Therapist reacts to BLACK by PearlJam

Therapist analyzes the lyrics to Black by Pearl Jam to discuss the reality that after a huge loss, you have to allow things to go black. The blackness is an emptying of the relationship in your life. It's a painful but important clearing process. When we clear, we create space for something new to come in.
#pearljam
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[@HeartSupport]

Welcome to the SUPPORT WALL! Add a comment (not a reply) about any struggle in your life, and our trained volunteers will reply 2-3 times to your post with compassion and encouragement.

[@phantompain5364]

Wait till you listen to nothing man by pearl Jam.. that’s a trip

[@fredtello]

victimhood is a business model nowadays

[@bbruteparris]

Hi, I am the father of 7 children ages 42 to 17. Last July, I lost my oldest daughter in a motorcycle accident. I've never been good at processing grief. At 60 years old I've lost both parents, 2 brothers, a grandchild, and a nephew. There are levels of pain and grief that are unimaginable. Pain that can only be known from experience. The loss of a child is 1 of those levels. It has broken me in ways I can't explain. I'm honestly not sure how I work through it. I've been raising children since I was 18yrs old. It's been my entire existence. How do you rebuild when a piece is missing?

[@walkalong8557]

Eddie Vedder is great and still singing. Search up: "Eddie Vedder - Invincible" it's such a great song, Lots of kids have listened to this song because it was in a video baseball game MLB The Show.

[@Roggino]

Jeremy of pj should analysed next, based on real events.

[@jediscot]

Gen Xer here. We were largely raised to suck it up and deal with issues - not to share them. When the "grunge" movement hit, we were exposed to artists our age who were sharing their exploration of pain, anger, addiction, heartbreak, remorse, and helplessness. It was so incredibly powerful and cathartic. Unfortunately, so many of those voices are gone now.

[@lightningmonky7674]

While I'm not a huge grunge fan (I do enjoy this song specifically) that must have been extremely refreshing to hear when growing up

[@yoda6697]

very very well said. could not agree more.

[@coreyandthecrew952]

It truly was an amazing time to grow up and have voices we could relate to. Tge power of this era is unbelievably raw at uts core. My best friend and I were explaining this to my 10 ye old tge other day and he was wonderfully engaged in the discussion. Power is felt across generations.

[@julesdee89]

amen friend :)

[@eccehobo]

Fellow GEN-X here, but later on the spectrum. I loved this song and submitted it to a teacher as my choice for a 6th grade dance. It was rejected because it was about sex.

[@braca977]

My wife left me after 17 years of marriage. I have 3 kids and a broken heart. Thank you for those words of wisdom. It means a lot ❤

[@Damien_D1977]

A 23 year marriage gone because someone wakes up one day and decides to just leave. This song came out when I was a teenager and it just rips my heart out now more than it did back then.

[@HeartSupport]

Sending you love. I can't imagine the pain and grief you are feeling in this moment. I'm grateful my words were able to provide a little bit of comfort. - T

[@Damien_D1977]

@@HeartSupport Thank You, between that and a abusive childhood it helps me seeing these videos and also inspired me to ask for help after 40 years. Thank you.

[@andrelockridge9109]

Women marry a lifestyle as much as they marry the man! A woman's romantic love is based on what can PROVIDE for her! What you can DO for her! In the end we men are nothing more than a Walking ATM machine & walking Tool Belt!! No matter how much & how deep you love them. Women will always look to level up,hypergamy! Romantic love is a fraud,it's conditional & tranactional!! Better to accept the Ugly truth than to believe in a beautiful Lie!!

[@Art-By-Aly]

🫶🏻🙏🏻

[@hippieslacker6466]

This song hits hard. If you ever loved someone more than yourself, and they are no longer in your life, you understand.

[@kimoronen1823]

Nah, i love myself more then anyone

[@dementedsoul4706]

@@kimoronen1823 haha

[@andrelockridge9109]

A mother's love is unconditional. Romantic love is conditional,transactional & has a expiration date. We fool our selves,because we can't accept the ugly truth! So we betray our selves and believe in a beautiful lie!!

[@TheMeanmarine13]

​@andrelockridge9109 same can said for some father's. I sacrificed everything to get my daughter's back when their mom wasn't willing to fight for them. I would take a bullet for my daughters in most definitely give in my life for them. Romantic relationships have crushed me in the past. This song really strikes a chord with me.

