As a Pearl Jam fan, you may have heard their song “Just Breathe” from their album Backspacer, and wondered about its origins. The song exhibits the band’s softer side, showcasing lead singer Eddie Vedder’s soulful and emotional vocals while delivering a powerful message about the importance of living in the present moment. However, many people may be unaware that “Just Breathe” actually has its roots in another song. In this blog post, we will explore the history of “Just Breathe” and its origin story.
The Origin Story of “Just Breathe”
The original version of “Just Breathe” can be traced back to 2007, when Eddie Vedder was working on the soundtrack for the film Into the Wild. The movie tells the true story of Christopher McCandless, who spent two years traveling across the United States before ultimately perishing in the Alaskan wilderness in 1992. Vedder was moved by the story and contributed nine original songs to the soundtrack, including the haunting instrumental “Tuolumne.”
One day, Vedder was playing around with his guitar when he stumbled upon a chord progression that he liked. That chord progression would later become the basis for “Just Breathe.” Vedder stated in an interview that the song came to him quickly and that he knew it was going to be something special.
The lyrics for “Just Breathe” reflect Vedder’s own personal experiences with love and loss. He wrote the song for his wife, Beth, after her mother passed away. The song’s lyrics provide comfort in the face of death and serve as a reminder to appreciate the time we have with our loved ones. Vedder’s tender vocals and the song’s simplicity make it a standout track on Backspacer.
“Just Breathe” on Backspacer
When Pearl Jam began work on Backspacer in 2008, Vedder brought his demo of “Just Breathe” to the band. They immediately loved the song and decided to include it on the album. Guitarist Stone Gossard stated that “Just Breathe” was a significant departure from the band’s usual style, but that they felt it was important to showcase the song’s beauty and simplicity.
When the album was released in 2009, “Just Breathe” became one of Pearl Jam’s most successful songs. It reached #6 on the Billboard Rock chart and #22 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The music video for “Just Breathe” features home video footage of Eddie Vedder and his family, adding to the song’s intimacy and personal nature.
Conclusion
Despite its origins in a movie soundtrack, “Just Breathe” has had a significant impact on Pearl Jam’s legacy. The song has garnered critical praise and has become a fan favorite in the years since its release. Its message of living in the moment and appreciating the people in our lives has resonated with listeners all over the world. Whether you are a long-time Pearl Jam fan or a newcomer to their music, “Just Breathe” is a beautiful and poignant song that deserves to be heard.
FAQ
What Pearl Jam song was in blacklist?
One of the popular TV series “The Blacklist” features music from a variety of artists, including Pearl Jam. The band has many classic songs, but when it comes to the show, the most recognized song is “Just Breathe.” The song is from Pearl Jam’s ninth studio album titled “Backspacer,” which was released in 2009.
The emotional and romantic ballad “Just Breathe” is a departure from the band’s signature sound of grunge and rock music, but it perfectly captures the moment in the show when it was used. The scene shows the relationship between Elizabeth Keen and Tom Keen, where they dance together on their wedding day.
The song’s tender acoustic guitar riff, Eddie Vedder’s soulful vocals, and the poignant lyrics make “Just Breathe” a beautiful and heart-warming song. The song’s message is all about living in the moment and cherishing the people you love. It captures the essence of the scene in “The Blacklist” and resonates with fans of the show.
“Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam was the song featured in the TV series “The Blacklist.” The song’s emotional and romantic vibe, along with its poignant lyrics, make it a perfect fit for the show. Fans of the series and the band alike have appreciated the use of “Just Breathe” and its meaning in the context of the show.
Did Pearl Jam write Just Breathe?
Pearl Jam is an American rock band that was formed in 1990 in Seattle, Washington. With millions of records sold and numerous awards and nominations, the band has cemented its place in the world of music. One of Pearl Jam’s popular singles is Just Breathe, a song that was first released in 2009. The song’s lyrics and melody are known to be very emotional and heartfelt and have touched the hearts of many of Pearl Jam’s fans.
Many people wonder if Pearl Jam wrote Just Breathe, or if it was written by someone outside of the band. The answer to this question is that the song was co-written by all the members of the band. While Eddie Vedder was out on the road for his “Into the Wild” tour, the other band members worked on songs for Peal Jam’s new album “Backspacer”. When Vedder joined the band, he finished the songs and also contributed his own compositions, including Just Breathe.
Just Breathe has been described as one of Pearl Jam’s most beautiful and introspective songs. The song’s lyrics talk about the importance of cherishing the moment and appreciating the people you love, as life can be unpredictable. The message in the song is one of hope and resilience, and its soothing melody has helped many people to find peace and comfort during difficult times.
Pearl Jam did write Just Breathe. The song is a testament to the band’s talent and creativity, and it continues to be a fan favorite. Its message of love, hope, and resilience is timeless and has touched the hearts of millions of fans around the world.
Is it just breath or Just Breathe?
The words “breath” and “breathe” are often used interchangeably in everyday speech, but they actually have distinct meanings. “Breathe” is a verb that is used to describe the process of inhaling and exhaling. It’s an action that the body takes to bring in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. On the other hand, “breath” is a noun that refers to a single cycle of breathing, from inhale to exhale.
