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Pearl Jam Deep Dives

Rats

Summary

“Rats” is a song by American rock band Pearl Jam, featured as the ninth track on their second studio album Vs. (1993) (Daily Song Discussion #34: Rats : r/pearljam). While never released as an official single, “Rats” runs approximately 4:15 in length (Vs. (Pearl Jam album) - Wikipedia) and showcases the band’s experimentation with a funk-rock sound. The album Vs. was released on October 19, 1993 through Epic Records (Vs. (Pearl Jam album) - Wikipedia), debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 and selling a record-breaking 950,000+ copies in its first week (Vs. (Pearl Jam album) - Wikipedia). Vs. eventually went 7× Platinum in the US (Vs. (Pearl Jam album) - Wikipedia), becoming one of Pearl Jam’s most commercially successful releases. Although “Rats” itself did not chart (as it was not a single), it gained recognition as a fan-favorite deep cut from this multi-platinum album. It exemplifies Pearl Jam’s raw, aggressive approach on Vs. and has become known for its memorable bass groove and provocative lyrical theme.

Background & Inspiration

Pearl Jam wrote and recorded “Rats” during the tense sessions for Vs. in early 1993. Coming off the massive success of their debut Ten, the band felt pressure to deliver a worthy follow-up (Vs. | Pearl Jam Wiki | Fandom). The idyllic California studio environment paradoxically made vocalist Eddie Vedder uncomfortable, so he resorted to sleeping in his truck to maintain an edge while writing (Vs. (Pearl Jam album) - Wikipedia). In fact, “Rats” was one of the first songs Pearl Jam completed for Vs., emerging in the very first week of recording alongside other uptempo tracks like “Go” and “Blood” (Vs. (Pearl Jam album) - Wikipedia). Musically, the band was exploring funk influences more openly on Vs. – guitarist Mike McCready noted they didn’t “sit down and decide to be funky” so much as naturally combined their influences during jams (Vs. | Pearl Jam Wiki | Fandom). This organic jamming process, guided by producer Brendan O’Brien, had the band set up live in the studio to capture a rawer, looser feel than on Ten (Vs. | Pearl Jam Wiki | Fandom) (Vs. | Pearl Jam Wiki | Fandom). Songs like “Rats,” “Animal,” and “W.M.A.” reflect this groove-oriented direction with their syncopated rhythms and bass-driven riffs (Vs. | Pearl Jam Wiki | Fandom).

Vedder’s inspiration for the lyrics of “Rats” stemmed from his disillusionment with human behavior and society in contrast to the simpler conduct of animals. In interviews he stated that “Rats” is about the idea that “rats are probably a hell of a lot more admirable than humans.” (Vs. (Pearl Jam album) - Wikipedia) This tongue-in-cheek misanthropy was in line with the album’s broader themes of frustration and anger toward social ills (for example, other Vs. songs tackle topics like gun culture and police racism) (Vs. (Pearl Jam album) - Wikipedia). Vedder channeled these feelings into vivid lyrical vignettes that highlight how humans can be less civilized than actual rats. An amusing anecdote underlining the band’s affinity for the song’s theme is a 1993 softball game where Pearl Jam’s team of band and crew dubbed themselves “The Rats” in a face-off against Seattle radio station KISW’s team “The Flys,” a playful nod just before Vs. was released (Pearl Jam Vs. Turns 26 — Pearl Jam Community). In keeping with that spirit, Vedder even slipped a surprise reference to Michael Jackson’s rat-themed song “Ben” into the outro of “Rats,” showing how pop culture and personal commentary intertwined in his inspiration (see Lyrics & Interpretation below).

Lyrics & Interpretation

Lyrically, “Rats” is a sharp and sardonic critique of human failings, delivered through a series of contrasts with the behavior of rats. Vedder employs a line-by-line litany of things that “they” (the rats) do or don’t do, implicitly holding up a mirror to human society. In the first verse, he sings “They don’t eat, don’t sleep / They don’t feed, they don’t seethe”, suggesting that rats lack the gluttony, restlessness, and simmering anger that often characterize people. The phrase “don’t seethe” (i.e. don’t boil with rage) emphasizes that rats aren’t driven by spite or wrath (Could you help me understand “Rats” lyrics? : r/pearljam). He continues with vivid rodent imagery: “Bare their gums when they moan and squeak / Lick the dirt off a larger one’s feet.” These lines literally describe rat behavior – baring gums and squeaking, grooming the dominant rat – but also double as commentary on human tendencies. The submissive act of “lick[ing] the dirt off a larger one’s feet” evokes how humans will ingratiate themselves to superiors or “kiss up” to those in power. (Some fans humorously misheard this line as “Olajuwon’s feet,” joking that Vedder was singing about NBA star Hakeem Olajuwon (Could you help me understand “Rats” lyrics? : r/pearljam), but the actual lyric is “a larger one’s feet.”)

In the second verse, Vedder escalates the critique, now focusing on socially corrosive behaviors. He pointedly notes how “They don’t push, don’t crowd. Congregate until they’re much too loud.” Here an implicit “they don’t” precedes “congregate” – meaning rats do not form unruly mobs or cause the kind of noisy, overbearing crowds humans do (Could you help me understand “Rats” lyrics? : r/pearljam) (Could you help me understand “Rats” lyrics? : r/pearljam). The song then shocks with the line “F**k to procreate till they are dead.” This vulgar phrasing underscores how mindlessly and destructively humans will pursue sex or reproduction, perhaps hinting at cycles of overpopulation or the way people can reduce something intimate to a purely animalistic drive. Next comes “Drink the blood of their so-called best friend.” This visceral metaphor alludes to betrayal – humans will figuratively (or sometimes literally) bleed their friends dry, backstab, or exploit those close to them, a treachery far beyond anything rats commit. In the bridge/third verse, Vedder continues the indictment: “Line their holes with the dead ones’ bread.” This phrase implies people hoard wealth or possessions taken from the dead (think of inheriting or stealing from others’ legacy) – whereas rats, he suggests, do not engage in such greedy, morbid accumulation (Could you help me understand “Rats” lyrics? : r/pearljam). In essence, Vedder describes “the worst things humans do to each other that even rats don’t do,” using stark imagery of hoarding and violence (Could you help me understand “Rats” lyrics? : r/pearljam). Each grotesque human behavior is contrasted with the relative innocence of rats, sharpening the song’s ironic point.

