Unthought Known
Summary
Unthought Known takes its unusual title from a psychological concept—the idea that we know things unconsciously that shape our decisions before we’re aware of them. Eddie Vedder wrote the song in a New York hotel room while looking out at Central Park, inspired by a conversation with actress Catherine Keener.
“It’s about a conversation with Catherine Keener, and a book – I think it might have even been called Unthought Known. I got back late to my hotel in New York, and I pushed it that extra hour. I pushed the limits of how much you can drink and smoke, and this song came out of it.”
— Eddie Vedder Toronto Globe and Mail
Key Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Album | Backspacer (2009) |
| Track Number | 7 |
| Duration | 4:01 |
| Writer | Eddie Vedder |
| Producer | Brendan O’Brien |
| Solo Debut | August 7, 2008, NJPAC, Newark, NJ |
| Live Performances | 147 (per setlist.fm) |
Background & Inspiration
The concept fascinated Vedder:
“I think the thought of the song is that there are things that you know, and they’re in us, but we just haven’t thought of them. But they’re there, and we base decisions on them.”
— Eddie Vedder Toronto Globe and Mail
Catherine Keener—acclaimed actress known for Being John Malkovich—had a conversation with Vedder that sparked the song’s conceptual foundation. The creation story mirrors the theme: by pushing past conscious limits, unconscious material surfaced.
Lyrics & Meaning
The “unthought known” in psychology refers to experiences that shape our behavior before conscious awareness catches up. We act on information we haven’t consciously processed.
Vedder frames this unconscious influence as wonder rather than anxiety. There’s curiosity in the exploration rather than fear. The paradoxical title—how can you know something you haven’t thought?—drives the song’s inquiry.
Composition & Production
The arrangement starts contained and builds toward release—a structure that enacts the song’s theme. Critics noted the song “builds slowly before blasting off to become another one of the band’s signature anthems” uDiscover .
Musical specifications:
- Key: D major
- Tempo: ~125 BPM
- Duration: 4:01
Studios: Henson Recording Studios (Los Angeles), Southern Tracks (Atlanta) Recording Period: February–April 2009
Music Video
The Berlin “video” was created July 20, 2010—Pearl Jam set up a Mac laptop to record the performance. The credits playfully listed “Wes C. Addle” (Eddie Vedder) as director and credited “Bernard Shakey” (Neil Young) with “concept” Pearl Jam Community .
Live Performances
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Solo Debut | August 7, 2008, NJPAC, Newark, NJ |
| Full-Band Debut | 2009 Backspacer tour |
| Total Performances | 147 |
With 147 performances, “Unthought Known” is one of Pearl Jam’s most frequently played post-Ten songs.
Personnel
| Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Eddie Vedder | Vocals, guitar |
| Stone Gossard | Guitar |
| Mike McCready | Guitar |
| Jeff Ament | Bass |
| Matt Cameron | Drums |
Production: Brendan O’Brien
Context
On Backspacer’s generally upbeat collection, “Unthought Known” provides intellectual depth without sacrificing energy. The sequencing places it before “Supersonic,” using the contrast to demonstrate the album’s range.
Related Songs
- “I Am Mine” (Riot Act): Existential self-examination
- “Present Tense” (No Code): Psychological awareness
- “Who You Are” (No Code): Spiritual questioning