Pearl Jam

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
He won the lottery when he was born
Took his mother's white breast to his tongue
Trained like dogs, color and smell
Walks by me to get to him
Police man
Police man
(All my pieces)
(All my pieces)

[Verse 2]
He won the lottery by being born
Big hand slapped the white male American

[Pre-Chorus]
Do no wrong, so clean cut
Dirty his hands, it comes right off
Police man
Police man

[Chorus]
Police stopped my brother again
Police stopped my brother again
Police stopped my brother again
Police man
Police man
[Bridge]
Jesus greets me, looks just like me

[Pre-Chorus]
Do no wrong, so clean cut
Dirty his hands, it comes right off
Police man, police man
Police man

[Chorus]
Police stopped my brother again
Police stopped my brother again
Police stopped my brother again
Police man, police man
Police stopped my brother again
Police stopped my brother again
Police stopped my brother again
Police man, police man
Police man

[Break]
Hey-um, hey-um, hey-um
Hey-um, hey-um, hey-um
Hey-um, hey-um, hey-um
Hey-um, hey-um, hey-um
[Outro]
(All my pieces set me free) all my pieces set me free
(All my pieces set me free) all my pieces set me free
(Human devices set me free) human devices set me free
(All my pieces set me free) all my pieces set me free
(Human devices set me free) human devices set me free

Pearl Jam is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. The band has sold over 30 million records in the US alone and is considered one of the most influential bands of the 1990s. Their music is known for its powerful lyrics and messages, and one of the most popular songs from their second album, Vs., is "W.M.A."

About W.M.A.

"W.M.A." stands for White Male American, and the song was released in 1993. The lyrics were written by Eddie Vedder, the lead singer, and they speak to the issue of racial inequality in the United States. The song's lyrics are focused on the life of a white man who had the opportunity to succeed due to his race and the societal advantages that come with it.

From the first few lines of the song - "Grandma take me home / Grandma take me home / Grandma take me home / Grandma take me home, WMA" - it is apparent that Vedder is trying to convey a message about race. The rest of the lyrics lay out the stark reality of societal problems that still persist today, despite the nation's supposed "colour blindness."

The opening line of the chorus - "I won the lottery when I was born" - is a clear reference to the privilege that white people have, often just because of the colour of their skin. While Vedder acknowledges that he has benefited from being a white male American, he also articulates that he does not feel comfortable with such inequality and the issues that surround it.

The next lyric speaks to the idea that many white people in the United States are unaware of the privileges that come with being white. Vedder sings, "They're planning to keep me low, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah / I won't be held down / I won't be held down / I won't be held down / I won't be held down, WMA."

These lyrics are a direct response to the idea that many white Americans propagate, which is that there is no longer any racial inequality in the United States. Vedder is saying that he recognizes these privileges and that he believes the system that creates them needs to be dismantled.

One of the most powerful aspects of the song is the way that Vedder raises awareness about the harsh realities of life for people of colour in the United States. He mentions statistics that still hold true today, such as the fact that black Americans' median income is 56% of the median income of white Americans. He also notes that African Americans are six times more likely to be incarcerated, and one in six African American males had done time in jail in 2001.

Vedder draws attention to these figures because they represent the deep-rooted inequality that exists in the United States today. He does not shy away from making the listener uncomfortable. Instead, he asks the white listener to reflect on their own privilege and the ways in which they benefit from the oppression of others.

The song is a call to action, a reminder that those who benefit from the system must be aware of it and work to change it. It is a powerful piece of music that will continue to resonate with listeners for years to come.

In a 2013 interview with Rolling Stone, Vedder spoke of the song's power and the ways in which it has been received by audiences. He said, "I think that song has a slow-burn, and I think it's gotten to a point where it's an anthem for people who want things to be different."

Wrapping Up

In short, "W.M.A." by Pearl Jam speaks to the deep-rooted racial inequality that exists in the United States today. Eddie Vedder's lyrics are a powerful reminder of the privileges that come with being a white male American and the responsibility that those who benefit from the system have to work towards change.

The song is a must-listen for anyone interested in social justice and a powerful example of the ways in which music can be used to raise awareness and effect positive change.

• Release Date: October 19, 1993
• Artist: Pearl Jam