Jeremy by Pearl Jam

Album: Ten (1991)

Charted: 15 79

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This song is about a boy who kills himself at school to get revenge on the students who tormented him. It is based on the true story of Jeremy Delle, a 15-year-old sophomore who killed himself in front of his English class at Richardson High School in Richardson, Texas, on January 8, 1991. Eddie Vedder found out about Jeremy when he read an article about the incident in the Dallas Morning News, which read: "Because he had missed class, the teacher in his second-period English class told Jeremy to get an admittance slip from the school office. Instead, he returned with the gun, police said. He walked directly to the front of the classroom. 'Miss, I got what I really went for,' he said, then placed the barrel in his mouth and fired."

The article, which incorrectly states Jeremy's age as 16, adds that three Richardson students committed suicide in 1988.
Vedder could relate to the Jeremy Delle story because there was kid in his seventh grade class with similar leanings. Speaking with Karen Bliss in 1991, he explained that this kid "kind of freaked out and brought a gun into class one day" and shot a fish tank at the school. A year earlier Vedder had gotten in a fight with this kid.
The line in the chorus is "Jeremy spoke in class today." It is hard to understand if you don't speak Vedder.
"Jeremy" was the third US single released from Pearl Jam's debut album, Ten, following "Alive" and "Even Flow." A fourth single, "Oceans," was also released, but it got very little radio play and didn't do very well. "Oceans" was the only single from Ten that was released in the UK.
The band scenes in the video were shot at a warehouse in a seedy section of London. The clip was directed by Mark Pellington, who also did the Alice in Chains video for "Rooster" and later directed the film Arlington Road and several episodes of the TV series Cold Case.

In a Songfacts interview with Pellington, he said: "I got sent the track and actually passed on it in the beginning. It didn't grab me immediately. Then, my producer was like, 'Listen to it a little bit more.' I did, and I talked to Eddie, and he explained to me the story of the kid in Dallas, which is a true story. I just dove in and put myself into it - put a lot of my own childhood junk into it.

I wrote this extremely long, very passionate, elaborate treatment... which I lost on my computer. But I had all my notes. So, in re-writing it, it became even more freeform, and then it became a little more impressionistic, but they went for it. I still have all my original note cards and stuff for that.

And then the shooting of it, they very much left me alone. We shot the band in England - shot three takes of Eddie singing, which was extremely intense. I still remember shooting it, and I remember his electrifying, intense, almost possessed passion in performing it. The band was like, 'We don't want to be in it,' so I shot a little bit of multiple exposures of them - walking around and their faces being in it a little bit."
In 1993, the "Jeremy" video won four MTV Video Music Awards: Video of the Year, Best Group Video, Best Metal/Hard Rock Video, and Best Director. In accepting the Video of the Year trophy, Eddie Vedder said: "If it weren't for music, I think I would have shot myself in the front of the classroom. It really is what kept me alive, so this is kind of full circle. So to the power of music, thanks."
At the end of the video, we see Jeremy walk, shirtless, into his classroom, throw an apple to the teacher, and make a gesture as if pulling something from his pocket. We later see his classmates shocked and sprayed with blood, implying that Jeremy has shot himself. Originally, this section showed the gun, but MTV ordered it removed, citing a policy against showing firearms. This didn't sit well with director Mark Pellington. He told Songfacts: "MTV made us edit out the gun going in the mouth. That created the great confusion, which made it appear like he brought the gun and shot his classmates, which was a huge misinterpretation and years later connected "Jeremy" to school shootings, which was not it at all. Yet, people like to make the connection.

I've never seen a video that still gets written about so much. Maybe it was the underbelly of disenfranchised youth. The timelessness of that, if you think about it - from James Dean and Montgomery Clift and those kind of icons. It predated the whole shooter mentality of 'angry young white kids.' So in that time, a kid taking a gun into a classroom was way ahead of its time. Pre-Columbine. And when there is a school shooting, it often gets mentioned."
The star of the video is Trevor Wilson, who was 12 years old when it was filmed. He got the gig over about 200 other child actors with a VHS audition tape that was shot when he was sick, so he looked dissociated without being the cliché angsty young man. It was his first acting job, and he nailed it, capturing the moody torment director Mark Pellington was looking for.

The video drew lots of attention to Wilson, who recoiled from the adulation and gave up acting. His last public appearance was at the Video Music Awards, where he joined the band on stage when they accepted Video of the Year. He went on to work for the United Nations and fill journals with his writing. In 2016, he drowned in Puerto Rico at age 36.

