Yellow Ledbetter
Pearl Jam · rearviewmirror [2004]
On a porch a letter sat
Then you said "I wanna leave it again "
Once I saw her on a beach of weathered sand
And on the sand I wanna leave it again... yeah
On a weekend I wanna wish it all away yeah...
And they called and I said that I want what I said
And then I call out again
And the reason oughta leave her calm I know
I said I dont know whether
I'm the boxer or the bag
Ah yeah ehh....
Can you see them
Out on the porch, yeah
But they don't wave
I see them round the front way yeah
And I know and I know I dont want to stay...
Make me cry
Ooooh I see
I dont know there's something else
I wanna drum it all away
Oh I said I don't, I don't know whether I was the boxer or the bag
Ah yeah ehh....
Can you see them
Out on the porch
But they don't wave
I see them round the front way yeah
And I know and I know I dont want to stay at all
I don't wanna stay (3x)
I don't
Oh... yeah... oooh.
About Yellow Ledbetter
"Yellow Ledbetter" by Pearl Jam stands as a defining track from the band's 2004 album *Rearviewmirror*, showcasing their evolution into a more mature, introspective sound. Released during a pivotal era for the grunge pioneers, the song blends acoustic guitar with heavy distortion to explore themes of regret and lost love, characteristic of the band's signature dynamic range. The recording features the distinctive vocal delivery of Jeff Ament, highlighting the song's emotional depth and its role in the band's broader discography. As a staple of their live performances and a frequent inclusion in compilations, the track remains a testament to Pearl Jam's ability to craft complex, emotionally resonant music that bridges their early 90s roots with their later artistic direction. Its enduring popularity underscores its status as a key work in the band's catalog.