In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Power high, power low
You could take 'em all to school
You could fly, wilt the stilt had nothing on you
Lambchops and afro-do, Milwaukee bucks and a barbecue
#33 just like you
Sweet lew, how could you?
Sweet lew, makin' me blue
A laker trade their bobby-d for a house, a guru by the sea
A little help from 32, showtime, and worthy
Those were the days, pre-investment spree
Sweet lew, is it true?
Sweet lew, how could you?
I grew up trying to copy you, bruce lee, and a kung-fu
Acta jazzman, yogi too
Little did I know, a loose screw
But you had your own shoe
Build him high, build him tall, a taiku with a basketball
Tear 'em down, one and all
7'2" is a long way to fall
Sweet lew, how's the view?
Sweet lew, how could you?
You could take 'em all to school
You could fly, wilt the stilt had nothing on you
Lambchops and afro-do, Milwaukee bucks and a barbecue
#33 just like you
Sweet lew, how could you?
Sweet lew, makin' me blue
A laker trade their bobby-d for a house, a guru by the sea
A little help from 32, showtime, and worthy
Those were the days, pre-investment spree
Sweet lew, is it true?
Sweet lew, how could you?
I grew up trying to copy you, bruce lee, and a kung-fu
Acta jazzman, yogi too
Little did I know, a loose screw
But you had your own shoe
Build him high, build him tall, a taiku with a basketball
Tear 'em down, one and all
7'2" is a long way to fall
Sweet lew, how's the view?
Sweet lew, how could you?
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This was the perfect song for "13 Reasons Why"
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Ed Sheeran
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After hearing this song I see why Pearl Jam doesn't let Jeff Ament sing hardly any songs.
I think this wasn't meant to be a 'Pearl Jam song' as much as it was Jeff's way of getting back at Kareem Abdul Jabaar. I mean, like the Lost Dogs CD booklet says, he met his idol, and KAJ was aloof and completely distant. Imagine meeting Eddie Vedder and him being an absolute tool to you... how would you cope? Well, Jeff Ament wrote a song.
And being as how basketball is my sport too, I envision meeting Michael Jordan - if he acted like a tool then I'd be upset...
i like his vice on this. its something diffrent and weird and thats what i love in music. i think he should sing a lot more backing vocals on their records but only the sewwt ones that make you think lots and lots
pearl jam is my favorite band and i love them but this song is not only written badly, but it sounds like shit
how can you say that about pearl jam!!!!! so rude. to me it dosent matter what song it is as long as it has a great meaning to me. i can show myself through this song.
im so mean i havent listened to them in ages!!
so this song means something to you how? a lot of people can relate to their songs but this isnt really one of them
The meaning of this song to me is doubled. Firstly; one shouldn't idolize people becuse they are after all just humans with faults just like the rest of us. Secondly; if you're in a position where people look up to you you should at least try to be civil against your fans. And in my book Jeff Ament does not only write GREAT songs, he also sings great. Just listen to their cover of The Ramones 'I Just Wanna Have Something To Do'.
Worst Pearl Jam song ever.