According to Wilson's mother, the band stayed in touch with Trevor and got him tickets to their shows anytime he requested them.
The B-side of the single was "Yellow Ledbetter," a popular song not available on any of their albums.
Pearl Jam did not release another video for six years. They decided that videos detracted from the music, and wanted their fans to come to their shows rather than watch them on TV. They also hated the process of making the videos, which they got around by not appearing in their next one, a cartoon video for their 1998 song "Do The Evolution" that was drawn by Spawn creator Todd McFarlane.
Radio stations often play an edited version, which cleans up the line "seemed a harmless little f--k."
The intro to the song is played on Jeff Ament's special 12-string bass followed by soft harmonic notes on the guitar. The bass line continues quietly until the second chorus. They return in a fade out towards near the end. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Elliot - St. Louis, MO
The Ten album sold over 10 million copies in America, which is known as Diamond status.
If you watch the music video closely around the 3:30 mark, you can spot a quick switch during the shot of the kids standing with their hands over their hearts for the pledge of allegiance, to what appears to be the kids giving a Nazi salute for less than a second before going back to the original shot. Presumably this is a commentary on the US school system, and not some kind of subliminal message in favor of Nazism. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Mike - Melrose, MA
In 1996, Barry Loukaitis, a 14-year-old junior-high student in Washington State, shot and killed two students and a teacher when he went to school. His lawyer claimed Loukaitis was copying the video for this song, which was shown at the trial. He was convicted on three counts of murder.
Vedder said that this song and another Ten track, "Why Go," have a similar theme: lack of parental attention.
In 2018, Jeremy's mom, Wanda Crane, finally opened up to tell her side of the story. While Jeremy did shoot himself in front of his class, he was not the silent, non-social kid portrayed in the song. "That day that he died did not define his life,"she told WFAA News in Dallas. "He was a son, a brother, a nephew, a cousin, a grandson. He was a friend. He was talented."

A classmate who was in the room when Jeremy pulled the trigger also weighed in. "I was angry at them for writing that song," Brittany King said. "I thought, you don't know. You weren't there. That story isn't accurate." >>>
Suggestion credit:
Jackie - Virginia Beach

Comments: 97

Lou Reed from New York CityIsn’t the part about getting hit by a surprise left my jaw left Herton dropped right open about Paul McCartney?

I read that Paul McCartney punched Eddie Vedder with the left hook and he put that in there because of that is that true?
Matt from Boston Anyone saying that pj capitalized on this tragedy for money is clueless. Thanks to them making this song it helped start the whole movement towards shedding light on mental health, neglect, and bullying and the dangers of it going unchecked. Not to mention it’s absolute masterpiece.
Dragonblaster from UkI don't understand people saying the lyrics aren't clear. This is piffle. The lyrics are quite clearly "Jeremy's Bogen Glasstaday". What, are you deaf or something? :)
Jackie from Virginia BeachJeremy's Mother tells her side of the story: https://www.9news.com/article/news/jeremy-the-real-story-about-the-tragedy-behind-the-pearl-jam-song/73-610317573
Steven from San Diego@Mike in El Paso - I respect your interpretation of the song. However, it is pretty clear from the video that the line "Jeremy spoke in class today" refers to the boy shooting himself in front of the classroom. The songs lyrics are all about how his mom and dad did not provide him with a nurturing environment. Yes, it also refers to Jeremy being bullied and he fought back. It also declares that Jeremy the wicked ruled his world, which implies that he possibly had a mental illness and suffered from depression. This all leads up to Jeremy speaking in class by placing a bullet in his head.
Zander from Los Angeles, CaGenesis 3:6, which pops up in the video, says "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it." It's talking about the fall of man, when Adam and Eve committed the first sin.
Al Bundy from Ankara, Turkeyi think this song is one of the most touching and intense songs ever.
Kent from Greensburg, PaThis song parallels my high school experience on so many levels. I was in high school ten years after this song was released and I TOO was tormented by my peers and even complemented on committing suicide in class with a knife. Thankfully I never went through with it but I was SO close to actually killing myself.
Jack from Atl, GaDennis Willhite.........I hope its not the Jeremy Delle you knew in Texas but Jeremy Wade Delle is who this song is partly about. He Went to school at Richardson High after transfering from Dallas Texas. http://www.fivehorizons.com/songs/aug99/jeremy_article.shtml
Mike from El Pas0, TxIF YOU read the lyrics you should figure out he was a quite kid who was bullied and finally stood up for him self the lyrics "Jeremy spoke in class today" refers to him standing up to the bullies and so do, "And he hit me with a surprise left, oo my jaw left hurting oo dropped right open" refers to Jeremy fighting back Its not about Suicide.
Ken from Pittsburgh, PaFirst, it doesn't appear to me that Pearl Jam created this song for the specific purpose of "making money" as some have said. Pearl Jam has always impressed me as the type of band that has a message, commentary or story in their work. There is a lot going on in this story, from commenting on American entertainment media to the American school system and it's failures. The entertainment media focuses attention on the "pretty people" like the cast of 90210 and some unattainable lifestyle and image for most. The school systems treat kids like cattle, shuffling them through, "do what your told" attitude, hence the Nazi salute. Jeremy ultimately inflicts the worst kind of revenge on his classmates. They will have to live with the violence that he inflicted on himself for the rest of their lives. That memory has to be one of the worst forms of revenge.
Jean from San Lorenzo, Puerto RicoI can sing like Eddie but my throat hurts like hll. Awesome song
Solace from Manchester, United Kingdom@ Emma, Leicester, United Kingdom
it's people like you who vedder was trying to enlighten, your comment about this being a money spinner for PJ was small minded and at the hight of ignorance, and you should be ashamed of yourself for presuming that and not engaginf your brain.
the only reason you and millions of people worldwide have heard about this boy and are asking questions is BECAUSE of eddie vedder. and when you ASK questions, you get answers, you become enlightened, you form opinions about things you didn't previously KNOW about - and after that if your opinion moves you enough you can try to make a change in the world so that something like Jeremy never happens again in real life....
..or go ahead any bury your head in the sand and pretend that anything negative should never be talked about, sung about, discussed, put on a t-shirt.
for me pearl jam remain one of the most influential bands of the early 90s - the last time popular music really formed a new genre and a new era of 'sound'- along with nirvana, RATM, alice in chains etc.
Charlie from Las Vegas, Nvpersonally, the parts about this song that REALLY get me are the lyrics and the overall meaning. i can totally relate to Jeremy (the kid). i was bullied, teased, etc., a lot in elementary school and the first half of seventh grade, 'cause i was living in SoCal at the time and if you weren't "straight" in terms of your sexual orientation, you were the school outcast(s). Like Jeremy, i had thoughts of suicide and all those not so happy things due to all the teasing, etc. Obviously i didn't give in to those thoughts, or else i wouldn't be here typing this comment about this song.

