Given to Fly Lyrics

Lyric discussion by Matzy94 

Cover art for Given to Fly lyrics by Pearl Jam

I think "Given To Fly" is about a man who feels either supressed or depressed. He is able to conquer whatever holds him down and frees himself from the chains that bound him. He is now able to fully live and appreciate life. Because of his good fortune the man feels an obligation to show others how to overcome obstacles in their lives. From here I think the story parallels that of Jesus. As he teaches others, he is betrayed by jealous skeptics too cowardly to even show their faces. He is stripped and stabbed just like Jesus but returns again to those that truely love and believe in him.

All of these interpretations are great. The one that I have stems from a PJ concert in Tampa, FL. in 2008. Before Eddie sung this song he talked about growing up in Chicago and going to see the Cubs with his uncle. He said his uncle pointed out an outfielder who played for the Cubs at the time who was going blind. Ed was amazed and that hispanic player became his favorite player. Ironically the former player was in the crowd that night and Ed pointed him out. The place went crazy and then Ed...