Throughout these lines, rats serve as a foil for humans. Culturally, rats are often seen as dirty, vicious pests – but Vedder flips that notion on its head. By cataloguing horrible human actions (mob mentality, mindless breeding, betrayal, greed), he implies that humans are the real “pests” in a moral sense. The refrain drives this irony home. In the song’s chorus-like refrain, Vedder snarls the single word “Rats….” followed by the blunt conclusion: “They don’t compare.” This refrain, repeated with emphatic delivery, has a double meaning. On one hand it can be heard as “rats [and humans] don’t compare” – i.e. humans can’t compare to rats’ integrity (Fluxblog » Pearl Jam | Vs.). On the other hand, it might suggest “rats… [humans] don’t compare” – implying humans don’t measure up to rats. Either way, the song clearly conveys Vedder’s scathing judgment of humanity’s failings in contrast to simpler creatures. The tone mixes dark humor with genuine anger, painting an almost cartoonishly grim view of human nature. Notably, one commenter interpreted the song as a critique of politicians or leaders – those who exhibit exactly the greed and backstabbing described (Could you help me understand “Rats” lyrics? : r/pearljam). Indeed, lines about hoarding “bread” and betraying friends could easily apply to corrupt officials or business elites, though Vedder kept the targets general.

Perhaps the most famous lyrical moment comes at the very end: as the music fades, Vedder softly sings “Ben, the two of us need look no more…” (Daily Song Discussion #34: Rats : r/pearljam). This line is a direct quote from Michael Jackson’s 1972 hit “Ben,” a sentimental song written for a movie about a boy and his pet rat. By ending “Rats” with “Ben, the two of us need look no more,” Vedder slyly pays homage to Jackson’s ode to a rat (Daily Song Discussion #34: Rats : r/pearljam). It’s an unexpected cultural reference that adds a layer of meaning. “Ben” (the song and the film) portrayed a rat as a loyal friend, even the leader of a rodent army – echoing Vedder’s notion that rats might be worth admiring. The inclusion of this line brings the song full circle: after cataloguing humanity’s ugliness, Vedder aligns himself with the rats (“the two of us”), as if saying he’d rather be in the company of a rat than endure more human treachery. The effect is both eerie and darkly comic – a final wink that underscores the song’s theme. This MJ reference delighted many fans once they caught it, since it juxtaposes Pearl Jam’s gritty satire with a famous pop ballad about a rat (Daily Song Discussion #34: Rats : r/pearljam). Overall, through its biting lyrics and clever allusions, “Rats” delivers a powerful (if exaggerated) message: that basic creatures often have more honor than the human “rats” among us.

Composition & Arrangement

Musically, “Rats” stands out on Vs. for its funk-infused rock groove. The song is built on a slinky, syncopated bass line by Jeff Ament that sets a stealthy, mid-tempo pulse. Ament’s bass riff is the driving force – fans frequently praise the “great bass line and funky beat” as the song’s highlight (Daily Song Discussion #34: Rats : r/pearljam). Over this foundation, guitarists Stone Gossard and Mike McCready weave tight rhythm parts and punctuating licks. Gossard, who composed the primary music for “Rats” (Writing credits statistics for PJ songs : r/pearljam), brings a gritty funk-rock riff sensibility, likely drawing on influences like Red Hot Chili Peppers or Fishbone (popular alt-funk bands of the era) (Fluxblog » Pearl Jam | Vs.). The guitar tone is relatively dry and raw – reflecting producer O’Brien’s approach of capturing live energy – and at times slightly syncopated with the drums to enhance the groove. Notably, “Rats” features a brief guitar solo that is often attributed to Stone Gossard. In live performances and guitar lesson videos, Gossard’s solo in “Rats” is highlighted for its cool, bluesy-funk feel (How to Play Stone Gossard’s Solo to “Rats” by Pearl Jam - YouTube), suggesting that on the studio track he likely takes the lead break, showcasing a different side of Pearl Jam’s guitar attack (since McCready usually handled solos).

Drummer Dave Abbruzzese underpins the song with a nimble, funk-oriented drumming style. Abbruzzese, for whom Vs. was his first studio album with Pearl Jam, was known to incorporate funk and even hip-hop grooves into his playing. On “Rats” he keeps a steady mid-tempo backbeat with syncopated hi-hat accents and crisp snare hits, locking in tightly with Ament’s bass. His groove has a slight swing, giving “Rats” a head-bobbing rhythm quite unlike the straight-ahead rock beats of many Ten tracks. The arrangement of “Rats” is relatively straightforward and riff-driven – the song eschews a big anthemic chorus in favor of continuous groove. Instead of a traditional chorus, the intensity peaks during the repeated “Rats… they don’t compare” refrains, where Vedder’s voice and the band’s dynamics rise. Between verses, the band adds instrumental flourishes: for instance, McCready might add a squealing lead or dissonant fill, and Gossard and Ament sometimes hit staccato accents that stab through the groove.

Harmonically, “Rats” centers on a menacing minor-key progression (fans note the song is likely in drop-D tuning, giving the bass and guitar extra low-end heft). The riffs use chromatic notes and sliding intervals that contribute to a slithering, ominous mood. Despite its darker tone, the song maintains an infectious rhythm – Pearl Jam effectively melds grunge’s rawness with funk’s rhythmic bounce. Vedder’s vocal delivery further shapes the arrangement. In the verses, he often sings in a lower register, almost speaking certain lines rhythmically (for example, spitting out phrases like “don’t feed, don’t seethe” in time with the groove). He then pushes his voice louder and higher for emphasis on lines like “much too loud” or “so-called best friend,” adding grit and growl to underscore the anger in the lyrics. The song’s dynamics ebb and flow with his intensity: verses are taut and controlled; refrains are louder and more impassioned. As the track approaches its end, the instrumentation subtly pulls back to spotlight Vedder’s final eerie solo vocal (the “Ben” coda). At that moment, the band drops to a hush, creating a stark contrast – a sudden shift from thick funk-rock to a single, haunting voice. This arrangement choice makes the ending especially memorable and leaves the listener with a cinematic fade-out feeling. Critics have noted that by track nine of Vs., the funk/rock blend could seem familiar, calling “Rats” “a rather typical…funk/rock song, upbeat and entertaining, but not quite original” (Vs. by Pearl Jam – Classic Rock Review). However, others argue its tight arrangement and groove are anything but filler, and that the song’s structure – a relentless groove with a wicked lyrical twist – exemplifies Pearl Jam’s willingness to push beyond standard grunge formulas. In sum, the composition of “Rats” marries a dirty funk groove with Pearl Jam’s signature rock edge, creating a song that slinks musically even as it bites lyrically.

