ARTIST/SONG: Pearl Jam, “Rearviewmirror” (1993)
***TRIGGER WARNING!*** The following contains lyrics that reference physical abuse!
I heard this song and was immediately empowered by it. It sounds great, but also is inspiring. The singer talks about how much better they are doing, since their former love is in the “rear view mirror.” LOVE. THIS. MESSAGE! I know it references physical abuse, but I can totally relate to the feeling of relief, on looking back at it. Please don’t allow the perspective of reflecting trigger you too much…you cannot know how good the “good” is, without reflecting on how bad the “bad” was and being grateful for being where you are now.
“Rearviewmirror” is a song by the American rock band Pearl Jam. The song is the eighth track on the band’s second studio album, Vs. (1993). Although credited to all members of Pearl Jam, it was primarily written by vocalist Eddie Vedder. The song was included on Pearl Jam’s 2004 greatest hits album, rearviewmirror (Greatest Hits 1991–2003).
LYRICS (Courtesy of AZLyrics)
“Rearviewmirror”
I took a drive today
Time to emancipate
I guess it was the beatings
Made me wise
But I’m not about to give thanks
Or apologize
I couldn’t breathe
Holding me down
Hand on my face
Pushed to the ground
Enmity gauged
United by fear
Forced to endure
What I could not forgive
I seem to look away
The wounds in the mirror waved
It wasn’t my surface
Most defiled
Head at your feet
Fool to your crown
Fist on my plate
Swallowed it down
Enmity gauged
United by fear
Tried to endure
What I could not forgive, yeah
Saw things, saw things
Saw things, saw things
Clearer, clearer
Once you were in my rear-view mirror
I gathered speed from you fucking with me
Once and for all
I’m far away
Hard to believe
Finally the shades are raised
Hey, yeah
Saw things so much clearer
(Once you, once you) Rear-view mirror
Saw things so much clearer
(Once you, once you) Rear-view mirror
Saw things so much clearer
(Once you, once you) Rear-view mirror
Saw things so much clearer
(Once you) Oh yeah
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