The phrase “Just Breathe” is a common phrase that has become popular in recent years, and it’s often used as a reminder to take a deep breath and relax in times of stress or anxiety. In this context, “Just Breathe” is a command, with the verb “breathe” used to encourage the listener to take a moment to calm down and center themselves.
While “breath” and “breathe” may seem interchangeable, they do have distinct meanings and uses. And, “Just Breathe” is a phrase used to encourage relaxation and calmness in times of stress.
What does breathe mean spirit?
The concept of breath and spirit has long been intertwined in various cultures and belief systems. In fact, the English word “spirit” originates from the Latin word spiritus which means “breath”. This connection between breath and spirit is not merely coincidental but rather reflects a fundamental understanding of the nature of human existence.
Breath is essential for life, without it, we cannot survive. It is through breathing that we take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. In Eastern philosophies like Yoga and Buddhism, breath is considered a pathway to enlightenment. This is because the breath is a tangible and observable manifestation of life force energy. In Yoga, this life force energy is known as prana and in Chinese philosophy, it is called Qi.
Spirit, on the other hand, is a term that has been used to describe the intangible part of ourselves. It refers to that which animates us and gives us a sense of purpose or meaning. This sense of spirit is often associated with our innate sense of awareness or consciousness. We often use terms like “having spirit” or “losing spirit” to describe a person’s mental and emotional state.
Given the close connection between breath and spirit, it is not surprising that in many religious and spiritual traditions, breath is seen as a way to access deeper levels of consciousness or connect with the divine. For example, in Christian traditions, the Holy Spirit is often depicted as a gentle breeze or wind. In Hinduism, the practice of pranayama, or breath control, is used to quiet the mind and prepare oneself for meditation.
The concept of breath and spirit are deeply interconnected. Breath is not only necessary for physical survival but also serves as a conduit for accessing spiritual and philosophical truths. By learning to control our breath, we can learn to quiet our minds and access deeper levels of consciousness and, ultimately, connect with the divine.
Where did the slogan I can’t breathe come from?
The slogan “I can’t breathe” has become a powerful statement associated with the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States. The phrase originated from the last words of Eric Garner, an unarmed black man who was killed in Staten Island, New York City, on July 17, 2014, after being put in a chokehold by a New York City Police officer. The incident was captured on video by a bystander and the footage quickly spread across the internet, sparking outrage and protests across the United States.
This incident was not the first time the phrase “I can’t breathe” has been used in relation to police brutality and the mistreatment of black people in the United States. In the 1990s, the Los Angeles Police Department was rocked by the Rodney King beating, which also saw officers using excessive force against a black man. During the incident, King repeatedly pleaded with officers, saying “you’re gonna kill me” and “I can’t breathe.” The phrase has since been used in various protests against police brutality.
The killing of Eric Garner renewed the use of this phrase, and it became a rallying cry for protestors who claimed that police brutality and systemic racism had gone unchecked for far too long. The phrase has been used during countless protests, and has been seen on signs and banners across the country. It has also been adopted by athletes and celebrities who have used their platform to raise awareness about police brutality and the mistreatment of black people.
In addition to Eric Garner, the phrase “I can’t breathe” has also been associated with other black people who have died at the hands of police, including George Floyd in 2020. The death of George Floyd sparked a fresh wave of protests across the globe, with the phrase “I can’t breathe” once again becoming a rallying cry for those demanding justice and an end to systemic racism.
The phrase “I can’t breathe” has become a powerful symbol of the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States, and has been used to raise awareness of police brutality and systemic racism. The phrase originated from the last words of Eric Garner, who was killed in 2014 after being put in a chokehold by a police officer. Its continued use in protests and its adoption by athletes and celebrities highlight the ongoing struggle against racial injustice in America.
Why do people say they can’t breathe?
Breathing is one of the most important functions of the human body. It is essential to provide oxygen to the body and remove carbon dioxide. However, some people might experience difficulties in breathing, which can be a sign of an underlying health problem. Some of the most common causes of feeling short of breath are lung problems, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asthma is a condition where the airways are inflamed and narrow, making it difficult to breathe. While COPD is a disease that makes breathing harder due to damaged air sacs in the lungs and narrowed airways.
Another cause of breathing difficulties is heart problems, such as cardiovascular disease and heart failure. These conditions can weaken the heart muscle and cause fluid buildup in the lungs, which can make breathing difficult. A person may experience shortness of breath during physical exertion or when lying down.
Infections in the airways can also cause breathing problems, such as croup, bronchitis, pneumonia, COVID-19, the flu, and even a cold. When a person has an infection, the airways become inflamed and obstructed, making it harder to breathe. Symptoms of these infections often include a cough, fever, and fatigue, in addition to difficulty breathing.
Moreover, environmental factors may also contribute to breathing difficulties. Air pollution and cigarette smoke can irritate the lungs and make breathing harder, particularly for people with pre-existing conditions.
People might say they can’t breathe due to various reasons. Some of the most common causes are lung problems, heart problems, infections in the airways, and environmental factors. If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, it is essential to consult a doctor to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.