Production & Recording

“Rats” bears the sonic imprint of producer Brendan O’Brien, who, along with Pearl Jam, opted for a raw, live-sounding production on Vs.. The track was recorded in March–May 1993 at The Site studio in Nicasio, CA (Vs. (Pearl Jam album) - Wikipedia). O’Brien had the band set up in the studio as if on stage, playing together to capture the interplay and energy of a live performance (Vs. | Pearl Jam Wiki | Fandom). This approach is evident in “Rats”: the recording has a vibrant, unpolished mix, with each instrument clearly occupying its space as it would in a room. Jeff Ament’s bass is thick and forward in the mix, giving the song a muscular low end. Dave Abbruzzese’s drums sound punchy and natural – you can hear the room ambiance around the snare and tom hits, a result of O’Brien’s minimal use of artificial reverb (especially compared to the more reverb-laden production of Ten). The guitars of Gossard and McCready are panned and layered to provide a textural backdrop without overpowering the groove; one can hear slight distortion and even a hint of wah or flange on certain licks, adding color to the otherwise dry tone. Vedder’s vocals were likely recorded in one or few takes to keep the spontaneous feel – he can be heard slightly distorting the mic preamp when he shouts, another sign of the deliberately less polished production that O’Brien and the band embraced on Vs. (Vs. (Pearl Jam album) - Wikipedia).

During mixing, O’Brien and Pearl Jam famously mixed each song immediately after recording it (Vs. | Pearl Jam Wiki | Fandom), rather than recording the whole album then mixing later. This technique kept the immediacy intact. With “Rats,” one can sense that immediacy: the faders ride up right when Vedder’s snarls intensify, and the band’s minor tempo pushes or pulls were preserved rather than corrected, giving the final track a human, live feel. O’Brien’s influence is also heard in subtle production touches – for example, how the instruments drop out for the a cappella MJ quote at the end, which creates dramatic effect. It’s likely O’Brien encouraged highlighting that moment by muting the band, a mixing decision that adds impact. There aren’t obvious overdubs or studio gimmicks on “Rats”; even Vedder’s vocals sound single-tracked (or only lightly doubled at most). The straightforward production serves the song’s content well, letting the groove and lyrics hit the listener without studio trickery. One unique production detail is the use of the Rat Sound PA system: Pearl Jam’s touring sound company (Rat Sound) had its logo sticker incorporated into promotional art for “Rats,” and the band even monitored through a PA similar to their live rig during recording (Rat Sound Systems Inc. Home Page) (Rat Sound Systems Inc. Home Page). While this is more a trivia note than an audible effect, it underscores how the production blurred the line between studio and stage. Engineer Nick DiDia captured the band’s performances to tape, and Bob Ludwig later mastered the album, ensuring “Rats” sounded powerful on the final release (Vs. (Pearl Jam album) - Wikipedia). The end result is a track that feels immediate and unvarnished – a conscious production choice to match Pearl Jam’s intensity at that point in their career. O’Brien’s guidance and the band’s mindset (“one song at a time” spontaneity (Vs. | Pearl Jam Wiki | Fandom)) yielded a recording of “Rats” that almost puts the listener in the room with the band, confronting the song’s snarling message head-on.

Themes & Motifs

The central theme of “Rats” is a stark exploration of human corruption versus animal innocence. Across the song, Vedder examines themes of betrayal, greed, violence, and mob mentality, suggesting that these are uniquely (or excessively) human sins not found in the animal kingdom. The recurring motif in the lyrics is the phrase “They don’t…” which sets up a series of contrasts. This motif reinforces the idea of negation – emphasizing what rats do not do that humans do (and thereby implying which behavior is truly worse). By structuring nearly every line as an inversion, Vedder creates a pattern that listeners can anticipate, each time subverting expectations about rats. This repetitive device serves as both lyrical glue and thematic hammer: it drives home the satirical point that humans, not “lowly” rats, are the ones who lie, cheat, and destroy (Could you help me understand “Rats” lyrics? : r/pearljam).

One major theme is moral superiority of nature. In an almost fable-like fashion, “Rats” posits that animals follow a more honest code of conduct. For example, there’s an implied theme of loyalty vs. betrayal – rats, in the song’s logic, would never betray their own (“drink the blood of their so-called best friend”), highlighting how treacherous human relationships can be. Another theme is excess and gluttony – humans “congregate until they’re much too loud” and “f**k to procreate till they are dead,” portraying an overindulgence and lack of restraint absent in animal behavior. The song also touches on **hypocrisy and greed** (hoarding the “dead ones’ bread”) – implying humans will even profiteer off the dead, a grotesque form of avarice. By contrast, rats in Vedder’s view simply don’t engage in such calculated cruelty; they are driven by survival, not malice.

There is also a subtle theme of solitude vs. society. The song’s subtext suggests that an individual (like Vedder himself) might find more purity in solitude or in nature (symbolized by the rats) than in human society. This aligns with Pearl Jam’s broader ethos in other songs – for instance, tracks like “Society” (Vedder’s later solo work) or even “Animal” and “W.M.A.” on Vs. question the destructive behavior of people in groups. In fact, critics have noted a thematic thread on Vs.: “Animal,” “Rats,” and “W.M.A.” all carry the notion that people often become less civilized in crowds (Fluxblog » Pearl Jam | Vs.) (Fluxblog » Pearl Jam | Vs.). “Rats” explicitly answers the rhetorical question posed by the earlier song “Animal” – essentially, “what kind of animal would you rather be?” Vedder’s answer is cheekily apparent: I’d rather be a rat (Fluxblog » Pearl Jam | Vs.). The album’s very title Vs. (versus) underscores confrontation, which in this song’s context can be seen as Humans vs. Rats (Nature).

Symbolically, rats in literature often represent filth, treachery, or survivors on the fringes. Vedder repurposes that symbol, using the rat as a symbol of honesty and natural order in contrast to human deceit. It’s a reversal of the usual “rat = betrayer” trope; here the humans are the real “rats.” The closing reference to “Ben” adds a motif of unlikely friendship – invoking the image of a boy befriending a rat (from the film) implies a kinship between the narrator and the reviled creature. This unexpected tenderness at the end reinforces the theme that rats, commonly hated, might actually be companions or at least kindred spirits to those disillusioned by humanity.

