| ←Pilate | Do the Evolution | Untitled→ |
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"Do the Evolution" is the seventh song on Yield. Featuring lyrics written by vocalist Eddie Vedder and music written by guitarist Stone Gossard, the song managed to reach number 33 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart even though it was never released as a major single. The song was included on Pearl Jam's 2004 greatest hits album, rearviewmirror (Greatest Hits 1991–2003).
Analysis[]
Pearl Jam's "Do The Evolution" is a heavy and deep criticism of humanity, mocking the economic, social, political, and religious system through the ages. The song's ideal is to show how the "progressive" animal, the man, can be the same cursed being that repeats the same destructive errors in all the times and may condemn Earth into doom.
The song is a protagonist, whose voice is Vedder's, bragging himself for being the most biological and technological developed being on the Earth. He is always ahead, even wearing pants, something that other animals don't even mind to do. He believes he can kill because he has God on his side, and do it with a clear mind. Citing the 1929'sCcrysis, environmental abuses, native harassment, imperialism, religious deceivement and other acts originated by human pride, the character enjoys the upcoming armageddon cause he believes this is evolution. Of course the song shares criticism and irony, since every action of the character is bringing doom closer, but even though these actions are considered bad for the world, many keep doing and have done since the man appeared on Earth.
Music & Lyrics[]
I'm ahead, I'm a man
I'm the first mammal to wear pants, yeah
I'm at peace with my lust
I can kill 'cause in God I trust, yeah
It's evolution, baby
I'm at peace, I'm the man
Buying stocks on the day of the crash
On the loose, I'm a truck
All the rolling hills, I'll flatten 'em out, yeah
It's herd behavior, uh huh
It's evolution, baby
Admire me, admire my home
Admire my son, he's my clone
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
This land is mine, this land is free
I'll do what I want but irresponsibly
It's evolution, baby
I'm a thief, I'm a liar
There's my church, I sing in the choir
(hallelujah, hallelujah)
Admire me, admire my home
Admire my son, admire my clothes
'Cause we know, appetite for a nightly feast
Those ignorant Indians got nothin' on me
Nothin', why?
Because... it's evolution, baby!
I am ahead, I am advanced
I am the first mammal to make plans, yeah
I crawled the earth, but now I'm higher
2010, watch it go to fire
It's evolution, baby
It's evolution, baby
Do the evolution
Come on, come on, come on