Released as a single in 2000, the song’s lyrics express frustration with societal and political issues, including war, government corruption, and media manipulation. Eddie Vedder’s anguished vocals and the song’s hard-hitting guitar riffs convey a sense of anger and urgency, making it one of Pearl J...
[Verse 1]
Have a drink they're buying
Bottom of, bottle of denial
[Pre-Chorus 1]
Big guy, big eye, watching me
Have to wonder what it sees (sin)
Progress laced with ramifications, freedom's big plunge
Uh
[Chorus 1]
Pull the innocent from a crowd
Raise the sticks, then bring 'em down
If they fail to obey, oh, if they fail to obey
[Verse 2]
For every tool they lend us
A loss of independence
[Chorus 2]
I pledge my grievance to the flag
'Cause you don't give blood then take it back again
Oh, we're all deserving something more
[Pre-Chorus 2]
Progress, taste it, invest-it-all
Champagne breakfast for everyone
Uh
[Chorus 3]
Break the innocent when they're proud
Raise the stakes, then bring 'em down
If they fail to obey, oh, if they fail to obey
[Chorus 2]
Pledge your grievance to the flag
'Cause you don't give blood and take it back again
Oh, we're all deserving something more
[Outro]
I want to breathe, follow the scene
I want to taste everyone I see
I want to run when I'm up high, I want to run into the sea
I only want life to be
I just wanna be
I will feel alive as long as I am free
Grievance was written by Mike McCready & Stone Gossard & Jeff Ament & Tchad Blake & Eddie Vedder.
Grievance was produced by Pearl Jam & Tchad Blake.