Another motif in “Rats” is the use of grotesque imagery (blood-drinking, dirt-licking, etc.). This serves to shock the listener and draw stark pictures, but it also has a satirical edge – it’s almost black comedy, painting humans as monsters in a way that’s so over-the-top it borders on dark humor. This tonal duality (serious social commentary delivered with sardonic exaggeration) is itself a motif in Pearl Jam’s work; while much of Vs. is earnest, “Rats” allows a glint of irony. In summary, the themes of “Rats” revolve around misanthropy, moral inversion, and the purity of nature’s creatures versus the corruption of mankind. The song consistently uses contrasts and ironic symbolism to underscore its motifs, ultimately leaving the listener pondering who the real “pests” are in the world’s hierarchy.

Critical Reception & Legacy

Upon Vs.’s release, “Rats” did not receive the widespread radio play of tracks like “Daughter” or “Go,” and hence it flew under the mainstream radar. However, critics who reviewed the album often noted the song’s funk-rock style and lyrical bite. Rolling Stone’s album review highlighted the primal passion of songs on Vs., though it focused praise on tracks like “Animal” and “Blood” and did not single out “Rats” (Vs. | Pearl Jam Wiki | Fandom) – implying that “Rats,” while solid, was viewed as more of an album cut than a standout single. The Classic Rock Review later described “Rats” as “upbeat and entertaining, but not quite original”, suggesting that by the time it appears on the album, the funk-rock approach had become a bit predictable (Vs. by Pearl Jam – Classic Rock Review). This reviewer felt the song was a “typical” example of Pearl Jam’s heavier funk experiments, perhaps overshadowed by more groundbreaking moments earlier on Vs. (Vs. by Pearl Jam – Classic Rock Review). In contrast, many fans and some critics have defended “Rats” as an underrated gem. In response to that “typical” comment, one fan wrote that “‘Rats’ [is] no filler… [it and] ‘Indifference’ are both master class,” underscoring that dedicated listeners found deep merit in the track (Vs. by Pearl Jam – Classic Rock Review).

Over time, fan reception of “Rats” has been strongly positive within the Pearl Jam community. It’s often cited as a favorite deep cut thanks to its groove and bold lyrics. In a Reddit song discussion, “Rats” received an average rating of 7.5/10 from fans (Daily Song Discussion #34: Rats : r/pearljam), with some giving it a perfect 10 and calling it their “all-time favorite PJ song” (Daily Song Discussion #34: Rats : r/pearljam). Many praised the bass line and the song’s unique vibe in Pearl Jam’s catalog, even if a few felt it was “very average” compared to the band’s top-tier material (Daily Song Discussion #34: Rats : r/pearljam) (Daily Song Discussion #34: Rats : r/pearljam). This spectrum of fan opinions highlights that “Rats” has always been somewhat polarizing – adored by those who relish its funk detour and lyrical sarcasm, but occasionally overlooked by those more drawn to Pearl Jam’s anthemic or poignant songs.

In terms of legacy, “Rats” has come to represent Pearl Jam’s willingness to take risks and address unconventional topics. Its impact on Pearl Jam’s career was not commercial (since it wasn’t a single), but artistically it contributed to Vs.’s image as a gritty, uncompromising album. The song’s critique of human nature resonated with listeners who saw Pearl Jam as a band unafraid to call out societal issues. Though “Rats” did not win awards or appear on greatest-hits sets, it has a cult status. It was included in the 2011 reissue of Vs. (as part of live bonus content), and live recordings circulate among collectors, keeping it in the fan consciousness. Some retrospective reviews of Vs. give a nod to “Rats” when discussing the album’s depth; Pop Expresso, for instance, quoting Vedder’s “hell of a lot more admirable than humans” line, frames “Rats” as part of the album’s fabric of social commentary (25 Great Songs for Misunderstood Creatures | by Laura Vincent). Moreover, the song’s legacy is felt in Pearl Jam’s own thematic evolution – later tracks like “Bu$hleaguer” (which calls a politician a “rat in a drain ditch”) echo the disdain for corrupt humanity that “Rats” voiced back in 1993.

Importantly, live performances of “Rats” (see next section) have helped solidify its reputation. When Pearl Jam dusts off the song in concert, it’s often met with huge cheers from diehard fans, reinforcing that “Rats” has aged as a beloved rarity. In summary, critical reception of “Rats” at release was lukewarm to positive (if not effusive), but the song’s legacy within the Pearl Jam fanbase is strong. It remains a testament to the band’s creative range on Vs., and its clever, biting message still prompts discussion and appreciation decades later.

Live Performances

Live, “Rats” has made intermittent but memorable appearances in Pearl Jam’s sets. The band debuted the song in concert on May 13, 1993 at Slim’s Café in San Francisco (Rats by Pearl Jam Song Statistics | setlist.fm), several months before Vs. was released. At that show – where Pearl Jam premiered many new Vs. songs – “Rats” immediately stood out with its funky groove, giving audiences a taste of the band’s evolving sound. During the intensive touring of 1993–1994, “Rats” was played frequently. In fact, the song was performed around 10 times in 1993 and 11 times in 1994 (Rats by Pearl Jam Song Statistics | setlist.fm) (Rats by Pearl Jam Song Statistics | setlist.fm), often appearing in the middle of sets. Contemporary bootlegs from that era (notably the April 3, 1994 Atlanta Fox Theatre radio broadcast and the April 12, 1994 Boston Orpheum show) captured electrifying renditions of “Rats,” with Vedder sometimes snarling the lyrics with even more venom than on record. Fans could hear him accentuate lines like “they don’t scurry when something bigger comes their way” or extend the ending with passionate yells. The song’s slinky rhythm also encouraged the band to loosen up – live versions would occasionally feature slight jams, with McCready improvising funk-inspired leads and Ament adding extra bass flourishes.

After 1994, “Rats” became something of a rarity in Pearl Jam’s live catalog. It was not performed at all during some tours in the late ’90s and early ’00s, making any reappearance special. The band revived “Rats” in 2006 during the tour supporting their self-titled album, and then more regularly in 2008–2009. For instance, on August 18, 2009 at London’s O2 Arena, Pearl Jam played “Rats” to an ecstatic crowd – a moment later shared on the band’s social media due to its rarity (Pearl Jam performing ‘Rats’ at the O2 Arena in London … - Instagram). In these 2000s performances, Vedder often prefaced the song with a wry comment or simply let the surprise speak for itself. Musically, the live arrangement remained faithful, though sometimes the outro would be extended. At an October 2009 show in Philadelphia (which fell on Halloween), they fittingly included “Rats” in the set as a tongue-in-cheek spooky selection, much to fans’ delight.