[@andrelockridge9109]

A Man will sacrifice his happiness for his famiky! A woman will sacrifice her family for her happiness!! My beloved late mother gave me the best relationship advice when I was 18 or 19! Never trust women!! In many ways my late mother was a remarkable wome,she choice her son over the sisterhood! I will always be eternally great ful to her!!

[@timbeatty8411]

I'm a 54 year old straight man and I still have a crush on Eddie LoL

[@derrickzane5834]

Yeah, that tracks. I'm with you.

[@patjam2106]

With you, though i am super young at age 50 ha!!!

[@BobsYerUncle_GT]

He's part of the reason I haven't had a hair cut since 2011 😃

[@shiffyrossell1228]

For real dawg. 🤘🏻

[@Taylorswiftfan13308]

(Realizing as I finish rambling that my laziness has painted me into a corner yet again. Long story short, I am male. My daughter took my phone made an I.D. in such a way that it now acts as Primary on KZbin. Haven't set it straight yet) I'm in the same boat and can even take it a step further. Had a crush on a girl in school many years ago and could never place who she reminded me of. Several months after she had passed out of my personal sphere of interactions. I just casually crossed paths with the Pearl Jam video for the song "Alive", and realized out of the blue who Allison reminded of... "Oh hell, she looks like Eddie Vedder!" Had a little internal crisis moment in my resolutely heterosexual world, then shrugged and thought, "ok, he's a beautiful man" and moved on.

[@kurtwinchell]

The true power behind the alternative and grunge movement was the authentic and raw emotion in the voices of the singers.

[@jasonbarry1382]

This. So much this. Incredibly grateful my teen years were spent in this movement - I say as I sit here wearing my Doc Martens 😂

[@shanefaulkner4071]

The voice is easy if you own the words. Lived that time and we all believed we could change the world through the lyrics. And the lyrics were Eddies, Stones etc story. Same as Chris, Layne, Kurt. Just happened everyone else connected with their stories. Great time to be alive and a music period that will never be repeated.

[@sharoncarlisle9453]

100%

[@reneelyons6836]

Well said!!

[@bullitthead7853]

@@shanefaulkner4071 I remember driving in my first truck and hearing a new song on the radio (Soundgarden, I think, around 1994) and thinking how freaking fantastic EVERY new song that played on the radio was. They were all instantly great, it really was magic. Man, I miss that time in music.

[@gishjalmr5628]

I'm thankful that Eddie is still with us. So many of his contemporaries are gone now.

[@bhurzumii4315]

This! Christ almighty, this!

[@lesfox2010]

Eddie must just about be the only grunge guy left now?

[@mattijohansen3471]

MTV unplugged is the one gift MTV left the world. They gave so many iconic bands at the time this outlet, and it let to some of the most iconic live concerts. Thinking of what MTV have become, with all the nonsense they do know. Its important to remember that once upon a time they where the only place that gave a platform for these bands to do this, and for the young listeners to interact with it in that way. And the MTV Unplugged shows are legendary now, all because of what MTV used to be.

[@brittanysell9796]

And the crown jewel is the nirvana set. I still listen to that set all the time. ❤

[@dedfishermen985]

@@brittanysell9796for you maybe, but I like the one I’m listening to, when I’m listening to it the best

[@marcstov]

So true...why are they not doing more of this?? Like...why?

[@crowbear516]

MTV burned everything for unplugged. It's the only thing I've carried since Beavis and butthead.

[@jedhatcher252]

Blame KZbin

[@jasonremy1627]

This specific performance is so soul crushing

[@Emilie-one]

Agree.. i’ve heard this performance probably 100 times and at the end I find myself choking back tears or just outright bawling. Profoundly sad.

[@Mr.Ekshin]

This song is not nearly as soul crushing to Eddie... as it is to whatever girl dumped him as a young struggling musician... and then had to watch as he became rich and famous. And not just 15 minutes of fame, but the kind of musician that made it last a lifetime.

[@jodywilliamson6232]

MTV unplugged.

[@bighouse1695]

This is probably the best live performance of any song by any band. Just my opinion but I’ve loved it since it came on the first time on MTV. All of the “grunge” band MTV Unplugged are legendary

[@josephkitchen3059]

He song this after Chris Cornell die 😢.. so heartbreak to watch….

