Indifference

For me it's about someone who's quite stubborn and cannot be influenced by what others think about the way he chose to go. Someone who is abondened by his friends and family maybe for that way he chose. But still - he is standing there, takes their punches as long as it will take until they will stop to come down on him. He will not unlight the candle of his own will and direction, even if it means he will get hurt, he's staring the sun down even if his eyes will get blind, swalling the shit they put on him until it doesn't hurt him anymore. For me all that means he will make his way and stand behind his decision - whatever he will have to face and to go through. What they do does not make any difference to him and his way. That's encouraging.

i think it says that when you are really down, nothing can make a difference, nothing can stop the pain

hmm i wouldn't know exactly what's it about but feels like someone who is in a lot of emotional pain and thinking bout some suicide action or what will be a substitute for the pain it is feeling. Could as well be on automutilating. Seeking physical pain for getting your mind of emotional pain.

I think this song talks about how humans can delight in their sadness. "Oh i will make my way thought, one day more in hell" I can destroy myself, whatever, how much difference it makes. I don't care at all, life is a hell for me. This is how i understand this very sad song.

This song just oozes desperation and futility, Pearl Jam are by far one of the most talented bands at conveying emotions musically.

This is a song of regret for me. It's like watching a train wreck in slow motion and giving in to the thought that you can't do anything to stop it from happening. He has perspective of what his actions are doing to those around him, but he is indifferent. This is a man that is unable to swallow his pride and admit he is wrong in the way he is living. It seems like he has thoughts of remorse and regret, but they never manifest into something more... he can't do what he knows to be the right thing. He is stubborn. He is weary despite identifying with someone who cannot be hurt. He is sad for what he is. He regrets his decisions, but in his world, a mask can hide his pain. I think this song should be looked at in a little different light from just him being hard-headed. He has a conscience but is unable or unwilling to follow it.

I think it's about losing love. Also about how your live is changed when there isn't anybody in your life anymore.

I was able to download a video file of Eddie and Ben Harper playing this song together. It's incredible.

To me this song is about loneliness... The kind of loneliness you feel even in the company of beloved ones...

I believe this song is about the battles in life that cannot be won, but must be fought. Whether it's a quest for justice, the environment, against poverty, for tolerance, love, whatever. This song is about picking your battle, and letting the fight define you. You know you can't win, but that doesn't matter. The fight is so precious, whatever it is, that you must fight.

I feel this song is about futility. It doesn't matter what he does. It won't make a difference. He could scream all he wants, suffer all the pain in the world, and nothing would change the circumstances.