Got To Give
Summary
Got To Give is Jeff Ament’s stated favorite song on Dark Matter PearlJamOnline —a track that showcases his “joyful Stax-styled bass runs” according to Guitar World Guitar World . At track 10, the song maintains Dark Matter’s momentum deep into the running order, opening with peaceful acoustic strumming before the full band kicks into a “Who-esque send-off” that builds to a crescendo in the final minute.
The title suggests necessity: something that must be given, offered, or surrendered. Combined with Ament’s Stax-influenced bass work—channeling Memphis soul through Seattle rock—the song represents Dark Matter at its most joyful.
Key Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Album | Dark Matter (2024) |
| Track Number | 10 |
| Release Date | April 19, 2024 |
| Duration | 4:37 |
| Writers | Pearl Jam, Andrew Watt |
| Producer | Andrew Watt |
| Label | Monkeywrench/Republic |
| Recording | Shangri-La Studios, Malibu |
| Live Debut | May 6, 2024, Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC (Night 2) |
| Live Performances | 1 (per setlist.fm) |
Background & Inspiration
Ament’s Favorite
When asked about his favorite tracks on Dark Matter, Jeff Ament singled out “Got To Give.” For a bassist who wrote both “Won’t Tell” and contributed prominently throughout the album, his choice of this particular track is notable—especially since his bass work here channels a specific influence.
The “joyful Stax-styled bass runs” connect Ament’s playing to Memphis soul—Booker T. & the M.G.’s, the house band sound that defined 1960s soul music.
The Gear
Producer Andrew Watt invited Pearl Jam to “leave their instruments at home and dip into the producer’s great gear reservoir.” For Ament, this meant playing a borrowed white Rickenbacker, “maybe a ‘72,” with flatwound strings:
“There was a white Rickenbacker, maybe a ‘72, that felt great to me. Those old 4003s are either great, or the intonation is terrible and they just don’t hit right. But this had flats on it and sounded killer.”
— Jeff Ament Guitar World
The Quick Recording Process
Like all of Dark Matter, “Got To Give” emerged from intense sessions:
“I think that punch probably comes from the process being so quick.”
— Jeff Ament Guitar World
The three-week recording schedule—split between Watt’s Beverly Hills space and Rick Rubin’s Shangri-La studio in Malibu—forced spontaneity.
Lyrics & Interpretation
Necessity and Surrender
“Got to give” suggests compulsion—something that must happen. The phrase can mean generosity (giving to others) or exhaustion (something’s gotta give—I’m running out). The song’s energy suggests the former, but the title’s ambiguity allows multiple readings.
The Uplifting Turn
Critics noted the song’s “uplifting pop-tinged” quality Manila Bulletin . Within Dark Matter’s often heavy themes—fear, mortality, political anxiety—“Got To Give” provides release.
Building to Crescendo
The song structure mirrors its meaning. Opening with “tender chord progression” and “peaceful acoustic strumming” for about 20 seconds, it then kicks into “a proper uptempo Who-esque send-off” Penny Black Music . The final minute “really builds to a crescendo” Bourbon and Vinyl .
Composition & Arrangement
The Stax Connection
Jeff Ament’s “joyful Stax-styled bass runs” connect the song to a specific tradition. Stax Records—home to Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Booker T. & the M.G.’s—created a bass sound that was melodic, rhythmic, and joyful.
Musical specifications:
- Key: A major
- Tempo: Driving (~125 BPM)
- Time Signature: 4/4
- Duration: 4:37
The Acoustic Opening
“Got To Give” opens with acoustic guitar and light keyboards before the full band enters. This soft opening creates contrast—the peaceful strumming lasting only 20 seconds before the ”90s sounding instrumental kicks in” BC Heights .
The Who Comparison
Multiple reviewers compared the song to The Who. The “Who-esque send-off” quality suggests big, dramatic rock with melodic sophistication.
Production & Recording
Shangri-La Sessions
Studios: Shangri-La Studios, Malibu; Andrew Watt’s Beverly Hills studio Recording Period: July 2021, March 2023 Producer: Andrew Watt
Watt maintained the album’s live-show energy through the late tracks. “Got To Give” doesn’t flag at track 10—it sustains intensity approaching the album’s conclusion.
Live Performances
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Live Debut | May 6, 2024, Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC (Night 2) |
| Total Performances | 1 (per setlist.fm) |
The Rarest Dark Matter Song
“Got To Give” is the rarest Dark Matter song in live settings—debuting at Vancouver Night 2 and not performed since. It appeared in soundchecks at subsequent shows but didn’t make the actual setlists.
Personnel
| Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Eddie Vedder | Lead vocals, guitar |
| Stone Gossard | Guitar |
| Mike McCready | Guitar |
| Jeff Ament | Bass (Stax-styled runs) |
| Matt Cameron | Drums |
Production: Andrew Watt
Context
At track 10, “Got To Give” maintains energy before the album’s ballad conclusion. The Stax influence and uplifting quality provide the last burst of joy before the contemplative closer.
Related Songs
- “Rearviewmirror” (Vs.): Driving energy, building intensity
- “MFC” (Yield): Late-album energy
- “Unemployable” (Pearl Jam): Sustained rock intensity