[@M.G.-ll8ve]

30 years later, still think about her every day.

[@arturmirreyes7254]

Y yo,amigo,después de 15 No quiero amar a nadie más

[@Pluck1970]

30 years for me too. He’ll always be the one

[@andrealapihuska6877]

It really does tattoo your soul. I think about my lost soul mate more than once a day.

[@scrap183]

Coming up on 10 years for me. And, I even called her my sun goddess, "Diosa Sol." She married last year and I really had to give up on her. I try to move on, but I still dream of her; it still haunts me. I know it's not her, but still... This video helped.

[@RickGraziano]

I'm at 22 years now. How much I thought we had finally found ourselves in an orbit that would last, and how incredible was the feeling of how well we fit together. The touchs we had were like being recharged...just incredible energy. After we ended, she still came over for years, and I hurt myself by providing the emotional support she needed. But for reasons having to do with family, we ended. I left the town, the state and moved hours away. I still saw her a couple of times, then the occasional message. I finally ended communicating with her 3 years ago, I told her that I couldn't be a friend, I couldn't talk to her, I couldn't be part of her life if she couldn't be the part of mine that I needed from her. I still mourn that love, and despite having relationships since, that feeling of her and I haunts me. I hope you all find peace in your life. I'm still searching for mine.

[@muchachonextdoor5608]

Eddie, Chris, Kurt, and Layne. The voices of a generation. So sad that only Eddie is still with us. Feel lucky to have known them all through their music

[@t.johnson5066]

Absolutely! ❤❤❤ Literally an entire generation! I too am lucky to have grown up with them all and still listen to them all today.

[@franciet99]

💯

[@David_Theisen]

Scott too

[@muchachonextdoor5608]

@@David_Theisen you're right, can't believe I forgot Weiland. We were so lucky to have such great voices and cursed to see them lost so early

[@David_Theisen]

@@muchachonextdoor5608 Another iconic voice just passed too! James Earl Jones!! The voice of Darth Vader and Mufasa

[@brent7900]

Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and stone temple pilots were able to touch your soul through their authentic passions and pain. True artists

[@onepunchflan3071]

Alice in chains and soundgarden too

[@RickGraziano]

Chris Cornell, Scott Weiland, Kurt Cobain, Chester Bennington and Layne Stanley were the epitome of singers who could touch the deep emotions that many people had...I'm so glad we still have some of the singers like Eddie Veder and Dave Grohl who were able to navigate that scene and stay with us.

[@havokan45]

Candlebox' s You and first album was great and Alice in Chains

[@Kyle-ge1nq]

This version of Black always, always, gives me goose-pimples, Eddie's voice and emotion is so so good. "We belong together." :(

[@silvernode]

I think this is the first time I have read the words "Goose Pimples".

[@batigo211]

This song lasts 5 minutes but it hurts for a lifetime. It is incredible how much pain Eddie Vedder describes when he wrote this wonderful song full of a lot of melancholy and nostalgia, remembering those wonderful years of Grunge in the early 90s. And to think that Eddie is the last Grunge legionnaire still alive.

[@Kaya97899]

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?…. This line heartbreak me everytime…..

[@shep4life]

One of my favorite lines ever

[@coreyandthecrew952]

It literally floors me every time35 years later after hearing it for the first time. Brutal

[@chrisfurlough466]

If you've never felt the heartbreak he describes here. Consider yourself lucky.

[@pabloberlus7218]

30 years on repeat and that line still breaks me every time.

[@KAMUI138]

One of the hardest gut punch lyrics of all time.

[@laura-annknox709]

When my little doggie died, I just laid in bed and listened to this on repeat. I still can't hear it without crying. He was the most perfect being in my life

[@prophecygg5826]

Girl... We all had a crush on Eddie. Man sings from and to the soul. It's why we love him.

[@adh1541]

I will love him til the day I die.

[@g.e.5723]

"it's a song about letting go" is how I believe Eddy describes it. That poor beautiful boy.

[@shaun374]

I was a teenager when Pearl Jam was at their peak. If a girl knew who they were, there was approximately a 100% chance they had a crush on Eddie.