All that aside, i think the majority of you guys are wrong when you say that this song was written for a high schooler. somewhere in the third or fourth verse it mentions an incident involving a recess lady, which makes me think it was written for a elementary schooler. im just saying.
Precious from Tulsa, Oki looked up jeremy for a school project. here are the facts guys. pearl jam made the song and 2 different videos. in the uncensored one jeremy puts the gun into his mouth thus killing himself. i dont like the edited version because it really confuses people thinking that he killed the class. the children are just frozen because they are in such shock.inm extremely young and i really like this song. i like pearl jam because they had the guts to do a song like this and face all the controversy.
Diana from New Orleans, LaI speak Vedder. I'm so proud.
Sheena from Pawtucket, RiTo Dennis Willhite, Dallas
I know Jeremy was a freshman at BA in Dallas before getting transferred to RHS and I think he played the drums.
Emma from Leicester, United KingdomBeautiful song. The story of Jeremy Wade Delle bothers me as I've read up on it quite a bit, but shame on Pearl Jam for taking something so upsetting and tragic and turning it into a way of making money for themselves.
Matt from Houston, Txvedder is the language of love
Dustin from Morisville, Mothe song is also about a kid who eddie when to school with and the kid shot up one of his classes
Hunter from South West, Miman veder is harder to understand than osbourne and Kilmister put together
Emily from Indianapolis, Inby the way...maybe this helps, dennis? (taken from the wikipedia article about the song):

