Given to Fly

Pearl Jam

About Given to Fly

"Given to Fly" is a song by the American rock band Pearl Jam. Featuring lyrics written by vocalist Eddie Vedder and music written by guitarist Mike McCready, "Given to Fly" was released in December 1997 as the first single from the band's fifth studio album, Yield (1998)."Given to Fly" proved to be the album's most popular single. The song topped the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and eventually peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. Worldwide, the single charted well, reaching number five in Finland, number six in Norway and Spain, and the top 20 in Australia, Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The song was included on Pearl Jam's 2004 greatest hits album, rearviewmirror (Greatest Hits 1991–2003). 


Year:
1998
4:01
234 
#1

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He could've tuned in  tuned in
But he tuned out
A bad time nothing could save him
Alone in a corridor  waiting  locked out
He got up outta there  ran for hundreds of miles
He made it to the ocean  had a smoke in a tree
The wind rose up  set him down on his knee

A wave came crashing like a fist to the jaw
Delivered him wings  "Hey  look at me now"
Arms wide open with the sea as his floor
Oh power oh

He's flying
Whole
High wide, oh

He floated back down 'cause he wanted to share
His key to the locks on the chains he saw everywhere
But first he was stripped and then he was stabbed
By faceless men, well, fuckers
He still stands

And he still gives his love, he just gives it away
The love he receives is the love that is saved
And sometimes is seen a strange spot in the sky
A human being that was given to fly

High flying
Oh, oh
High flying
Oh, oh
He's flying
Oh, oh

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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: Eddie Vedder, Mike Mccready

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Album Information
"Given to Fly" is from Pearl Jam's fifth album, "Yield," released in 1998.
Chart Performance
The song topped the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and outperformed all other songs from the album.
Led Zeppelin Comparison
Many music critics paralleled the song's main guitar riff to the Led Zeppelin's "Going to California".
Single Release
The track was released as the first single from the album, debuting on radio in late 1997.
Lyrics Inspiration
The lead vocalist, Eddie Vedder, wrote the song describing a man who evolves and learns how to fly, citing it as some kind of spiritual journey.
Live Performance
"Given to Fly" is a staple in Pearl Jam's live performances, and it's usually accompanied by audience participation, particularly during the chorus.
Music Video
Despite Pearl Jam's general aversion to music videos, a video was made for "Given to Fly", but the band itself doesn't appear in it.
B-side songs
The UK single included a previously unreleased B-side titled "Leatherman."
Award Nomination
The song was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1999 for Best Hard Rock Performance.
Influences
Both musical and thematic elements of the track appear influenced by Led Zeppelin, drawing stylistic comparisons to "Going to California" - especially the distinct intro sequence.
Writing Credits
Like many Pearl Jam songs, the music was composed before the lyrics. In the case of "Given to Fly," the music was penned by guitarist Mike McCready.
Critic Opinions
Some critics consider "Given to Fly" as one of Pearl Jam's finest songs and a highlight not only of the album but of their entire career.

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    Given to Fly

    2.7M
    17,386     654

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1998

    Billboard #21


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