[@sputnikalgrim]

I was born in ‘76, grew up in an abusive household and don’t know what I’d do without this music, it impacts me to this day. My wife had my best friends kid, I attempted to take my own life but was found and so here I am trying to get beyond it. I’ve been diagnosed with Borderline Personality disorder, complex PTSD and major depression. I’m taking medication and see a therapist twice a week. I wish I had this help 20 years ago when I still could’ve salvaged my life, now I’m just an old man, old and alone…

[@gavinwilson7051]

hey man just know that its ok. I am sorry to hear about everything you've gone and are going through but i can assure you that you are loved and just because you feel lonely doesnt mean your alone. Also 47 is very far from old brother! you have plenty of live to live so go live it without regrets and with love and you will get that happy life we all dream about you just got to keep moving forward. love you bro and God wouldnt allow these things to happen to you if he knew you werent strong enough to endure it. take care brother hope things turn around

[@SHONEY21Z]

You got a dealt a shitty hand. But it’s not your fault. And the good news is there an entire world out there to discover. It’s never too late. Find a new joy and run with it, travel, meet new people every week. Happiness comes from within, and helping others. Rest of your life starts today.

[@sacir007]

This song is the most precise definition of black, both as a color and a synonym of emptiness sucking all the light out

[@JontyBlue67]

I don't think anyone could perform this song this way unless they lived it. So raw, passionate and heartfelt.

[@32a34a]

Him going through something like this makes this performance even better. Nothing makes a song great like the artist putting his emotions on his sleeve.

[@devonvance5194]

I always loved how tight the drums sound in this performance

[@PowderedToastMan420]

The last track, "RELEASE" off of their first album, TEN, will move you.

[@petereyndhoven104]

Live in Holland version please.

[@bezdekdelatte]

@@petereyndhoven104yes this live version is the way.

[@pjzelda75]

It's an amazing song no matter which version you listen to

[@jediscot]

Especially if it's a live version

[@beza511]

Amazing song. The live version in Chicago kills me.

[@barbaramelian509]

Not only has Pearl Jam always been the most socially involved and politically outspoken group from the big Seattle bands: they have always had a special kind of sensibility in their music, from day one. Their songs touch themes related to mental health, family issues and social awareness, and a lot of those songs have a woman as the main protagonist or depict the perspective of a woman (see "Daughter", "Why go", or the live versions of "Fatal"). "Better man", "Inside job", "Comes then goes", "Light years", "Other side" , "I got shit", "Off he goes", "Save you", "I am mine", "Something special"... too many to name, their whole discography is amazing in this sense. To me they embody how healthy masculinity looks and sounds like. I absolutely love them.

[@Rufus-uw3wb]

Just finished my divorce out of a 20 year marriage, this song played almost daily for the 1st year and a half! Powerful performance, music these days no longer makes you feel this way!

[@richpeltier9519]

Alive, Black and Porch (all from this album) were the cornerstone of my guitar practice routine for many years. I could tell when I got to Black how "tapped in" I was, because when I was locked in, playing the solo would completely break me down to sobbing tears. Such an incredible melody and amazing lyrics. The way the piano and guitars work with his voice on the studio version is sublime. This live version has a beautiful energy all it's own. Powerful magic indeed.

[@PowderedToastMan420]

@@richpeltier9519 Mike McCready and Jeff Ament and Stone Gossard are guitar legends in my book. ✌️

[@shirazzza]

This is so iconic at this point. I remember it being on tv & it just blew us all away

[@robbob5302]

Head and shoulders above the studio version, for sure.

[@GS-vb3zn]

word.

[@coreyandthecrew952]

With the ferocity of 1000 hurricanes.

[@jasontemple1496]

this performance with his improvised "we belong together" really punches me in the gut. every time I can imagine that pain, I've been there, I've felt that. Eddie was amazing for so many things but this is my all time favorite performance of his.

[@kamehousekz87]

The number of times in my life that Eddie's lyrics and vocals have stood as a proxy for my own human experience are literally incalculable. The degree to which he opened up and shared his own pains and joys as art is unimaginable, but I am forever grateful.