""Jeremy" is based on two different true stories. The song takes its main inspiration from a newspaper article about a 15-year-old boy named Jeremy Wade Delle, born February 10, 1975, from Richardson, Texas who shot himself in front of his English class at Richardson High School on the morning of January 8, 1991 at about 9:45 am. Delle was described by schoolmates as "real quiet" and known for "acting sad." After coming in to class late that morning, Delle was told to get an admittance slip from the school office. He left the classroom, and returned with a .357 Magnum revolver. Delle walked to the front of the classroom, announced "Miss, I got what I really went for", put the barrel of the firearm in his mouth, and pulled the trigger before his teacher or classmates could react. A girl named Lisa Moore knew Jeremy from the in-school suspension program: "He and I would pass notes back and forth and he would talk about life and stuff," she said. "He signed all of his notes, 'Write back.' But on Monday he wrote, 'Later days.' I didn't know what to make of it. But I never thought this would happen."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_(song)
Emily from Indianapolis, In"it is hard to understand if you don't speak vedder." haha...only people who grew up in the early 90's were taught how to speak vedder, and we're better people for it!
Dennis Willhite from Dallas, Txnot so much a comment ,more or less a question was this kid a recluse / bad ass artist ,poet allong with creative person ? I really want to know because i knew a kid in dallas named jeramy delle .I dont want to think this how he ended up.
Lelanie from San Deigo, Ca"Throughout the vid, we're only shown the less flattering view of Jeremy: sweaty, busy, bored, anxious, furtive...coldy demonic (after "the unclean serpent entered" title card), until right at the very end. As the boy walks into the classroom, the director uses a flattering 3/4 light (a classic technique to highlight the physical beauty of the subject) and shows us what is actually a very handsome kid. Then the director gets the actor to show us a look of calm, contented dignity, just before.... Not to say that the act is what brings this, but to say to the viewer how shameful we are for waiting until so late to see the real beauty in someone. That was my take on it anyway. Just thought it was worth mentioning." i agree with this quote 100% the poor kid just wanted attention, and he was a regular boy and just wanted people to pay attention to him he lacked it alot from his parents. Almost at the very end it shows him doing a pouty lip and shows his innocent handsome little face, which was jeremy. Jeremy was said to do a pouty lip when he was sad. The actor in the video is more then great playing jeremy, they look alot alike. Much love for making this video.
Jane from Austin, Tx"I went to Richardson High School and sat in the same seat, in the same room as jeremy. " man, didn't that creep you out?
Jon from West Bend, IaNick, the chance that this song had anything to do with Columbine is small enough to almost be entirely negligible. Even if those kids did see this video or hear this song, they were shaped and set off by much greater factors.
Greg from Calgary, AbI had to laugh when I saw Weird Al satirize this song and sing "Jeremy's Bowling" instead of "Jeremy spoke in..." I does sound like Vedder is singing Bowling. I'm not trying to minimize a very tragic story though.
Nick from Arlington Heights, Ilshame on pearl jam and this video for even putting this idea into kids heads...yeah maybe all the school shootings that have happened in the days since this video was made would have happened anyway, but i doubt having this video on mtv 200 times a day when the columbine shooters were young and impressionable did not play some kind of role
Joel from Columbia, ScI listened to this song again the other day on youtube. The uncensored version in case anybody wants to know. Very powerful. I saw Pearl Jam live and at the end of this song Eddie Vedder puts the barrel of a gun in his mouth. That is just chilling. I know he did it to make a point but I was afraid he would accidently shoot himself.
Jason from Tampa, FlJoanna typed,

"there are no word to describe my feelings about "Jeremy"... I have a question: what does the "90210" numbers mean? 10 maybe for the album(?), but the rest "902"..."

I think it's meant as a comment on how popular the show Beverly Hills 90210 at the time and how the show celebrated the cool, popular, rich kids and that Jeremy would never fit in with them.

Joe typed,

"Throughout the vid, we're only shown the less flattering view of Jeremy: sweaty, busy, bored, anxious, furtive...coldy demonic (after "the unclean serpent entered" title card),"

That's "unclean spirit," not "serpent."
Brandon from Manchester, United Kingdom"Jeremy" is based on two different true stories. The song takes its main inspiration from a newspaper article about a 15-year-old boy named Jeremy Wade Delle, born February 10, 1975, from Richardson, Texas who shot himself in front of his English class at Richardson High School on the morning of January 8, 1991 at about 9:45 am. Delle was described by schoolmates as "real quiet" and known for "acting sad." After coming in to class late that morning, Delle was told to get an admittance slip from the school office. He left the classroom, and returned with a .357 Magnum revolver. Delle walked to the front of the classroom, announced "Miss, I got what I really went for", put the barrel of the firearm in his mouth, and pulled the trigger before his teacher or classmates could react. A girl named Lisa Moore knew Jeremy from the in-school suspension program: "He and I would pass notes back and forth and he would talk about life and stuff," she said. "He signed all of his notes, 'Write back.' But on Monday he wrote, 'Later days.' I didn't know what to make of it. But I never thought this would happen."

When asked about the song, Vedder explained:

It came from a small paragraph in a paper which means you kill yourself and you make a big old sacrifice and try to get your revenge. That all you're gonna end up with is a paragraph in a newspaper. Sixty-three degrees and cloudy in a suburban neighborhood. That's the beginning of the video and that's the same thing is that in the end, it does nothing … nothing changes. The world goes on and you're gone. The best revenge is to live on and prove yourself. Be stronger than those people. And then you can come back.

The other story that the song is based on involved a student that Vedder knew from his junior high school in San Diego, California. He elaborated further in a 1991 interview:

