, it is so good and the best album they ever made. Maybe it did horrible on the charts, but they sell-out concerts within 10 seconds, and make enough money.
  • Bill from Pierce , IdThe tune seems to imply a thirst for the spirit in a hard and hateful world, much like the song "In My Tree"; I love them both.
  • Jessica from Calgary, AbThis song is strange but I it has a good message and is a good example of existentialism.
  • Troy from Little Falls, Mnwe all are important. we have a place and everything down to the simply things in life -there is a purpose enjoy every moment it "plays a part"
  • Angelo from New York, NyMaybe its me but I do not see the suicide message in it.
  • Sharpy!!! from Pittsworth, AustraliaBut this song is very upbeat!!! Weird but upbeat
  • Sharpy!!! from Pittsworth, AustraliaThis song is a bit weird! The NO CODE album was weird! It sounded sorta Middle Eastern in a way!
  • Ben from Nyc, MsSweet I am the second person to comment. Never really listened to PJ, maybe I will soon.
  • Elliot from St. Louis, MoSweet, I am the first person to comment! This is a good song, but it lacked some of the grunge PJ had in their earlier music. Nonetheless, Pearl Jam is the best band ever! You guys rock!
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