One interesting feature of some live performances is Pearl Jam’s penchant for tagging cover snippets onto their songs. On a few occasions, the band incorporated a bit of The Rolling Stones’ “Beast of Burden” into “Rats.” A notable example occurred at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre show in 1995, where a snippet of “Beast of Burden” led into “Rats” (I got this bootleg for Christmas and I don’t recognize what the songs with the line next to them and I thought y’all might be able to help. : r/pearljam). In these instances, McCready would tease the Stones’ riff or Vedder would sing a line or two (“I’ll never be your beast of burden…”) before they launched into the “Rats” groove. This clever segue not only matched the animal theme but also added a fun improvisational twist, showcasing the band’s loose approach in concert. (There’s a bootleg known as “Patriots” that documents a “Beast of Burden/Rats” medley from a 1995 show (Beast of Burden / Rats — Pearl Jam - Last.fm).)

By the 2010s, Pearl Jam continued to break out “Rats” on occasion. It remained relatively rare – according to Setlist.fm, as of 2024 “Rats” had been played live about 61 times in total (Rats by Pearl Jam Song Statistics | setlist.fm), a modest count over a 30+ year career, underscoring its treat status. The song saw a mini-resurgence during the band’s 2018 tour (it was played around 10 times that year, often in Europe (Rats by Pearl Jam song statistics | setlist.fm)), and more sporadically thereafter. Notably, Pearl Jam celebrated the 30th anniversary of Vs. in 2023–2024, and as part of that celebration, “Rats” found its way back into setlists. The most recent performance to date was on September 9, 2024 in Philadelphia (Rats by Pearl Jam Song Statistics | setlist.fm), where it thrilled longtime fans.

On stage, “Rats” tends to create a distinct atmosphere. The band often bathes the stage in murky red or purple lighting for the song, emphasizing its slithering vibe. Vedder has been seen stalking the mic with exaggerated movements during the bass line, almost acting out the song’s sneaky character. The audience response is typically enthusiastic clapping to the beat and cheering at key lyrics (a cheer often erupts after the “Ben” line if Vedder delivers it live, acknowledging the humor). While not a staple, “Rats” in concert is cherished as a fan favorite deep cut, and its presence on a setlist is regarded as a sign of a special night. Many attendees cite “Rats” as the rarest song they’ve witnessed live, given its infrequency (Rarest Pearl Jam song you’ve seen live? : r/pearljam - Reddit) (Philadelphia, PA 2 Fanviews Here 9.9.24 - Pearl Jam Community). This mystique has only grown the song’s legacy in Pearl Jam’s live repertoire.

Covers & Reinterpretations

Considering its deep cut status, “Rats” has not been widely covered by mainstream artists – it’s a bit too niche and lyrically idiosyncratic for typical cover fare. However, a number of Pearl Jam tribute bands and passionate fans have performed “Rats” over the years. For instance, tribute acts like No Code (USA) and Pearl Jam UK have included “Rats” in their setlists, with No Code performing it over a dozen times (Rats by Pearl Jam song statistics | setlist.fm). These tribute performances aim to replicate the original’s groovy feel, often to please diehard fans of Pearl Jam’s catalog. Outside of tribute bands, there aren’t notable officially released covers of “Rats” by major artists. The song’s unique combination of funk rhythm and grunge vocals perhaps makes it a challenging one to reinterpret without veering into parody.

That said, Pearl Jam themselves have occasionally reinterpreted “Rats” in live settings through creative medleys or tags. As mentioned, the band has cheekily woven the Rolling Stones’ “Beast of Burden” into “Rats” during concerts (I got this bootleg for Christmas and I don’t recognize what the songs with the line next to them and I thought y’all might be able to help. : r/pearljam). In these moments, “Rats” becomes part of a larger homage – the Stones snippet (“Am I hard enough, am I rough enough?”) humorously contrasts with the rat/human theme and then gives way to Pearl Jam’s own critique of human roughness. Another example of self-reinterpretation is how Pearl Jam handles the ending: on some live recordings, instead of singing the “Ben” outro softly, Vedder will sometimes belt it out or repeat it for emphasis, essentially covering Michael Jackson in his own grunge fashion for a brief moment. This could be seen as Pearl Jam covering a line of MJ within their own song – a meta reinterpretation that always gets a reaction.

In terms of remixes or alternate versions, “Rats” has remained largely in its original form. Pearl Jam did not release an acoustic version or remix of the track on any of their official compilations. The 2011 reissue of Vs. did include a remastered version of “Rats” and a live performance from 1994, but these stick to the song’s established arrangement (Rats (Live) - Remastered - song and lyrics by Pearl Jam - Spotify). No known dance or cross-genre remixes exist (unsurprising given the track’s style and the band’s general aversion to remixes of their work).

Interestingly, “Rats” did inspire some visual reinterpretations in fan art and merchandise. As noted by Rat Sound (the sound company), Pearl Jam produced a promo sticker in 1993 featuring the Rat Sound logo to tie in with the song (Rat Sound Systems Inc. Home Page). This sticker essentially served as unofficial single artwork for “Rats” on the tour, depicting a rat icon – a nod from the band to the song’s concept. Collectors sometimes seek out this item (one such Vs.-era “Rats” tour sticker surfaced on auction sites as a rare collectible). In a way, this is a visual cover of the song’s theme, translating it into a simple graphic.

Overall, while “Rats” hasn’t been covered by famous bands in the traditional sense, it has lived on through tribute performances and the band’s own playful live mash-ups. The scarcity of high-profile covers perhaps attests to how uniquely Pearl Jam the song is – its particular blend of groove, grit, and sardonic commentary is hard to duplicate outside the original context. Fans would likely agree that no one delivers “Rats” quite like Pearl Jam themselves, and so the song remains a special gem largely untouched by others.

Music Video & Visual Elements

“Rats” did not receive an official music video upon release – in 1993, Pearl Jam famously backed away from making music videos for Vs. singles (“Jeremy” from Ten had been a huge MTV hit, but the band refused to make a clip for Vs.’s lead single “Go” and similarly there was no video for “Rats”). As a result, there is no canonical music video interpreting the song’s narrative. The imagery and symbolism of “Rats” have mostly been conveyed through live performances and album art rather than a dedicated video. The album Vs. itself featured a striking cover image of an angora goat (often mistaken for a sheep) behind a wire fence – a possible visual metaphor for entrapment or the human vs. animal theme – but that was for the album overall, not specific to “Rats.” If one were to draw a connection, the album cover’s caged animal could complement the song’s sentiment of animals being restrained or victimized by humans, though this is an indirect association.