I actually knew somebody in junior high school, in San Diego, California, that did the same thing, just about, didn't take his life but ended up shooting up an oceanography room. I remember being in the halls and hearing it and I had actually had altercations with this kid in the past. I was kind of a rebellious fifth-grader and I think we got in fights and stuff. So it's a bit about this kid named Jeremy and it's also a bit about a kid named Brian that I knew and I don't know...the song, I think it says a lot. I think it goes somewhere...and a lot of people interpret it different ways and it's just been recently that I've been talking about the true meaning behind it and I hope no one's offended and believe me, I think of Jeremy when I sing it.
Nicole from Chicago, IlFor the kid who claimed to be copying Pearl Jam...that's his fault, and his mental illness. It's not their fault. I agree-musicians can't be blamed for everything. As artists, they're naturally going to deal with unpleasant or negative subjects, and most people aren't going to be violent because of it.
Amy from Nunyabiz, Althis is the only song i've ever heard by pearl jam but i love this song. but it's stupid that people try to blame music for school shootings. it's not up to society & bands & stuff to raise kids. it's up to the parents. people should open their eyes & take responsibility for their screwups. this song isn't saying go shoot yourself in a classroom full of kids. it's saying open your eyes & stop making other people's lives hell. it's an amazing song & if people accually took the time to listen to it & really understand the message it's trying to send then things like colombine & all the other shootings & suicides might drop.
Meredith from Greenville, NcI loooove Pearl Jam and "Jeremy" is one of the best grunge songs ever I agree. This music video and was popular when I was in the 1st grade and I would watch MTV late night (yes MTV once played videos) when my parents were asleep and I can honestly say this video scared the ever living piss out of me. Even though I was 6 at the time, I knew this kid got pushed to his limits and it made me not ever want to make some one feel this way and now that I am 23 I can appreciate the meaning behind it more with all of the shootings and suicides that have been going on in the schools for the past few years
Zubin from Mumbai, Indiathis is one song which when played makes me cheer up !!!i know it sounds strange but i feel jeremy in me
it gives me goosebumps!!!!!!!!
Ashley from Littleton, NhI'm a grunge baby, grew up under the influence of some of the greatest bands of all time like Nirvana and of course Pearl Jam, but I hate to admit that I haven't listened to Pearl Jam since i was little. Recently I picked up Ten at my local music shop and fell in love with Jeremy all over again. I first thought that the song was about an abused child who decided to tell the classroom about his trouble at school, but the songs real meaning haunted me until I finally looked it up. I was shocked to find out that the real story was about a troubled teen who shot himself in his classroom. Of course, I fell that much more in love with the song and the way that it was crafted. This is perhaps one of the most beautiful and inspirational music videos that has ever been created -- thank you Pearl Jam for having the balls to create a song with such a controversial main topic. The irony is that this video has saved lives, yet cost the band to be sued, blamed for other school shootings, and because of the ignorance of society, was only shown once on MTV -- thank you America for your anxiety.
Josh from Melbourne, AustraliaIt's tied with Alive and Evenflow as my favourite "Jam" song. Their first album Ten is so damn good it's filled with classics!
Mirna from Portoviejo, Ecuadoreddie looks creepy but beautiful in the video...
Tony from Toledo, OhI got alot of mocking and taunting from classmates in grade school and high school. Ridicule on my sreet from supposed former classmates from 1977 remind me of this. This is obvioulsy a song about a young man who had been pushed to the limit by people he knew and then massacred his school. This is kind of like Columbine before Columbine took place. I just used to consider changing schools at the end of each year-but these people, the kid on the song as well as Kleebold and Harris took their infuriation a little bit farther. Dylan Kleebold and Erik Harris. In high school I was always trying to grow a moustache and I did not wear any makeup!
Jonny from Lincoln, EnglandThis song is about a kid called Jeremy who was being bullied loads, one day in class he went to put his hand up to answer a question,pulled out a gun and shot himself. Hense why in the song it says "Jeremy Spoke In Class Today"
Joe from West Boylston, MaThe harmonics played during the intro are also done on the 12 string bass, not on guitar. They're called pulled harmonics.
Madalyn from Greensburg, Pakinda weird too now that the virginia tech shooting just happend...terrible...but the song is great that looks into a crazy persons mind and why he thinks that way
Sam from Portsmouth, VaI used to always thought that Eddie was saying "Jeremy spoke and..." then he would start vocalizing in the chorus.
Michael from Saginaw, MiI thought the video was excellent in terms raising awareness in troubled teens and parents neglective of their children's well being. However, I'm not entirely convinced that Jeremy was actually bullied as the video suggests. I think it was a combination of psychological issues already in place, along with bouts of depression, lonliness. Jeremy felt totally ignored and outcasted. I've read that students known to have talked with Jeremy have said that he was very quiet and often seemed very sad, but he was a good kid riddled with problems he didn't deserve. His parents were divorced and he was virtually ignored. I know what alienation in school is like because I was also a loner in highschool. Jeremy Delle didn't shoot himself to inflict revenge on anyone specifically, he did it to make a point. He did it to express his desire to die. As if to say, well if you ignore me now you'll miss me when I'm gone. On many of his peers it worked.
The song is great, I think the story fascinated Eddie so he wrote this song. An example of Pearl Jams best work.
- Michael, Saginaw, Michigan
Suvi from JyvÃ¤skylÃ¤, FinlandI love the song and I love the video, especially the unedited one. The story of Jeremy Wade Delle shocked me and I'm trying to reach every article published in the internet about him. Jeremy changed the way I see people and the society. It is just sad that people dont want to face the fact that these kinds of things do happen in our world.
Joe from Washington Dc, DcMajor praises to Vedder and Pearl Jam for this song. I wish I knew who the director of the vid was so I could praise them too. In case you missed the subtle statement the director added, watch the vid and pay attention to the way they filmed the young actor. Throughout the vid, we're only shown the less flattering view of Jeremy: sweaty, busy, bored, anxious, furtive...coldy demonic (after "the unclean serpent entered" title card), until right at the very end. As the boy walks into the classroom, the director uses a flattering 3/4 light (a classic technique to highlight the physical beauty of the subject) and shows us what is actually a very handsome kid. Then the director gets the actor to show us a look of calm, contented dignity, just before.... Not to say that the act is what brings this, but to say to the viewer how shameful we are for waiting until so late to see the real beauty in someone. That was my take on it anyway. Just thought it was worth mentioning.
Joel from Columbia, ScDid anyone else notice that when Eddie Vedder looked into the camera, he looked demented? Other than that cool video and sad song.
Adam from Southampton, Englandi love this song its one of the bets ever written. i can relate to it and it has a powerfull and honest message which a lot of bands/artisits dont do as much. People dont usualyy understand stuuf like this. This sort of thing isnt 100% USA thing its just that a big band wrote about it and other people thta have done stuff like this are forgotten. funeral for a friend-roses for the dead is another song and video that is similar to this and is also one of my favs.
Ash from Charleston, WvDavid in Dunedin, New Zealand: there is no Vedder vitriol directed at Jeremy. He only refers to Jeremy as "King Jeremy, the Wicked" because that is how Jeremy begins to see himself in his revenge fantasies with him standing triumphant over the dead laying "in pools of maroon below." "Jeremy" is the best song of the 90's.
Lauren from London, EnglandI always thought it was 'Jeremys spoken - Praise the day!'

