In band one day, my fellow musicians were vigorously debating what was most important about a song.  When I say the lyrics, most protest and go, obviously the melody.  As I’ve alluded to, I was the least talented one, so I deferred.

But words matter and here’s the thing – their meanings may not be static.  And I don’t mean in the context of pure linguistics or culture, but more in songs.

One of my favorite songs of all time is Pearl Jam’s “Alive” – a true rock anthem, the dynamic opening, the guitar solo a masterpiece.  Semi-autobiographical of lead singer Eddie Vedder’s life – him finding out that who he thought was whis father wasn’t his biological one, his real one dead, the song conveys a darker story – one involving abuse and the devastating impact.

Vedder used to describe the song as a curse, but after seeing so many fans sing the chorus “I’m still alive” with deep conviction, passion, even falling over to express themselves, he too changed his attitude toward the song.   Now the meaning has evolved – it is a song of hope, defiance, triumph, grace, gratitude.

I’ve been fortunate to watch Pearl Jam live several times.  To me, this is what heaven will look like.  I watched a tribute band recently and when Alive came on, I sang along with the crowd, tears streaming down my face.

Read some of the song’s YouTube comments, you’ll see what I mean.  Powerful story after story of how this song inspired, helped, chronicled lives.