[@donniecreasey7722]

The early to late 90s were EVERYTHING 😢 the absolute best times of my life

[@misterbones5981]

Oooh no girl you're gonna feel a special type of sad

[@HeartSupport]

I really really did lol

[@mikek9297]

@@HeartSupport They have a bunch of great songs relating to mental health... "Jeremy", "Alive", "I am mine"...

[@ericmoney4572]

I saw the title in my notifications and was like "oh here comes the heartbreak."

[@benkylo8015]

@@mikek9297 "Release" is the best!

[@TheDieselDRNKR]

@@mikek9297 Garden too

[@danielsundin3669]

I was 17 when Pearl Jam released Black. This song has followed me through so many heartbreakes. I've belted it heartbroken and drunk of my ass at karaoke way too many times.

[@joescott778]

I haven't Felt this song like that in thirty years, thank you. Watching you see it and get it put me through it all over again.

[@revelofficial8542]

That pause you had at the end. yup. that's it right there. eddie vedder is one of the rawest songwriters and singers. he added "we belong together", which is not on the album/recorded version. it tears me to shreds. this song is the epitome of what it is to experience the throws of heartbreak. I used to listen to this song every time I experienced losing someone I love, which actually did include someone I had feelings for dying. In that instance, the song really took me to a place to fully grieve, acknowledge my feelings, and eventually I could try to move from the depths of that dark place.

[@toohighstrung]

I can't hear this song and this version without breaking down... It makes me want to stay and go at the same time. Struggling to be here daily is hard but music like this is an outlet for hardheaded dudes like me to let it out

[@johngoad]

His soundtrack album "Into the Wild" crushes me.

[@beza511]

There’s never been a soundtrack that matches a film so well. It’s amazing

[@ndbaker74]

Right there with you, man.

[@evanfavocci2968]

I have heard this song no less than 1 million times in my life and no one has ever been able to explain and process it better than you. Thank you.

[@MyGannChannel]

I have watched 100s of reactions to this song, and this is probably the BEST! ❤ Our emotions are devastating and necessary at the same time.

[@HeartSupport]

awww thank yoU!! I'm honored! - T

[@besideyouc.3279]

You and your insights are absolutely incredible and spot on. Thanks for reacting to this masterpiece 🧡

[@melocoton7]

Eddie is a living GenX legend ❤ Pearl Jam was my 90’s teenage soundtrack

[@jessicakoster2543]

Two thoughts I'm having right now. Out of all the major grunge singers, Eddie Vedder was not the one I thought would be the last man standing. He always seemed so frail, I was sure he wouldn't last. Second one, I owe Eddie everything. When I was 16 I went to see Pearl Jam on my own. When the audience moved forward,I got trampled. I was lying on the floor and people were standing on top of me. Eddie saw it and started telling people to get me up. They did and I was crowdsurfed to security. I just had a lot of scrapes and bruises. It could have been so much worse and I will be forever thankful to Eddie that it didn't.

[@dramacidal6998]

This song has saved me through dark times in my life especially losing the love of my life but He may have literally saved your life. That's an incredible story. Obviously I don't know him but I have never heard one bad word about Eddie Vedder. He seems like a rare celebrity that didn't allow fame and fortune to get to his head and he's always seemed genuine especially when performing.

[@mamatthews78]

This song, this album, Pearl Jam (among other bands) got me through the hyper-emotional pain of my teenage years. My dad once made me stop listening to this for a week or two because, "You need to listen to something that's less grey and painful for a while." But the grey and the pain in the music was what let me release the grey and the pain from my head.

[@paulschirf9259]

Two years before Pearl Jam, The Cure's Disintegration album did the same for me. And then hearing Black I was on the other side of it and felt it again in reflection.

[@TheAwetist802]

Gen Xer here. I was a young adult and had just loved and lost someone when this song came out and it captured exactly what I was feeling. While it was dark and painful to be in that terrible grief and sense of loss and to have that echoing "why"... what had I done or failed to do, what was wrong with me, what was I lacking... and why did it end as it did... the things we ruminate upon when we are suddenly left alone with memories of what was... But "Black" and this performance of it, in particular, were medicine for me. Powerful medicine. Providing release and, eventually, after a long long time, healing. Eddie Vedder's voice reached into me and helped draw out the infection, as any good salve does. Thank you for reacting to this performance and for offering such a heartfelt and intelligent interpretation of it.

