Spin the Black Circle

Pearl Jam

About Spin the Black Circle

"Spin the Black Circle" is a song by American rock band Pearl Jam, released November 8, 1994 as the first single from the band's third studio album, Vitalogy (1994). Although credited to all members of Pearl Jam, it features lyrics written by vocalist Eddie Vedder and music primarily written by guitarist Stone Gossard. The song peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100. It charted at number 10 in the UK Singles Chart, giving them their only top-10 hit in that country. The song was included on Pearl Jam's 2004 greatest-hits album, rearviewmirror (Greatest Hits 1991–2003).  


Year:
1995
118 
#4

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See this needle
Oh see my hand 
Drop, drop, dropping it down
oh  so gently 
here it comes
touch the flame
Turn me up
won't turn you away 

Spin, spin
spin the black circle 
Spin, spin
spin the black, spin the black 
Spin, spin
spin the black circle 
Spin, spin
whoa 

Pull it out
a paper sleeve
Oh my joy
only you deserve conceit
Oh I'm so big
and my whole world 
I'd rather you
rather you, than her 

Spin, spin
spin the black circle 
Spin, spin
spin the black, spin the black 
Spin, spin
spin the black circle 
Spin, spin
whoa 

Oh you're so warm
oh, the ritual
as I lay down your crooked arm

Spin, spin
spin the black circle 
Spin, spin
spin the black, spin the black 
Spin, spin
spin the black circle 
Spin, spin

[Repeat: x5]
Spin the black 

circle 

Spin the black circle
Spin the black circle

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Pearl Jam

Pearl Jam is an American rock band that formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. Since its inception, the band's line-up has included Eddie Vedder (vocals), Stone Gossard (guitar), Jeff Ament (bass), and Mike McCready (guitar). The band's current drummer is Matt Cameron, also of Soundgarden, who has been with the band since 1998. more »

13 fans

Written by: ANDERS OSBORNE, KEVIN (KEB' MO') MOORE

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release and Recognition
"Spin the Black Circle" is the first single released from Pearl Jam's third studio album, "Vitalogy," in 1994. It received recognition by winning a Grammy Award in 1996 for Best Hard Rock Performance.
Band's Inspiration
Lead singer Eddie Vedder wrote the song as an ode to vinyl records, expressing his and the band's love for traditional music forms. The "black circle" in the title refers to the grooves on a vinyl record.
Musical Style
The song is noted for its fast and raw, punk-inspired sound–a departure from the band's well-known grunge style. It's considered one of the fastest and most punk-like songs in Pearl Jam's catalog.
Chart Performance
Despite its significantly different style, "Spin the Black Circle" debuted at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the band's highest-charting single at the time.
Controversies
The song caused some controversy among fans and critics due to its distinct departure from the band's original style. Some loved the exploration and energy, others felt the band was attempting to break away too drastically from their grunge roots.
Song's Creation
According to the band's guitarist, Stone Gossard, the song was built around a guitar riff that was meant to sound as abrasive as possible.
Live Performance
"Spin the Black Circle" is regularly featured in Pearl Jam's live performances, and is often used as an opener due to its high-energy start.
Artwork
The cover art for the single features an image of an old rotary dial telephone that is symbolic of older, analog technologies, consistent with the theme of the song appreciating vinyl records.
Song's Rating
The song is rated 3 out of 5 stars on the platform AllMusic.
Lyrics Interpretation
Some have debated the song’s lyrics, citing potential double entendre with Eddie Vedder’s impassioned obsession with records comparing to the addiction to drugs. Nevertheless, Vedder has always asserted the song is simply a tribute to vinyl records.

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