Green Disease

Album: Riot Act (2002)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The "green disease" is greed. Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, who wrote it, explained in the book Twenty: "I'm not saying capitalism is what's wrong about this, it's more like corporate responsibility. You can't tell me there's not other ways of making it good for everybody."
  • "Green Disease" is part of Pearl Jam's Riot Act album, which found them getting more political, particularly in response to 9/11. They were much more active in side projects than as a band in 2001, but when they came together to record the album in 2002, they found they had a lot to say. This song was written entirely by Vedder, but the other four members contributed to various other tracks.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Mac Powell of Third Day

Mac Powell of Third DaySongwriter Interviews

The Third Day frontman talks about some of the classic songs he wrote with the band, and what changed for his solo country album.

Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes

Chris Robinson of The Black CrowesSongwriter Interviews

"Great songwriters don't necessarily have hit songs," says Chris. He's written a bunch, but his fans are more interested in the intricate jams.

Did They Really Sing In That Movie?

Did They Really Sing In That Movie?Fact or Fiction

Bradley Cooper, Michael J. Fox, Rami Malek, Reese Witherspoon, Gwyneth Paltrow and George Clooney: Which actors really sang in their movies?

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In Songs

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In SongsSong Writing

Songs where something goes horribly wrong (literally or metaphorically), and help is needed right away.

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"They're Playing My Song

The Prince-penned "Manic Monday" was the first song The Bangles heard coming from a car radio, but "Eternal Flame" is closest to Susanna's heart, perhaps because she sang it in "various states of undress."

Gary LeVox

Gary LeVoxSongwriter Interviews

On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with.