Guess not huh...
Shelly from Loserville, Nci thought it was about a neglected and teased kid so he makes hiself ruler of his little private world."daddy never gave atention that mommy didnt care","at home drawing pictures
of mountain tops with him on top lemon yellow sun
arms raised in a V".but"dead lay in pools of maroon below" can be how he feels alone...
Joanna from Kielcethere are no word to describe my feelings about "Jeremy"...
I have a question: what does the "90210" numbers mean? 10 maybe for the album(?), but the rest "902"...
Chandani from Bangalore, India"Jeremy spoke in class today" is one of the most powerful lines...chilling and final.
Barry from Dublion, Irelandthis video was directed by Mark Peddington, the guy who went on to produce the video for 'Hurt' by Johnny Cash
Brett from Eddie Haskels Basement, CaWinning an award for such an issue is crap, its a deep song that should have risin awareness not an award. I understand why they stopped making videos for so long when something so serious is looked at as a "Best Video".
Ashley from Richardson, TxI went to Richardson High School and sat in the same seat, in the same room as jeremy. My english teacher from last year was the teacher that replaced jeremy's that quit right after the shooting. That desk was promised to stay in that room as a memorial for him. The room is still set up the same way as it was when he killed himself and there is a little whole in the cinderblock wall where the bullet went through.
Jared from Westmont, NjReally good song. I liked the fact "the line 'jeremy spoke in class today' is hard to understand if you don't speak Vedder" lol that's so funny and yet so true as it is in many Pearl Jam songs.
Pinkfloyd from Abbey Road, United StatesJoe from houston. this song is definintely about the tradegy in Richardson. I live here and my bro who went 2 high school there told me about the story of the song. Vedder was on tour wen this happened. he was in dallas and heard about this because it was the big thing going on at the time. He wrote this about Jeremy.
Iara from Santiago, Chilehere in Chile,in the line of the lyrics when Vedder says "Jeremy spoke in...",instead of singing that,people say: "Jeremy es pobre..." (Jeremy is poor)
Jesse from Parsons, TnI never thought about the meaning to this song, but it does rock and I am glad to know the meaning now. Im gonna try to steal the video off of lime wire or something. PEARL JAM ROCKS!!!
Max from Austin, TxPearl Jam and Nirvana are arguably the two best bands of all time. All of their songs were amazing, and this was no exception. Jeremy is an extremely sorrowful song about what happens when a kid is neglected and abused. I really urge for every to stick up for the 'Jeremy' at their school. These things are entirely preventable, if people would just stop being inconsiderate jerks.
Antonio from Monterrey, MexicoOh yeah, this is an awesome song. And even when I'm not from the grunge era or the "Gen X", I really feel a great identification with this one. Man, is just huge!
Cas from Chicago, IlI've heard that Pearl Jam got sued numerous times for this song. First, by Jeremy's family, and later by the family's of victims of numerous school shootings, including Columbine. It's amazing how people look to place blame. I lived in Colorado a the time of the Columbine shootings (on my birthday actually)... There were many theaters in Denver who refused to play The Matrix (which came out a week or two later) because of the black trench coats. Also... it's fascinating that tradegy's like this are almost 100% an American thing. Why is that?
Bridgett from Fort Worth, TxEddie Vedder is hot! He smokes in that video. It's a shame they didn't make more. It was one of the best videos I've ever seen. Very thought out, and dramatic.
Jeremy from Queenstown, New ZealandThis song always sticks with me, as firstly my name is Jeremy, and secondly because I was bullied at school and often contemplated doing something serious that would 'pay back' my bullies. The only thing that is different between my story and the story of the song is that my parents did notice me and supported me and helped me through it all. Anyway, Pearl Jam are an awesome band and their songs will never grow old.
Elliot from St. Louis, MoBecause Eddie's eyes are never directly looking at the camera, it gives him this demonic look. It is kinda cool. This is an incredible music video from an incredible band. Pearl Jam rocks!
David from Northampton, EnglandThis is definately one of, if not, the most powerful music videos I've ever seen. For years though, I had only seen the censored version of the video, with Jeremy putting the gun to his mouth removed. I saw the original video a few weeks ago on either Scuzz or Kerrang! TV (UK music channels) on a best of grunge countdown (#7, I think, guess who was at #1!). Seeing the uncut version makes it all that much more powerful and brilliant. Writing powerful and beautiful songs is a dying art, may King Vedder live long.
Cristina from Paduckah, KyI want to thank u all for placing your comments because just yesturday I wrote my comment when there was only 4 comments and only two which one was myself wasnt demanding that this mind awakening song was a bad influence. I am proud to know that others also beleive that television, music, and violence on games is not bringing these shocking shooting news.
THIS WAS MY COMMENT JUST YESTURDAY:
When I was a child and I watched Pearl Jams, Jeremy it never influenced me to do wrong. It prepared me to become patient like most strong indiviuals even if it meant hemiliation and to refuse to give up on life since immaturity is the cause."Kill em All" as on one of the killer's from Colobine AOL'S profile is not and can not be from Metallica's album because it is a phrase which everyone possess by thought but not action (what killer has anyone heard of that did kill every single person who did anything harmful or only mistakes). Why do these shootings happen? I will tell you why, the bullies in every school get the easy way out to have revenge by commiting the same from their past. The other victims that dont have that easy way out pull guns out (if weak then cant have justice then he or she hopes bullets makes taunts go away). To prevent shootings dont blame and suceed by helping parents that are irresponible of their kids!

