"Alive" is the debut single by American rock band Pearl Jam. "Alive" also appears on the band's debut album, Ten (1991). Written by guitarist Stone Gossard, "Alive" originated as an instrumental titled "Dollar Short" and was included on a demo tape circulated in hopes of finding a singer for the group.[3] Vocalist Eddie Vedder obtained a copy of the tape and wrote lyrics that describe a somewhat fictionalized account of the time when he was told that the man he thought was his father was not actually his biological parent.
"Alive" features an extended guitar solo after its third chorus (3:38). The solo for "Alive", performed by McCready, was ranked number 44 on Guitar World's list of the "100 Greatest Guitar Solos",and number 26 on Total Guitar's list of the "100 Hottest Guitar Solos". When interviewed about his famous solo, McCready was quick to disclaim creative credit for it, saying he basically "copied Ace Frehley's solo from 'She', which was copied from Robby Krieger's solo in The Doors' 'Five to One'." Aside from that influence, it strongly highlights the influences of Jimi Hendrix on McCready's playing, including extensive wah pedal use, frequent whammy bar dips and vibrato, as well as the use of a battered Stratocaster guitar. During many live shows he has been known to break into the outro lead solo for Black Sabbath's "War Pigs".
Lyrics
Son, she said, have I got a little story for you
What you thought was your daddy was nothin but a...
While you were sittin home alone at age thirteen
Your real daddy was dyin, sorry you didnt see him, but Im glad we talked...
Oh i, oh, Im still alive
Hey, i, i, oh, Im still alive
Hey i, oh, Im still alive
Hey... oh...
Oh, she walks slowly, across a young mans room
She said Im ready... for you
I cant remember anything to this very day
cept the look, the look...
Oh, you know where, now I cant see, I just stare...
I, Im still alive
Hey i, but, Im still alive
Hey i, boy, Im still alive
Hey i, i, i, Im still alive, yeah
Ooh yeah... yeah yeah yeah... oh... oh...
Is something wrong, she said
Well of course there is
Youre still alive, she said
Oh, and do I deserve to be
Is that the question
And if so... if so... who answers... who answers...
I, oh, Im still alive
Hey i, oh, Im still alive
Hey i, but, Im still alive
Yeah i, ooh, Im still alive
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Songwriters: Stone Gossard / Eddie Vedder
Alive lyrics © Write Treatage Music, Innocent Bystander, Pri Music Inc., UNIVERSAL POLYGRAM INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING INC, POLYGRAM INT. PUBLISHING, INC., UNIVERSAL-POLYGRM INTL PUB OBO WRITE TREATAGE MUSIC
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