Gone
Summary
Gone is Pearl Jam’s driving anthem of escape and reinvention, released as the third single from their 2006 self-titled album on October 7, 2006. Written by Eddie Vedder in a single night at the Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City, the song peaked at #40 on Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks chart. Vedder described it as “a car song”—a spiritual successor to “Rearviewmirror” about leaving everything behind and finding freedom in having nothing.
Key Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Album | Pearl Jam (2006) |
| Track Number | 9 |
| Release Date | October 7, 2006 (single) |
| Duration | 4:09 |
| Writer | Eddie Vedder |
| Producer | Adam Kasper |
| Label | J Records |
| Chart Performance | #40 Modern Rock Tracks |
Background & Inspiration
The Borgata Origin
Eddie Vedder wrote “Gone” in Room 1152 of the Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on September 30, 2005. The song came unexpectedly:
“[We were in Atlantic City and] I wanted to play a song the next night. I went to learn it and it didn’t come right away, so I started playing something else, and it was ‘Gone.’”
— Eddie Vedder
The song debuted the very next night when Vedder performed it solo at the band’s October 1, 2005 concert at the Borgata Events Center, before it was even fully developed with the band. This remarkable 24-hour turnaround speaks to both the song’s completeness and Vedder’s confidence in the material.
When performing the song on VH1 Storytellers, Vedder introduced it simply as “a car song.” In a later interview, he elaborated:
“The idea was that this guy was leaving Atlantic City and needing to find a new life without his past, without his possessions, and not really looking for more possessions. Because it takes place in a car, it’s probably very similar to ‘Rearviewmirror’ in a way. But I think this car is a hybrid, because I think he’s only got one tank of gas, so I want him to go far.”
— Eddie Vedder
Lyrics & Interpretation
The lyrics depict radical departure—someone leaving behind possessions, relationships, identity, everything. The protagonist is simply gone, with no forwarding address and no intention of returning.
Key lyrical element - The Who reference: The refrain “If nothing is everything, I’ll have it all” is lifted from The Who’s 1971 song “Let’s See Action.” Vedder is a devoted fan of Pete Townshend, and the two have performed together many times. The line originates from Townshend’s guru Meher Baba, who used it as a mantra. Vedder thanks Townshend in the album’s liner notes.
Key interpretations:
- Escape and reinvention: Leaving behind a life that no longer fits
- Spiritual minimalism: Finding freedom in having nothing
- Ambiguous departure: Is this healthy escape or unhealthy avoidance?
- The open road: The car as vehicle for transformation
Composition & Arrangement
“Gone” is built around a propulsive guitar riff that creates constant forward momentum—appropriate for a song about driving away.
Musical specifications:
- Key: E major
- Tempo: Driving (~135 BPM)
- Time Signature: 4/4
- Duration: 4:09
The arrangement emphasizes motion. Stone Gossard’s rhythm guitar churns relentlessly while Mike McCready’s leads weave through the verses.
Production & Recording
Studio: Studio X, Seattle, Washington Recording Period: November 2004 – February 2006 Producer: Adam Kasper Engineers: Sam Hofstedt, John Burton
The song existed in demo form before the album sessions—the band recorded a version that was released as part of the 2005 Holiday single for fan club members.
Live Performances
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Debut | October 1, 2005, Borgata Events Center, Atlantic City (solo, the night after writing it) |
| Full Band Debut | 2006 tour |
| Total Performances | 58 (per setlist.fm) |
Notable performances:
- VH1 Storytellers (2006): Vedder explained the song’s origins and meaning
- Sessions@AOL (2006): Promotional performance
Personnel
| Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Eddie Vedder | Lead vocals, rhythm guitar |
| Stone Gossard | Rhythm guitar |
| Mike McCready | Lead guitar |
| Jeff Ament | Bass |
| Matt Cameron | Drums |
Production: Adam Kasper
Context
Following “Big Wave,” which is about adaptation and riding forces, “Gone” presents a different response to life’s challenges—not riding them but leaving them behind. The album explores multiple responses to the same existential questions.
Related Songs
- “Rearviewmirror” (Vs.): The most direct comparison—another driving/escape song
- “Given to Fly” (Yield): Escape through flight rather than driving
- “I Am Mine” (Riot Act): Self-definition through independence