If u have any questions or want to share oppinion my email is-
eyes_sees_skys@hotmail.com
Elliot from St. Louis, MoThe video is almost as ridicoulously incredible as the song itself. The lyrics are genius. This song (despite the theme of being fed of bullying and killing yourself) always makes me feel good when I hear it. Not because I enjoy other ppl dying, but because the music and vocals are amazing.
Maz from Sydney Australia, Australiai saw the video when i was about 13, so maybe 12 years ago. i did not see jeremy put the gun in his mouth, only the aftermath. i am a highschool teacher now, i love this song, and the clip, and i use it to educate my students about bullying. may pearl jam live forever
John from Glasgow, Scotlandthe video is pretty powerful, very well made. the song itself is excellent too.
Nathan from Defiance, OhGreat video, great song, great album. I love to see a band with balls enough to tackle real life issues. Like what U2 did back before they sold out.
Robert from Puyallup, WaA measure of the effectiveness of the video is that when I watched the MTV Video Music Awards that year, and saw the actor who played Jeremy sitting with the guys from Pearl Jam, it was as if he had risen from the dead. The final scene of the video was THAT efective.
Ralph from Long Island, NyVedder is one weird cat, but very talented. I love this band. To the New Zealand guy, this album came out WAAAAAAY before the Columbine tragedy- And yes, parents DO definitely have to take more responsibility for setting good examples for their own children instead of letting TV, movies, and our often 'sorry' government do it for them. These aforementioned groups don't harm the kids or make them a certain way, YOU (parents) do! After all, the child has each parents' genetics, so for example, if you had ADD, then through one's own experience with the symptoms of that, you "should" have a not-so-difficult time recognizing your kid feeling the same. Even moreso with anger and depression. And examples like drug use, cursing out a driver on the road, and overall lack of respect for others--FROM BIRTH a child learns this as the "right" thing to do if a parent does it, or allows it somehow. Oops, I tripped off my soap box----OUCH! Later everyone, HTH you be a better parent/person :)
Naveed from Dhaka, OtherI heard that this song was apparently banned in America, is that true?
Shawn from Cape Broyle,newfoundland, Canadagreat song
Drew from Kansas City, MoAt my radio station, they never edit the line with the F-bomb. My buddies say it's simply because Eddie's slurred drunken voice makes it hard to tell what the hell he is saying.
God from UsaThe kids at the end of the arnt dead. When he walks into class and shoots himself (On the video he puts the gun in his mouth) blood splatters onto the kids in the class. It shows them holding there arms up or their faces in shock. I think the director wanted to freeze that moment so that everyone can see how horrible it is. Also somone asked, not sure if it was here or another message board, if the song was abotu a 16 year old then why did the kids look like 6th graders. Well I think the reason the director made them so young is he wanted to amplify all of the kids innocents. I am 15 now and I am 6 foot 250 lbs. and have the ability to grow a full beard. I don't think an audience would sympathize for somone that looks like a grown up. I am not saying that the kid was Bigfoot or anything, but I am saying it is easier to sympathize and see the innocents of a kid that looks like a 6th grader then an 10th or 11th grader.
Greg from Brantford, Canadathis is amazing... but y is at the end of the video all the kids in the class are dead? i thought he only killd himslef
Mike from Anaheim, CaI love this song to death and i listen to it on repeat in my room, but everyone is talking about the video, i wanna see the video, i ve never seen it, must be good
Amarendra from Mumbai, IndiaThe song is disturbing for sure, and makes me realize how important it is for parents to mentor and teach their children. A child is a reflection of his parents - and this song probably send out a message to those parents, who have no/little time for their children.
Ann from Lisbon, PortugalWell...i'm a big big fan of Pearl Jam and at my age,i totally understand a kid like Jeremy.
I just wish i could've met him...i would like to be able to say i tried to help him...
About the song...love it. The video...amazing.
Pearl Jam are and will always be THE greatest band of all.
Val from Phoenix, AzI lived in richard, Texas when this happen. I remember being on the school from JJ Pearce High School and when we dropped off some kids at a bus stopm we found out what happen. Children from Richardson High School got out early because of the tragedy. I felt bad because this did'nt have to happen. We need to teach children to be kind and care about others.
David from Dunedin, New ZealandI don't know why Eddie is so vitriolic against the boy if he killed himself but not others. ie 'King Jeremy: The Wicked'. And the scenes of murder at the start of the song....

