Black Lyrics – Pearl Jam
Black Song Lyrics
[Intro: Eddie Vedder]
Hey-hey-hey
Yeah-ah
[Verse 1: Eddie Vedder]
Sheets of empty canvas, untouched sheets of clay
Were laid spread out before me, as her body once did
All five horizons revolved around her soul as the Earth to the Sun
Now the air I tasted and breathe has taken a turn
[Pre-Chorus: Eddie Vedder]
Mmm, and all I taught her was everything
Mmm-hmm, I know she gave me all that she wore
[Chorus: Eddie Vedder]
And now my bitter hands chafe beneath the clouds
Of what was everything
All the pictures had all been washed in black
Tattooed everything
[Verse 2: Eddie Vedder]
I take a walk outside, I'm surrounded by some kids at play
I can feel their laughter, so why do I sear?
[Pre-Chorus: Eddie Vedder]
Mmm, and twisted thoughts that spin 'round my head
I'm spinning, oh-oh, I'm spinning
How quick the Sun can drop away?
[Chorus: Eddie Vedder]
And now my bitter hands cradle broken glass
Of what was everything
All the pictures have all been washed in black
Tattooed everything
[Post-Chorus: Eddie Vedder]
All the love gone bad turned my world to black
Tattooed all I see, all that I am
All I'll be, yeah-yeah
Oh-oh, oh-oh, ooh
[Bridge: Eddie Vedder]
I know someday you'll have a beautiful life
I know you'll be a star in somebody else's sky
But why, why, why can't it be
Oh, can't it be mine?
Ooh
Ah, yeah
Ah, ooh-ooh
[Outro: Eddie Vedder]
Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo (Oh, oh-yeah)
Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo (Ah-ah)
Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo (Ah-ah)
Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo (Yeah)
Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo (Ah-ah, yeah)
Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo (Yeah, ah)
Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo (Yeah-yeah-yeah)
Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo (Oh-oh)
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh
Black Lyrics Explained
The lyrics of "Black" by Pearl Jam explores the aftermath of a past relationship. The lyrics vividly describe the emotional impact of losing a loved one and the lingering pain that comes with it. The singer reflects on the profound connection he once had with his partner, reminiscing about shared moments and the beauty that has now turned to sorrow. Despite acknowledging the inevitability of moving on, there's a deep yearning for what was lost, creating a poignant and melancholic atmosphere.
[Verse 1]
The opening verse uses metaphors of canvas and clay to depict the potential and untouched beauty of the relationship. The reference to "five horizons" symbolizes completeness and fulfillment. However, the imagery shifts as the singer laments the change in the air, signifying a turning point in the relationship.
[Pre-Chorus]
The singer expresses that he shared everything with his partner, emphasizing the depth of their connection. Despite this, there's a realization that, in return, he received everything she had to offer, implying an equal exchange that has now left him grappling with the aftermath.
[Chorus]
The bitterness and sorrow are palpable in the chorus. The hands that once held everything now chafe beneath the clouds of loss. The metaphor of pictures washed in black suggests the fading of cherished memories, with the act of tattooing representing the indelible mark the relationship has left on the singer.
[Verse 2]
The singer observes the innocence of children playing, highlighting the stark contrast to his own internal turmoil. The laughter of the kids intensifies his emotional struggle, prompting a question about why he feels such pain when surrounded by joy.
[Pre-Chorus]
Twisted thoughts and a sense of spinning reflect the internal turmoil. The sudden drop of the sun mirrors the unexpected and rapid deterioration of the relationship.
[Chorus]
The bitterness continues as broken glass symbolizes the shattered remnants of what was once everything. The repetition of washing pictures in black and tattooing everything underscores the irreversible nature of the loss.
[Post-Chorus]
The singer conveys a bittersweet acceptance of the inevitable separation. The wish for the ex-partner to have a beautiful life and be a star in someone else's sky contrasts with the lingering question of why it couldn't be in his own.
[Bridge]
The bridge encapsulates hope for the ex-partner's future happiness but reveals the lingering personal desire for that happiness to have been shared together. The repetition of "why" emphasizes the struggle to comprehend the separation.
[Outro]
The outro repeats a simple melody while the singer engages in vocal improvisation, expressing a mix of emotions, including pain, longing, and acceptance. The "doo-doo-doo" sounds create a poignant and reflective atmosphere, contributing to the overall emotional impact of the song.
This is the end of "Black Song Lyrics" by Pearl Jam. If you discover any mistake in the song text, please send the correct lyrics by using the Contact Us form.
Official Music Video
Cast & Crew
- Album
- Pearl Jam (Singles)
- Artist / Band
- Producer(s)
- Pearl Jam & Rick Parashar
- Writter(s)
- Stone Gossard & Eddie Vedder
- Released On
- August 27, 1991
Pearl Jam (Singles) Songs
- 1.Alive
- 2.Better Man
- 3.Black
- 4.Dark Matter
- 5.Daughter
- 6.Even Flow
- 7.Jeremy
- 8.Release
- 9.Yellow Ledbetter
Pearl Jam Albums
FAQs & Knowledge
Who is the singer of "Black" song?
"Black" song is sung by Pearl Jam.
Who is the lyrics writer of "Black" song?
"Black" song lyrics written by Stone Gossard & Eddie Vedder.
Who is the music producer of "Black" song?
"Black" song music composed & produced by Pearl Jam & Rick Parashar.
When was "Black" song released?
"Black" song was released on August 27, 1991.