Unemployable

Summary

Unemployable is a lean, three-minute punk-flavored rocker from Pearl Jam’s 2006 self-titled album that celebrates nonconformity and the outsider’s perspective. Written by Matt Cameron, Eddie Vedder, and Mike McCready, the song pulses with restless energy—a sonic manifesto for anyone who doesn’t fit the conventional mold. It was released as a B-side to the lead single “World Wide Suicide.”

Key Details

Attribute	Details
Album	Pearl Jam (2006)
Track Number	7
Release Date	May 2, 2006
Duration	3:04
Writers	Matt Cameron, Eddie Vedder, Mike McCready
Producer	Adam Kasper
Label	J Records
Note	B-side to “World Wide Suicide” single

Background & Inspiration

Collaborative Origins

“Unemployable” emerged from the collaborative sessions at Studio X in Seattle. Unlike some tracks where Vedder wrote alone, this song was co-written with drummer Matt Cameron and guitarist Mike McCready.

For the first time since 1993’s Vs., the band members went into recording sessions without any completed songs—only guitar riffs. Vedder admitted that the band “really went in with nothing.”

Thematic Approach

The song addresses the theme of poverty and economic marginalization. Vedder explained:

“I transmit an emotion or a feeling or an observation of modern reality rather than editorializing.”

— Eddie Vedder

Regarding his lyric-writing process during these sessions:

“I wrote at least four different sets of lyrics for each song, with many going as high as eight. It’s a process that demands the patience of like a National Geographic photographer sitting underneath the bush in a tent.”

— Eddie Vedder

Hope in the Guitars

Despite the album’s dark themes, Vedder found redemption in the instrumental performances:

“The hope was going to be in the guitar solos. It was the guitars and drums going at it that was going to lift you out of the dark abyss that I had painted.”

— Eddie Vedder

Lyrics & Interpretation

The title “Unemployable” works as both accusation and badge of honor. On one hand, it describes someone who can’t find or hold traditional employment; on the other, it suggests someone who refuses to be employed on society’s terms.

Key interpretations:

Economic critique: Commentary on poverty and the working class struggle
Nonconformity: Embracing outsider status as a form of resistance
Identity beyond work: Defining oneself outside capitalist productivity measures

Composition & Arrangement

“Unemployable” is a masterclass in economy—three minutes of focused aggression with no wasted seconds.

Musical specifications:

Key: E major
Tempo: Fast (~165 BPM)
Time Signature: 4/4
Duration: 3:04

Matt Cameron’s drumming is the engine—driving fills and a punishing backbeat. The co-writing credit makes sense; the drums aren’t accompanying the song, they’re leading it.

Vocal layering: Fans have praised the song for having “one of the best vocal layering” in Pearl Jam’s catalog.

Production & Recording

Studio: Studio X, Seattle, Washington Recording Period: November 2004 – February 2006 Producer: Adam Kasper Engineers: Sam Hofstedt, John Burton

Adam Kasper’s production emphasizes rawness and impact. The guitars are bright and cutting, the drums punchy and present.

Live Performances

Metric	Data
Debut	April 20, 2006, London Astoria
Total Performances	47 (per setlist.fm)
Typical Placement	Early-mid set, used to build momentum

With only 47 performances, it’s one of the less frequently played tracks from the Avocado album—significantly rarer than “World Wide Suicide” (118 plays) or “Life Wasted” (119 plays).

Personnel

Member	Role
Eddie Vedder	Lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Stone Gossard	Rhythm guitar
Mike McCready	Lead guitar
Jeff Ament	Bass
Matt Cameron	Drums

Writing Credits: Matt Cameron, Eddie Vedder, Mike McCready Production: Adam Kasper

Context

Positioned after the acoustic “Parachutes,” “Unemployable” jolts listeners back to attention. The sequencing is intentional—the album breathes between intensity and reflection.

“Spin the Black Circle” (Vitalogy): Similar punk aggression and brevity
“Life Wasted” (same album): Another high-energy track
“Mind Your Manners” (Lightning Bolt): Future continuation of this style
“Lukin” (No Code): Even shorter, more explicitly punk