...despite that the song was almost prophetic concerning the colombine massacers and whatnot.
Dave from Cardiff, WalesI used to think the chorus line was "Jeremy's smoking in class today" when I first heard this! A harrowing and moving song, nevertheless. I still don't think Nirvana or Pearl Jam's music was a patch on Jeff Ament and Stone Gossard's early stuff with Mother Love Bone, however
Chris from Wellington, New ZealandIt's based on a small article eddie read about a boy in texas (named jeremy) that shot himself in class infront of every one. though the 2nd verse (the one when the boy snaps and hits eddie and bites the teachers breast) is based on a boy that eddie saw when he was at school.
Ryan from Adelaide, Australiai seem to remember on the touring band dvd when eddie vedder introduces the song he says "and it was something that i witnessed".

I never get if this means that we saw the thing go down or simply watched it on the news.
Jason from Wylie, Txi grew up in richardson i didnt go to the same school but i lived pretty close to it and i remember when i heard about it in the news then i found out pearl jam wrote a song about it i thought that was cool not the event that inspired it but the fact that a band writes a song with meaning besides just sex, drugs and booze
Bridget from Ridgewood, NjVh1 said that this video marked eddie vedder's final appearance in a music video
Pwj from Moses Lake, Wai was born in moses lake. i was at a school about a mile away from frontier junior high where barry loukaitis shot the two students and a teacher. i will remember that day like it was yesterday. :(
Joe from Houston, TxJeremy wasnt just a song bout a kid being tormented by classmates, but also in the song it says about how he was ignored by his parants and made his own little world. "King jeremy the wicked ruled his world"
Anna from New Ulm, MnI love this song. The video is so moving. The first time I saw it I cried. It just goes to show what can happen when you ignore or torment someone. This is so sad. Veder's facial expressions during the video are perfect, and the boy they got to play Jeremy was perfect as well.
Amanda from Waurika, Ok"Jeremy" By Pearl Jam is one of the greatest grunge rock songs of all time people are always trying to be as good as Pearl jam or Nirvana but it has never had a sucessful outcome. Pearl Jam deserved more praise for what they did and who they inspired (counting myself and my friends) and i love eddie veddar in the Jeremy Video.
Brian from Paoli, InOne of the best songs and best videos ever made. They made an already great song a classic with such an intelligent video. Very few people have seen the video in it's entirety. The full video has alot of scenes not shown in the one played on MTV.
Erik from Davis, CaThis is one of the greatest videos of all time!
Scott from Brooklyn, Nyeddie veder only looks at the camera once during the entire video

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