[@klbbeeswillow]

Still gives me goosebumps damn! 💕

[@RolandDeschain1]

I was 15 when this record came out and it had an epochal effect on me and all my friends. It didn't just change my life, it DEFINED it. Especially this song.

[@petschmann]

I grew up with this Music! It is still a privilege! Even my kids love this music!

[@chriswoudstra765]

You are so sweet and thoughtful. I loved this video. I'm 47, been a Pearl Jam fan since 1991. I've had these reactions to their music since the beginning, it's lovely to see newer fans are too. All the love. Thank you.

[@jenniferrodriguez5337]

I was a teenager when this came out, and yes...we all were crushing on Eddie Vedder. On a personal note about 10 years ago my eldest daughter ran away from home. And this song helped me express my heartbreak about it. The last verse just (as you said) was so relatable that it just pierced my soul.

[@fanboy270]

"I know someday you'll have a beautiful life, I know you'll be a star In somebody else's sky, but why, why, whyyyyyy Can't it be, can't it be mine" Great verse. This is why must love GOD (YAH) 1st & foremost. Then the betrayal & rejection from others (which is inevitable) doesn't devastate us so completely

[@DanielRodriguez-eh1qd]

I agree completely, that lyrical section is one of the most gut punching parts in all of music for me. Even after being married having children and having a relatively wonderful life, that feeling has never gone away and I doubt it ever will. I wish no one would ever have to experience it.

[@timwiseman158]

I’m 54 and from a generation where you just dealt with it. No matter the hurt and pains in life, deal with it alone. This song was the 1st song that somehow made me break down and cry, get mad and clear my head. It still does make me tear up. Incredibly sad and beautiful song.

[@josephbond8280]

Some of the heart of grunge music back in the day. One of my favorite era’s of music.

[@andrelockridge9109]

1,000% agree! 60s,70s,80s,90s music just got better & better then all went to Sh%t!!

[@lukelarsson]

I’m so thankful for having been able to grow up in the time of Pearl Jam. They were the first band I fell in love with at the age of 15 and they’re still my favorite band 31 years later. Eddie was a great influence on me and probably millions of other teenage boys like me. He made it normal to show emotion. Eddie was the first one in my life to talk about politics and women’s rights. What made it even cooler was the fact that PJ lived about 30 minutes down the road from me. It was such an exciting time.

[@josephbond8280]

Eddie and Chris are magical together.

[@randallgledhill3529]

Because of Andrew Wood.

[@TheGalwayjoyce]

The line where he says "...so why do I sear?", is a double entendre. "So why do I see her?". It makes more sense when you realize he's talking about being around children--which is a schematic double entendre. Not only does he resent their ignorant happiness (one he no longer has), but it's a reminder of the future--and family--that he'll never have with her.

[@josephbond8280]

Grunge music and Korn were my go to. They have helped me through things in life.

[@stephensutton2546]

KoЯn has gotten me through so much in life. From abusive parents, to a fairly recent divorce.

[@crazy4offroad]

The high you get from that crazy love feeling, whew, it can move mountains. Take that away when you're not ready, and it'll cast you down to the lowest low you've ever experienced. I'll never forget the high, just as I'll never, ever forget the low. I don't think my heart could ever endure that again.

[@cliveklg7739]

He sang this at show in tribute to Chris Cornell. End changed a bit that made it even more powerful, besides him breaking down crying. Can find it on youtube. After we blong together he adds the pleading in the additional lines with him singing "come back... come back" and the crowd then supporting him.

[@Volgadon]

Yeah, this song is on my 'Songs that get me' list when the same thing happened to me when I was around 23? It devastated me, losing someone that made me so happy, then slipping away just as fast as it came. I got over it, on my own. I suggest that no one go through this alone. My world was truly BLACK

[@xaviergutierrez4382]

That ending, "WE BELONG TOGETHER" is gut wrenching... My skin irritated by goosebumps and my eyes water every time...

[@matthemming9105]

This was one of the songs that echoed my pain as a teenager. It helped to hear someone else express the pain I was feeling. To this day, 30 years later, it feels just as raw and real and authentic as did then.

[@Hortonfantastic4]

2:26 girl you have no idea. My 19 year old self had heard Pearl Jam on the radio. Loved the sound. But this performance right here. I watched it when it aired and it blew my mind. Eddie Vedder was beautiful and tortured and expressive and his voice. I was obsessed for years. Eventually he cut his hair to a bob length and it totally ruined his hotness but his voice is still good to this day.

