Amongst the Waves
Summary
Amongst the Waves is Pearl Jam’s soaring love song about “love gone good”—a rarity in a catalog often drawn to darker territory. Released as the third single from Backspacer on June 21, 2010, the song uses Eddie Vedder’s beloved surfing imagery to celebrate partnership.
At a San Diego concert, Vedder offered the definitive explanation:
“You’ll get the song if you are in love. And you’ll get it if you are a surfer. And if you are a surfer in love then it’ll blow your fuckin’ mind.”
— Eddie Vedder Songfacts
Key Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Album | Backspacer (2009) |
| Track Number | 6 |
| Release Date | June 21, 2010 (single) |
| Duration | 3:58 |
| Writers | Stone Gossard (music), Eddie Vedder (lyrics) |
| Producer | Brendan O’Brien |
| Chart Performance | #17 Billboard Alternative Songs |
| Live Performances | 64 (per setlist.fm) |
Background & Inspiration
Vedder has introduced the song live as “a love song about love gone good.” But the “surfing song” interpretation isn’t quite what he intended:
“A lot of people are saying it’s about surfing, but it’s not.”
— Eddie Vedder Songfacts
He tied the song’s themes to Pearl Jam’s internal dynamics:
“Our relationship is long-standing, but it’s turned into a forthcoming relationship. We’re open and honest. We feel like a gang. As far as waves, I think we’re up there.”
— Eddie Vedder Toronto Globe and Mail
Stone Gossard’s Composition
Gossard believed the song had hit potential:
“I thought that song had some classic earmarks of Pearl Jam. The key it’s in is a strong key for Ed, and he sort of soars over the top of it. It’s a positive affirmation, it’s a love song, it’s triumphant.”
— Stone Gossard AV Club
But timing worked against it—by the time it arrived as the third single, “Just Breathe” had captured all the attention. Gossard noted ruefully: “At that point the record was over” AV Club .
Lyrics & Meaning
The choice of “amongst” rather than “on” or “above” matters. You’re not conquering the waves—you’re in them, surrounded by them, part of them. This suggests immersion and surrender rather than mastery.
The ocean imagery provides a framework Vedder knows intimately. Surfing requires patience, presence, adaptability, and humility—the same qualities that define lasting relationships.
Composition & Production
Musical specifications:
- Key: D major
- Tempo: ~115 BPM
- Duration: 3:58
Studios: Henson Recording Studios (Los Angeles), Southern Tracks (Atlanta) Recording Period: February–April 2009
O’Brien later said “90% of the record was cut in the first nine days”—and “Amongst the Waves” captures that first-take energy.
Music Video & Environmental Connection
Directed by Ryan Thomas and Brendan Canty (Fugazi’s drummer), the video intercuts Pearl Jam concert footage with scenes of massive waves and surfers. The closing scenes of oil-soaked coastline from the Deepwater Horizon disaster add urgency Wikipedia .
Pearl Jam launched their “Oceans” campaign alongside the video, partnering with the Gulf Restoration Network. U.S. iTunes sales benefited Conservation International’s Marine Programs.
Live Performances
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Live Debut | September 21, 2009, KeyArena, Seattle |
| Total Performances | 64 |
| Most Recent | February 1, 2025 |
Vedder often emphasizes in introductions that it’s about “love gone good”—signaling to audiences that something positive is coming.
Personnel
| Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Eddie Vedder | Lead vocals, guitar |
| Stone Gossard | Guitar |
| Mike McCready | Guitar |
| Jeff Ament | Bass |
| Matt Cameron | Drums |
Production: Brendan O’Brien
Context
“Amongst the Waves” joins Pearl Jam’s ocean song tradition: “Oceans” (1991), “Whale Song” (1999), “Big Wave” (2006). The consistency of this imagery across decades demonstrates how central surfing is to Vedder’s identity.
Related Songs
- “Oceans” (Ten): Earlier ocean imagery
- “Big Wave” (Pearl Jam): Evolution through surfing
- “Just Breathe” (same album): Another mature love song