In lieu of a music video, Pearl Jam’s official YouTube channel later released an “Official Visualizer” video for “Rats”, especially as they updated their catalog for digital platforms (30 Years Ago Today - Pearl Jam Releases Second Album ‘Vs’ (Watch “Rats” Live ‘93) - Glide Magazine). This visualizer (essentially an animated static image accompanying the song’s audio) typically uses the Vs. album art or related artwork while the studio track plays. According to the band’s posting, the visualizer simply shows the album cover with subtle zoom/pan effects while the lyrics are not shown, letting the music speak for itself (Daily Song Discussion #34: Rats : r/pearljam - Reddit). There isn’t any bespoke footage of rats or the band included in that; it’s a minimalist approach, keeping with Pearl Jam’s early-’90s stance against heavily commercializing their music with MTV videos.

Although there’s no official narrative video, the visual elements of “Rats” have been expressed in other ways. During live concerts, lighting designers often accentuate the song with creepy, dim lighting – sometimes red lights to evoke blood or alleyway-like shadows. In some shows, Vedder introduced a bit of theater by doing a slinking posture or wide-eyed stare when delivering lines about rats, giving the audience a visual cue of the song’s mischievous tone. On one 1993 television appearance (the band’s MTV Live and Loud concert, for example), while “Rats” wasn’t played in the broadcast, the band’s grungy attire and the gritty stage set with chain-link fences echoed the aesthetic that “Rats” conjures: something raw, urban, and confrontational.

Fan-made videos and YouTube uploads have also attempted to visualize “Rats.” These unofficial videos often montage rat imagery and human society clips to mirror the song’s lyrics – for instance, showing rats in subways versus crowds in city streets, or newsreel footage of riots for the “congregate…too loud” line, etc. Such interpretations, while not official, demonstrate how listeners picture the vivid scenarios Vedder describes. The line “Ben, the two of us need look no more” inherently calls to mind the 1972 film Ben (with the boy and his pet rat), so some fans have overlaid that movie footage with the Pearl Jam track as a quirky homage.

In terms of artwork, Pearl Jam’s tour merchandise for Vs. sometimes incorporated “rats” motifs. The promo sticker mentioned earlier featured a rodent image and the word “Rats” in the band’s font, giving a visual identity to the song in the absence of a video (Rat Sound Systems Inc. Home Page). Additionally, the tour program and magazine ads for Vs. occasionally used a grimy urban design – not explicitly rats, but thematically aligned with the song’s gritty vibe.

Summarily, while “Rats” never had an official music video with storyline or band performance, its visual essence has been captured through album art, live show ambiance, and later digital visualizers. The lack of a music video in 1993 was a deliberate statement by Pearl Jam to let the music carry the meaning. Thus, listeners are invited to conjure their own mental images – be it alleyway rats, greedy politicians, or Michael Jackson singing to a rat friend – when they hear the song. The band’s minimalist visual approach in the Vs. era means “Rats” remains an unvarnished audio experience, supplemented only by the imagery one finds in its lyrics and the rawness of Pearl Jam’s live presence.

Personnel & Credits

Pearl Jam is the sole artist on “Rats,” and the track’s creation was very much a band effort. The songwriting is officially credited to Pearl Jam’s members, with Stone Gossard composing the music and Eddie Vedder penning the lyrics (Writing credits statistics for PJ songs : r/pearljam). The full lineup and contributors for the studio recording of “Rats” are:

  • Eddie Vedder – Lead vocals. Vedder’s voice carries the song’s emotion, from low-end mutters to ferocious howls, and he conceived the provocative lyrics. *(He also plays guitar on some *Vs._ tracks, but on “Rats” he sticks to vocals.)_
  • Stone Gossard – Rhythm guitar. Gossard originated the music for “Rats” (Writing credits statistics for PJ songs : r/pearljam), laying down the central guitar riffs and likely performing the brief guitar solo. His playing provides the tight, funky chordal foundation.
  • Mike McCready – Lead guitar. McCready adds textured lead lines and flourishes on “Rats,” complementing Gossard’s rhythm work. He brings a bluesy-rock edge to the funk groove with subtle licks that color the song’s atmosphere.
  • Jeff Ament – Bass guitar. Ament’s bass is a standout element, delivering the pulsing groove that defines “Rats.” His creative bass line, sliding and thumping in equal measure, is the backbone of the track. (Ament also plays upright bass on another Vs. song, “Glorified G,” though “Rats” features his electric bass.)
  • Dave Abbruzzese – Drums. Abbruzzese provides dynamic, syncopated drumming on “Rats,” showcasing the crisp funk style he brought to the band. His beats and fills drive the song’s momentum and accent its key moments. This is one of the recordings that benefited from Abbruzzese’s distinctive drumming before his departure from the band in 1994.

Production Team:

  • Brendan O’Brien – Producer and mixer. O’Brien co-produced Vs. with Pearl Jam (Vs. (Pearl Jam album) - Wikipedia), overseeing the recording of “Rats” and helping craft its raw sound. He also handled mixing duties (with the band), achieving the live-in-the-studio feel heard on the track. O’Brien’s production input – from the arrangement suggestions to the sonic texture – was integral to how “Rats” turned out.
  • Pearl Jam – Co-producer. The band is officially credited as co-producer on the album (Vs. (Pearl Jam album) - Wikipedia), reflecting their hands-on role in shaping the recordings. Pearl Jam’s insistence on an unpolished, energetic recording is part of the production credit here.
  • Nick DiDia – Engineer (Recording). DiDia was the recording engineer for Vs. (Vs. (Pearl Jam album) - Wikipedia). He set up microphones, captured the band’s performances on tape, and ensured the technical quality of recordings like “Rats.” The clarity of each instrument in the mix owes a lot to DiDia’s engineering.
  • Adam Kasper and Kevin Scott – Assistant Engineers (Vs. (Pearl Jam album) - Wikipedia). They assisted O’Brien and DiDia during the sessions, likely handling tasks like tape operation, setup, and additional recording duties. Their behind-the-scenes work contributed to the smooth recording process of songs like “Rats.”
  • Bob Ludwig – Mastering Engineer (Vs. (Pearl Jam album) - Wikipedia). Ludwig mastered the Vs. album, which involves fine-tuning the final mix of “Rats” for consistency and optimum sound on CD/vinyl. His mastering ensured the track’s punchy dynamics translated well to the released format.