[@ixeyeb]

1st time watching your reaction video. The fact you're wearing black with black nails for this song was pretty dead on. Like you were prepared for this gut wrenching, heart felt song. This version is still the best. Their Ten album is near perfection, but to hear this live acoustic version is so beautiful for such a sad song.

[@crob635]

We're all still in love with Eddie Vedder. PJ- song Daughter, is also an amazing song.

[@dominicsdailyvlogs178]

One of their best, I might get hate for this comment but I feel like Ten is their only good album with every song on it a masterpiece, it feels to me it’s their only album you can listen to every song through the end.

[@lindsayj56]

I love your reaction, I've watched so many of these and you really seemed to genuinely get it the most. Love it, thank you.

[@Hermila-v2p]

aimentalhealthadvisor AI fixes this (AI Mental Health Advisor). Therapist analyzes BLACK's emotional impact.

[@kylebert9510]

This was really healing for me to listen to the song and your words. I lost my mom to cancer and then 3 years later my sister was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. She was my closest person who I always looked up to. Watching her fight for 3 years was so traumatizing and painful to see here go through so much. Happened during the pandemic so I self isolated as her caregiver. When she passed I can relate to all turned to black. I couldn’t find joy and a year after her passing I just feel I can barely function. Lost my whole family so fast. I miss her so much it physically hurts. Thanks for making this. It really helped connecting with you all. 🙏❤️

[@ssvr3dl1n38]

Even after all these years and the 100's of times I've listened to and watched this performance, it still hits the feels. This is what sharing your soul looks like and we can only thank Eddie for that 🙏

[@CanadaDan]

I'm really glad you got to experience such an amazing song. Eddie transported himself to the moment it happened, the breakup, the realization that he wouldn't be able to have that love again. The way he sang that was so powerful, so emotional, so heartbreaking. I'm not the only one who has this song/performance as the best live performance ever.

[@DonnieDio]

Sadness after a breakup is a terrible feeling. But never wish it away. The only way you could ever end a relationship without sadness is if it means nothing to you. So to wish for no sadness ever again after breakups is to wish for shallow and pointless relationships. This beautiful song was created by an emotional relationship going wrong and the sadness and anger that came from it. Another reason why sadness and anger, while painful, is necessary and can often be a good thing.

[@freelix-44]

How do you cope when the woman you tried 5 years to build with turned out as a con artist? How do you grieve a relationship that was only real on your part?

[@Emilie-one]

This is one of my favorite songs.. the emotion in this performance gets me every time❤😢❤

[@danielrockwell3910]

Black is not only my favorite Pearl Jam song, but it is near the top of my list of favorite songs, period. As a testament to its power (especially this Unplugged performance), it not only can bring tears to my eyes (an incredibly rare occurrance) it does so even though I genuinely have no personal experience with heartbreak of this level. This song makes me feel it, even though I never truly have. It hits my empathy button *hard*.

[@shannontreiber1070]

Most emotive singer of my lifetime. Hands down.

[@susandunleavy740]

Sleepless night, and I found this channel.... Right now the only place I can speak a truth. Abbreviated: 34 years ago my daughter was born with a birth defect and died. I was unable to have another child. Years of therapy, life, loss, ups and downs - still a survivor. A few days ago my niece had a baby. My sister is now a grandma. I am so happy for them. AND wham, it's crashing down - I'll never be a grandma. Just like so many times over the years when others experience the moments in life I never will. I needed to find you tonight so I can put that out in the universe and let it breathe. Acknowledge the black (like this song) so I can make my way back to the light; but it's so damn hard sometimes.

[@cheriremily9360]

Hugs! And I hope you have someone who understands and can just be there.

[@Kappowski]

STP "Still remains" and or AIC "Love Hate Love" have similar loss themes. AIC is so powerful and STP so poetic. Both worth a listen.

[@benedwards6463]

Her first step into gen x. We Don't allow ourselves to vent and let go. That's why we are Gen x

[@75downs]

We weren't allowed to vent and let go.

