| Once | Even Flow→ |
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The Momma-Son tape.
"Once" is a song by the American rock band Pearl Jam. Written by vocalist Eddie Vedder and its music produced by guitarist Stone Gossard, "Once" is part of the three song compilation recored by Vedder, named Momma-Son, and it's the first song of Ten (1991).
Background
Within the record Momma-son, a reply from Eddie Vedder to Stone, Jeff and Mike on the intent of accepting the audition with the trio, "Once" was written and sung by Vedder after hearing their jam on another record. Eddie received the tape from Jack Irons, one of the founders of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and recorded it, being "Once" its second song.
Analysis
Following the fictional events of "Alive", the protagonist flees from his home and becomes a serial killer and kidnapper. Uncontrolled and confused under the past circunstances, he start a criminal life and admits that he once had control of his life, but has no more. The character who had overcome fear and the will of giving up on the past now enters on a paradox of not being controlled yet can't lose himself.
Music & Lyrics
I admit it...what's to say...yeah...
I'll relive it...without pain...mmm...
Backstreet lover on the side of the road
I got a bomb in my temple that is gonna explode
I got a sixteen gauge buried under my clothes, I play...
Once upon a time I could control myself
Ooh, once upon a time I could lose myself, yeah...
Oh, try and mimic what's insane...ooh, yeah...
I am in it...where do I stand?
Oh, Indian summer and I hate the heat
I got a backstreet lover on the passenger seat
I got my hand in my pocket, so determined, discreet...I pray...
Once upon a time I could control myself
Ooh, once upon a time I could lose myself, yeah, yeah...
You think I got my eyes closed
But I'm lookin' at you the whole fuckin' time...
Ooh, once upon a time I could control myself, yeah...
Once upon a time I could lose myself, yeah, yeah, yeah...
Once, upon a time I could love myself, yeah...
Once upon a time I could love you, yeah, yeah, yeah...
Once (4x)
Yeah...once, once...yeah, yeah...
Yeah...yeah, yeah...yeah, yeah...oww...