Additional Credits:

  • Artwork: The album artwork for Vs. was created by Jeff Ament and design team (Ament is credited with cover concept under the moniker Ames along with photographer Lance Mercer) (Vs. (Pearl Jam album) - Wikipedia). While not specific to “Rats,” it’s worth noting that Ament’s concept of the snarling animal behind a fence became the album’s visual identity. No specific artwork for “Rats” (like a single cover) was released, but the Vs. imagery and the promotional “Rats” sticker (featuring the Rat Sound logo) are associated visuals.
  • Label: Epic Records released the album Vs. and thus “Rats”. The song is ©1993 Write Treatage (the band’s publishing) and Epic/Sony, credited on the album liner notes.

In the studio, the band recorded “Rats” largely live. All five members locked in to perform the basic track together, reinforcing the song’s tight, collaborative energy. Vedder’s vocals were likely overdubbed afterward once the instrumentals were done, and any minor additional overdubs (perhaps a second guitar layer or extra percussion, if present at all) were added under O’Brien’s direction. However, “Rats” appears to have no guest musicians or outside instrumental contributions – it’s purely the five members of Pearl Jam delivering the track. This unity is reflected in the songwriting credit often being attributed collectively. One source distills the writing credit as “Music by Stone Gossard; Lyrics by Eddie Vedder.” (Writing credits statistics for PJ songs : r/pearljam) In practical terms, that means Stone presented the musical idea/riff for “Rats” and Eddie wrote the words and melody over it, with the rest of the band arranging their parts around that framework.

Fan Theories & Trivia

Over the years, “Rats” has accumulated its share of interesting trivia and fan lore, enriching its mystique in Pearl Jam’s catalog. Here are some notable tidbits and theories:

  • Michael Jackson Connection: As discussed, the final line of “Rats” directly quotes Michael Jackson’s song “Ben.” This is a rare instance of Pearl Jam referencing another artist’s lyrics in their own song. Fans have speculated on the intention – some see it as a sly joke, others as a genuine nod to the theme of friendship between man and rat. Pearl Jam has never officially explained the choice, which only fuels fans’ appreciation for the quirk. It’s become a bit of Pearl Jam trivia 101 to know that Eddie Vedder is quoting MJ at the end of “Rats.” New listeners often experience an “aha!” moment when they recognize the line. In fan forums, you’ll even find tongue-in-cheek comments like “Did Eddie really just end a grunge song with a Michael Jackson lyric? Yes, yes he did.” This cross-genre reference endears the song to those who enjoy Pearl Jam’s occasional playful Easter eggs.

  • Softball “Rats vs. Flys” Game: A charming piece of Pearl Jam lore involves a softball game in 1993 between the band (plus crew) and Seattle radio station KISW staff. Pearl Jam named their team “The Rats,” while KISW’s team was “The Flys” (Pearl Jam Vs. Turns 26 — Pearl Jam Community). The game took place right before Vs. came out, and Pearl Jam (The Rats) won, earning them a takeover of KISW’s airwaves for a night. During that radio takeover, Eddie and Jeff spun records and discussed music – it was during this broadcast that Vedder famously ranted with a copy of Time magazine in hand (Pearl Jam Vs. Turns 26 — Pearl Jam Community). The whole “Rats vs. Flys” concept was a fun promotional stunt that cleverly nodded to two Vs. track titles (“Rats” and the unreleased “Flies” – actually, Pearl Jam doesn’t have a song called “Flies,” so the radio team likely chose that name as the natural opponent of rats). This anecdote highlights the band’s sense of humor and shows how “Rats” even influenced extra-musical events in the Vs. era.

  • Misheard Lyrics: Every Pearl Jam song has its mondegreens (misheard lyrics), and “Rats” is no exception. Aside from the aforementioned “Olajuwon’s feet” mishearing for “a larger one’s feet” (Could you help me understand “Rats” lyrics? : r/pearljam), some listeners initially thought Vedder was singing “they don’t see, they don’t see” instead of “they don’t seethe.” The unusual word “seethe” (meaning to boil with anger) isn’t commonly heard in rock songs, so it threw some fans off. Another line that puzzled fans is “Line their holes with the dead ones’ bread.” This figurative lyric led to various interpretations – a few perplexed fans wondered if “bread” meant actual food or money (slang for cash). As discussed in the reddit Q&A, it’s interpreted as hoarding food taken from dead rats, i.e. something rats don’t do (Could you help me understand “Rats” lyrics? : r/pearljam). These mishearings and clarifications have actually increased fans’ engagement with the song, prompting discussions about meaning and language in forums like the Reddit thread “Could you help me understand ‘Rats’ lyrics?” (Could you help me understand “Rats” lyrics? : r/pearljam). Such fan-driven analysis showcases Pearl Jam’s lyrical depth and how even a line about rats can spark debate and discovery.

  • **“Rats” and **Pink Floyd****: Given that another famous rock album, Animals by Pink Floyd (1977), also compares humans to animals (pigs, dogs, sheep) in a critical way, some fans draw a parallel between “Rats” and that concept. While there’s no direct evidence Pearl Jam intended a Pink Floyd reference, it’s an intriguing intertextual nod. Both works categorize human behaviors via animal metaphors. One could whimsically say that if *Animals* had a fourth category, Vedder might have added “rats” to Roger Waters’ trio of pigs/dogs/sheep. This is more a fan observation than a theory, but it situates “Rats” within a rock tradition of using animal allegories for social commentary.

  • Crew Nickname – “The Rat Pack”: During the Vs. era, Pearl Jam’s road crew apparently embraced the “rat” motif. The touring sound company Rat Sound (named coincidentally, not after the song) was supplying PA systems, and crew members were seen wearing Rat Sound t-shirts on stage (drummer Dave Abbruzzese even wore one during MTV Unplugged) (Rat Sound Systems Inc. Home Page). A Rat Sound sticker was included in the album artwork for “Rats” (likely in the CD booklet or as a promo) and was spotted on Stone Gossard’s guitar (Rat Sound Systems Inc. Home Page). All this suggests the band and crew leaned into the “Rats” theme as an inside joke. Fans who read liner notes and saw equipment marked with “RAT” realized these fun connections – for example, a small “Rats” logo hidden in the Vs. liner notes page for the song, which is a collectible bit of trivia.

