I have to give a presentation on this song as it relates to social stratification in my sociology class tomorrow and as a result have put quite a deal of thought into the meaning of this song..
The lyrics of this song simply describe the plight of one homeless man and the struggles of his situation. (Freezin', rests his head on a pillow made of concrete..", "Kneelin', lookin through the paper though he doesn't know how to read..", etc...)
However, I feel the greatest aspect of this song, although not as obvious, lies within the title and the political criticism it provokes. At the time Ed wrote the lyrics for 'Even Flow', George Bush (the elder and equally imcompetent president) was in office. To resolve the economic situation at the time he supported a 'trickle down' solution in which the rich are given tax breaks and financial benefits hoping to stimulate growth through new investments and such. Anyway Bush eloquently described this technique as providing an "even flow" of money through the classes (unsucessful, mind you). Ed sarcastically entitles this lyrical criticsm of the government and its policies "Even flow" (brilliant! by the way...)
Hopefully you will all find that this is the most concrete interpretation of this great song. I'm sure most of you have the album cover to "Ten". If you look inside the lyrics to "Even Flow" are written around a dollar bill and the title is followed by the words "Not Even" which again displays Ed's opinion of the situation..
you nailed it bang on.. I still cannot help but think of the junky mainline interpretation when it comes to the title evenflow.. especially in relation to how its tied to the butterfly metaphor.. makes one think of the butterfly effect after electroshock therapy.. either way drugs are used to control the populace and its all about the mooolahhh and shekel control by the overlord taskmasters...
you nailed it bang on.. I still cannot help but think of the junky mainline interpretation when it comes to the title evenflow.. especially in relation to how its tied to the butterfly metaphor.. makes one think of the butterfly effect after electroshock therapy.. either way drugs are used to control the populace and its all about the mooolahhh and shekel control by the overlord taskmasters...
@SecretSkwirl07. I think your interpretation is the most accurate. Homelessness, social stratification, trickle down economics to create an " even flow ", even the lyrics written around a dollar bill. Spot on. Eddie'd be proud.
I hope you got an "A" on that presentation!!
@SecretSkwirl07. I think your interpretation is the most accurate. Homelessness, social stratification, trickle down economics to create an " even flow ", even the lyrics written around a dollar bill. Spot on. Eddie'd be proud.
I hope you got an "A" on that presentation!!
I have to give a presentation on this song as it relates to social stratification in my sociology class tomorrow and as a result have put quite a deal of thought into the meaning of this song..
The lyrics of this song simply describe the plight of one homeless man and the struggles of his situation. (Freezin', rests his head on a pillow made of concrete..", "Kneelin', lookin through the paper though he doesn't know how to read..", etc...)
However, I feel the greatest aspect of this song, although not as obvious, lies within the title and the political criticism it provokes. At the time Ed wrote the lyrics for 'Even Flow', George Bush (the elder and equally imcompetent president) was in office. To resolve the economic situation at the time he supported a 'trickle down' solution in which the rich are given tax breaks and financial benefits hoping to stimulate growth through new investments and such. Anyway Bush eloquently described this technique as providing an "even flow" of money through the classes (unsucessful, mind you). Ed sarcastically entitles this lyrical criticsm of the government and its policies "Even flow" (brilliant! by the way...)
Hopefully you will all find that this is the most concrete interpretation of this great song. I'm sure most of you have the album cover to "Ten". If you look inside the lyrics to "Even Flow" are written around a dollar bill and the title is followed by the words "Not Even" which again displays Ed's opinion of the situation..
PEARL JAM FOREVER..
you nailed it bang on.. I still cannot help but think of the junky mainline interpretation when it comes to the title evenflow.. especially in relation to how its tied to the butterfly metaphor.. makes one think of the butterfly effect after electroshock therapy.. either way drugs are used to control the populace and its all about the mooolahhh and shekel control by the overlord taskmasters...
you nailed it bang on.. I still cannot help but think of the junky mainline interpretation when it comes to the title evenflow.. especially in relation to how its tied to the butterfly metaphor.. makes one think of the butterfly effect after electroshock therapy.. either way drugs are used to control the populace and its all about the mooolahhh and shekel control by the overlord taskmasters...
@SecretSkwirl07. I think your interpretation is the most accurate. Homelessness, social stratification, trickle down economics to create an " even flow ", even the lyrics written around a dollar bill. Spot on. Eddie'd be proud.
I hope you got an "A" on that presentation!!
@SecretSkwirl07. I think your interpretation is the most accurate. Homelessness, social stratification, trickle down economics to create an " even flow ", even the lyrics written around a dollar bill. Spot on. Eddie'd be proud.
I hope you got an "A" on that presentation!!