Pearl Jam have released “Running,” the latest song from their upcoming album Dark Matter.
With a flurry of guitars, propulsive drumming and frenzied vocals from frontman Eddie Vedder, “Running” is one of the most punk-leaning songs in Pearl Jam’s arsenal. In the lyrics, Vedder rails against a “Dictator, love hater” who has him “running ’till the second coming.” The tune’s chorus brings echoes that anxiety, as Vedder sings: “Lost in the tunnel and the tunnel’s getting funneled / Like the sewage in the plumbing / ‘Cause we left the fucking water running.”
Later, the tune momentarily breaks down in the bridge before ratcheting the energy up once more to close. Listen to “Running” below.
READ MORE: Pearl Jam Announce 2024 Global Tour
In a recent conversation with Spin, Stone Gossard explained how “Running” came together.
“Jeff (Ament) had the main parts for that one, and we worked it over as a band,” the guitarist explained. “I love the bridge. I don’t know what the hell those chords are that Mike’s playing, but it sounds original. It’s one of the last ones we recorded at Shangri-La, and it was fun to come up with one more uptempo song. Ed’s vocal dexterity here and on a few other spots on the album is just stunning.”
When Does Pearl Jam’s New Album Come Out?
Pearl Jam will released Dark Matter on April 19. The album marks the twelfth studio LP of the band’s career. Much of it was recorded at Shangri-La, a studio in Malibu, California originally built by the Band.
The project was helmed by Andrew Watt, the super-producer who has worked with everyone from the Rolling Stones and Ozzy Osbourne to Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber.
Pearl Jam, “Running”
Pearl Jam, “Running” Lyrics
Got me running
Got me running, got me running
But the race, it never ends
Got me running, or else I’m done in
You got me coming as you’re going
And the chase, it never ends
I’ll be running till the second coming
Dictator, love hater
Lost in the tunnel and the tunnel ain’t no fun
Now I’m lost in all the shit you’re flushing
Victrola, controller
Lost in the tunnel and the tunnel’s getting funneled
Like the sewage in the plumbing
‘Cause we left the fucking water running
Got me running
Got me diving, got me diving
Got me deep, I get the bends
When I’m summoned, or too late coming
You got me running, got me running
But the race, it never ends
I’m feeling done in, it’s rather stunning
Dictator, love hater
Lost in the tunnel and the tunnel ain’t no fun
Now I’m lost in all the shit you’re flushing
Victrola, controller
Lost in the tunnel and the tunnel’s getting funneled
Like the sewage in the plumbing
‘Cause we left the fucking water running
Was cleared for, for lift off
Aborted my take off
Living in the shadows, crossing my fingers
A date with the gallows and a reprieve not looking likely
You got me running
You got me running
You got me running
You got me running
Every ‘Big 4’ Grunge Album, Ranked From Worst to Best
Gallery Credit: Lauryn Schaffner, Loudwire
