Pearl Jam

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
If I ever were to lose you
I'd surely lose myself
Everything I have found dear
I've not found by myself

Try and sometimes you'll succeed
To make this man of me
All my stolen missing parts
I've no need for anymore

[Chorus]
I believe
And I believe cause I can see
Our future days
Days of you and me

[Verse 2]
Back when I was feeling broken
I focused on a prayer
You came deep as any ocean
Did something out there hear?

All the complexities and games
No one wins but somehow they're still played
All the missing crooked hearts
They may die but in us they live on
[Chorus]
I believe
And I believe cause I can see
Our future days
Days of you and me

[Bridge]
When hurricanes and cyclones raged
When winds turned dirt to dust
When floods they came or tides they raised
Ever closer became us

[Verse 3]
All the promises at sundown
I've meant them like the rest
All the demons used to come round
I'm grateful now they've left

So persistent in my ways
Hey Angel, I am here to stay
No resistance, no alarms
Please, this is just too good to be gone

[Chorus]
I believe
And I believe cause I can see
Our future days
Days of you and me
[Outro]
You and me
Days of you and me

Pearl Jam’s song “Future Days” is a heartfelt and emotional composition that explores the mortality of human life. Written by lead singer Eddie Vedder, the song is a tribute to his dear friend Dennis Flemion who drowned in 2012. The melody highlights how fleeting life really is and relays the message of living every moment to the fullest, as one never knows when it will be their last.

Released in 2013, "Future Days" has always been a fan favorite, and it reached new heights of popularity after being featured in the soundtrack of the video game “The Last of Us Part II” in 2020. Fans of the game were captivated by the synergy between the song and the game's story, which revolved around the bond between Ellie and Joel.

Lyrics and meaning

The lyrics of “Future Days” are poetic and powerful, conveying a deep sense of emotion and vulnerability. Eddie Vedder’s soulful voice accompanied by the soft strumming of an acoustic guitar gives the song a calming and melancholic feel. The opening lines, “If I ever were to lose you, I'd surely lose myself,” set the tone for the rest of the song. The lyrics explore the delicate balance between life and death, and the struggle to accept that we are all mortal beings.

The song is a tribute to Vedder’s friend Dennis Flemion, who died of drowning in 2012. It is clear that his loss had a profound impact on the singer, as he reflects on his friend’s life and their shared experiences. The line, “If our love is tragedy, why are you my remedy?” showcases the complex feelings that one experiences when they lose someone close to them. Vedder seems to find solace in the fact that his friend’s memories will live on, and he is grateful for the time they had together.

The Music Video

The music video for “Future Days” is a compilation of footage taken from Pearl Jam’s concerts, rehearsals, and recording sessions. The video is a homage to the band’s journey and showcases their passion for music. Eddie Vedder can be seen in several shots, playing the guitar and singing with the band. The video captures the raw emotion of the song, and the footage of the band’s performances is moving and nostalgic at the same time.

The band collaborated with director Catherine van Campen to create the video. In an interview with Rolling Stone, van Campen explained that she wanted to create a visual representation of the song’s message of love and loss. She stated that the footage was chosen to create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, and to showcase the bond between the members of the band.

Impact

Since its release, “Future Days” has become an iconic song from Pearl Jam, resonating with fans all over the world. Fans of the band and the video game alike have praised its soothing and calming melody and the poignant lyrics. It's become a song of solace and comfort for those who have lost loved ones and resonated with individuals on a multitude of levels.

Furthermore, the inclusion of “Future Days” in the popular video game “The Last of Us Part II” exposed a new generation of fans to the band’s music. The soundtrack of the game was lauded by critics for its emotional depth and intensity, and the song was a perfect reflection of this.

Concluding thoughts

The song "Future Days" is a beautiful tribute to the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. The song is a reminder to all of us that we should be grateful for the people in our lives and to hold onto them tightly, for we never know when they will be taken away.

The song's poignancy has been amplified by the personal loss of Vedder's friend, Dennis Flemion, who drowned in 2012. The song highlights the complexity and duality of love and tragedy in the face of life's impermanence. Eddie Vedder's raw vocals and the tender guitar melody will continue to touch our hearts and souls for years to come.

• Release Date: October 15, 2013
• Artist: Pearl Jam