[@grantmourning189]

I had this album. Drove to Lakefront park in Prior Lake, MN in 2005. Met my girlfriend there for her to tell me she was breaking up with my. I listened to this song and cried my eyes out near the end of the song while listening in my car. The song will never have a more sad feeling deep in my heart.

[@cropdustcaptain3059]

This my favourite band. In 2022 I was diagnosed with cancer as the love of my life was dumping me. Some months later I was talking about it with my therapist, and when I left her office I took a cab and this song came on the radio and affected me worse than it ever had in 30 years. I tried not to have a breakdown in public. I'm cancer free now, but still empty inside from that horrible year. Thanks for this video, you got youself a new subscriber.

[@dasninjastix]

5:32 - I'm gonna keep pointing this out on all the reaction videos to this song, because the way Eddie sings "Cradle" is one of the best vocal tones in performance history.

[@krismegna]

I’ve been listening to this song since it was released in the early 90s when I was in my early 20s. This song has always hit me hard, for the same reasons it has impacted others. Whenever I need a good cry, to allow my pain to be released, I find myself obsessively watching reaction videos to the MTV Unplugged version. Earlier this year, within the span of three months, I lost both of my parents. Feeling more vulnerable lately and allowing myself to start to feel the anguish over losing my parents, I watched your reaction tonight. For the first time in over 30 years of listening to this song, I am experiencing it from a totally different perspective. Not from the loss of love, but instead from the loss of the two people who created me and have been by my side throughout all of my heartbreaks in life. Now, they are the heartbreak. Thank you for posting your reaction. Your words of encouragement to share allowed me, pushed me, to open up. Thank you. Thank you.

[@77jakebluz]

This is the song of my generation.

[@randyhanner3188]

Eddie's actually crying during this performance. By far one of the best live performances of all time

[@75downs]

My favorite song of all time.

[@chiefdog420]

This is my favorite Pearl Jam song. I can't even listen to it because it makes me ball my eyes out.

[@seeingthruyou]

The Bill and Ted cut was great! You should check out "Last Kiss" ( Live at Bridge School 99) just another amazing moment of live music and Eddie absolutely pouring his heart out into the song and audience!

[@benedwards6463]

Let go of the colour and see the black as a positive.....truely amazing words

[@Gary_M]

Another great heartbreak song by a grunge master is Nothing Compares 2U covered by Chris Cornell. Recorded at a radio station with just voice, guitars and cello, it's an amazing performance that would be a great compliment to this video. Thanks for what you do!

[@UncleD153]

I first saw Pearl Jam in 1993, I was 25 years old. Was lucky enough to see them for other times. What a great group of guys and a great band.

[@saintnik.]

that's pretty much my reaction every time i listen to this song

[@philkrugel1452]

We all have a permanent crush on Eddie and this band!!! This might have been one of the best performances by anyone anywhere ever.

[@LeonardGuzman-z9v]

He's so raw

[@tooxtrym]

She's pretty spot on with the analysis. Best wishes to everyone trying.

[@ExUSSailor]

Eddie actually had the flu during this performance. The extra-raspiness in his voice really worked well with this song.

[@jskipper13]

Brings tears to my eyes every time I hear this song. - to all those who have felt heartbreak.

[@David_Theisen]

Listen to POD’s Full Color!! Sonny wanting his mom back and questioning God! “How can I trust what I can’t touch and can’t see” it’s a powerful message!! Also AIC’s Rooster

[@JiTiAr35]

Pearl Jam Jeremy music video is a must.

[@davidbaca7853]

The unedited version

[@David_Theisen]

I think that’s about a kid that killed himself in front of a classroom of kids!!!

[@kristin9573]

You’re right! I was absolutely in love with him! I was 14 when they came out and what a time to be alive with all the Seattle bands coming out, the whole lifestyle. No social media or cell phones. Just living life. And it was good

[@SaffsVids]

Ive been waiting for you to see this one =)

[@andrewagha1710]

I've listened to this song since Ten was released, never really thought of it in these ways before, you brought up so much about this song that I never really paid attention to, and while I haven't (fortunately I think!) ever suffered loss like this from a break up or relationship going bad, I feel it in a different way, and yah I cried watching this video! Taylor Thanks for being so honest with your reaction to not just Black but this Unplugged performance, one my friends and I watched countless times in high school. I'm sold on this channel!