Running
Summary
Running is the shortest track on Dark Matter—a 2:19 punk-inflected blast released alongside the title track as one of two lead singles on February 13, 2024. Jeff Ament brought the song’s main parts to the session, and it became one of the last tracks recorded at Shangri-La Studios:
“Jeff had the main parts for that one, and we worked it over as a band. It’s one of the last ones we recorded at Shangri-La, and it was fun to come up with one more up-tempo song.”
— Stone Gossard SPIN
Key Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Album | Dark Matter (2024) |
| Track Number | 8 |
| Release Date | February 13, 2024 (single) |
| Duration | 2:19 |
| Writers | Pearl Jam, Andrew Watt |
| Producer | Andrew Watt |
| Live Debut | May 4, 2024, Vancouver |
| Live Performances | 24 (per setlist.fm) |
Background & Inspiration
The decision to release “Running” alongside “Dark Matter” as dual lead singles was strategic—it gave listeners two contrasting tastes of the album. “Dark Matter” offered mid-tempo cosmic rock; “Running” delivered raw, almost hardcore-adjacent energy.
The song’s brevity is a statement in itself. In an era when streaming metrics reward longer songs, Pearl Jam went shorter. At 2:19, it doesn’t overstay its welcome—it arrives, delivers its message, and leaves.
Lyrics & Meaning
The opening immediately establishes the song’s target: “dictator, love hater.” This connects to Dark Matter’s broader political themes. “Running ‘till the second coming” suggests running without end—the exhaustion of living under authoritarian threat.
The lyrics establish perpetual flight from forces of hatred and violence. There’s no destination mentioned—the running is survival, not arrival.
Composition & Production
Reviewers noted Vedder’s “ultra fast vocals are reminiscent of ‘State of Love and Trust,’ ‘Johnny Guitar,’ and ‘Mind Your Manners’” SPIN .
Musical specifications:
- Key: E major
- Tempo: ~165 BPM
- Duration: 2:19 (album’s shortest)
Studios: Shangri-La Studios, Malibu Recording Period: 2023
Gossard praised Vedder’s performance: “Ed’s vocal dexterity here and on a few other spots on the album is just stunning” SPIN .
Live Performances
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Debut | May 4, 2024, Rogers Arena, Vancouver |
| Total Performances | 24 |
The song’s 2:19 runtime makes it uniquely flexible in setlists—a shot of energy wherever needed without significantly affecting show length.
Personnel
| Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Eddie Vedder | Lead vocals, guitar |
| Stone Gossard | Rhythm guitar |
| Mike McCready | Lead guitar |
| Jeff Ament | Bass (brought main parts) |
| Matt Cameron | Drums |
Production: Andrew Watt
Context
At track 8, “Running” provides a shot of pure energy before the album’s final movements. Its brevity prevents listener fatigue—it arrives, delivers, and moves aside.
Related Songs
- “Spin the Black Circle” (Vitalogy): Punk intensity
- “Mind Your Manners” (Lightning Bolt): Direct punk confrontation
- “Johnny Guitar” (Backspacer): Western-themed punk blast