  • Setlist Teases and Rarity Status: Among hardcore Pearl Jam setlist aficionados, “Rats” is known as one of the semi-rare songs that can complete a fan’s “collection.” There’s a lighthearted theory among fans who attend multiple shows: if you catch “Rats” live, it’s considered a badge of honor. Some even joke about a “white whale” concept, borrowing a term from fan communities to denote elusive songs – for certain fans, “Rats” was a white whale until they finally heard it at a show. Pearl Jam is aware of these desires; in some concerts Ed Vedder has introduced a rarity by saying, “Here’s one we don’t do often,” building anticipation. While he might not have specifically said this for “Rats” on record, the band’s body language often acknowledges when they’re playing a treat. So there’s a playful dynamic between band and fans regarding songs like this.

  • Political Interpretation: On a more serious theory note, some listeners interpret “Rats” as a critique of specific human institutions. One theory suggests the song targets consumerist society or corporate greed – the image of lining one’s hole with another’s bread can be seen as a stab at capitalism’s predatory nature. Another theory posits it’s about the media feeding on tragedy (“drink the blood of their so-called best friend” could allegorize tabloid journalism betraying subjects for a story). These interpretations aren’t mutually exclusive and are not explicitly confirmed, but they show how fans extend the song’s metaphor to various realms of human activity that they feel are being condemned. The broad strokes of the lyrics allow such theorizing, which is a testament to Vedder’s ability to provoke thought without spelling everything out.

  • Humor and Lightness: Despite its grim imagery, fans often note that “Rats” carries a streak of black humor. On Pearl Jam forums, you might see someone quip “Rats, they don’t gossip on Facebook” or other modern updates to the formula as a way of keeping the song relatable and light. The inherent absurdity of claiming moral high ground for rodents isn’t lost on the fanbase, and many embrace the song’s sarcasm. This shared understanding adds to the camaraderie in the Pearl Jam community – knowing when the band is being tongue-in-cheek versus deadly earnest. “Rats” falls somewhere in between, and that nuance is enjoyable for fans to dissect and appreciate with a grin.

In summary, “Rats” has accrued a variety of fan interpretations and trivia nuggets that enrich its place in Pearl Jam lore. From playful softball games and hidden stickers to earnest lyrical analysis and misheard laughs, these layers show that even a deep album track can spark a vibrant mini-culture among listeners. Whether fans see it as a searing social critique or a bit of gallows humor (or both), “Rats” continues to provoke and entertain, which is exactly what great rock songs – even ones about rodents – are meant to do.

Comparative Analysis

When comparing “Rats” to other works, both within Pearl Jam’s discography and in the broader rock genre, several interesting points emerge. Within Pearl Jam’s oeuvre, “Rats” is often contrasted with songs that share its attitude or style. The most direct comparison is to “Animal,” the track that appears two songs earlier on Vs.. Both “Animal” and “Rats” channel a raw aggression and critique group brutality or uncivilized behavior. In fact, thematically, “‘Animal’ sets up a theme that carries through to ‘Rats’… – the notion that people often become worse and less civilized when they’re part of a group,” as one reviewer observed (Fluxblog » Pearl Jam | Vs.). “Animal” is more about a personal rage (“five against one” angst) whereas “Rats” takes a wider societal lens, but both question human savagery. Musically, “Animal” is hard-hitting rock with a 5/4 intro that shifts to 4/4, whereas “Rats” rides a funk-rock groove; yet, both songs utilize chugging riffs and a tight arrangement under 4 minutes, making them punchy statements on the album. It’s as if Pearl Jam approached the theme from two angles: “Animal” letting out a primal scream, and “Rats” employing irony and groove to make a similar point.

Another intra-catalog comparison is with “W.M.A.” (short for “White Male American”) from Vs. as well. “W.M.A.” is slower and percussion-heavy, but it shares with “Rats” a focus on rhythmic experimentation and implicit social commentary. “W.M.A.” addresses racial injustice and police prejudice, which is a different subject, but like “Rats” it lacks a traditional chorus and builds on mantra-like repetition. Both songs also show Pearl Jam incorporating funk/tribal elements – “W.M.A.” with its hand percussion and chanting, “Rats” with its syncopation and bass-centric mix (Vs. | Pearl Jam Wiki | Fandom). These two tracks helped redefine Pearl Jam’s sound on Vs., proving the band was not going to deliver ten “Jeremy” clones but could branch into quasi-funk territory while still retaining their identity.

Comparatively, one might look at “Do the Evolution” (from 1998’s Yield) as a later cousin to “Rats.” “Do the Evolution” is a satirical, up-tempo song that also indicts human behavior (it rails against mankind’s arrogance in the evolutionary chain). While musically it’s more straight-ahead rock, lyrically it covers similar ground – pointing out the dark side of human “progress” with a sarcastic tone. In “Do the Evolution,” Vedder sings “I’m a beast upon the corner… I’m the man, buying stocks on the day of the crash,” which, like “Rats,” highlights greed and violence in humanity. Both songs are biting and somewhat tongue-in-cheek. Interestingly, “Do the Evolution” actually got an animated music video depicting humans as monstrous – something “Rats” conceptually could have had but never did. Listening to both songs back to back, one can trace Pearl Jam’s continued preoccupation with the theme that humans behave like animals or worse. “Rats” might be considered an early blueprint for that kind of Pearl Jam song – using satire to make a point – which “Do the Evolution” later exemplified in a more anthemic way.

In the context of the grunge era and peer bands, “Rats” is relatively unique. Other Seattle bands didn’t often venture into funk grooves with pointed social commentary. Soundgarden had a track called “Drawing Flies” (1991) which is more metaphorical about personal despair, not a direct human/animal comparison despite the title. Alice in Chains used animal imagery in “Them Bones” or “Rooster,” but those were about mortality and a Vietnam War story respectively – not analogous to “Rats” satire. Nirvana rarely anthropomorphized animals in lyrics (aside from maybe “Territorial Pissings” referencing the garden). Pearl Jam’s willingness to do a slinky funk jam about rats set them apart from their grunge peers who leaned more toward sludgy metal or punk influences. In fact, “Rats” aligns more with the alternative rock or funk-rock scene of the early ’90s: one could draw a comparison to Faith No More or Jane’s Addiction, bands who freely mixed funk grooves with rock and had a sense of irony. The Fluxblog reviewer noted “Rats” is “firmly rooted in an alt-funk moment… think Fishbone, RHCP, Faith No More” (Fluxblog » Pearl Jam | Vs.). Indeed, if placed on a mixtape next to Faith No More’s 1992 track “Midlife Crisis” or RHCP’s works, “Rats” wouldn’t feel completely out of place due to its rhythmic approach. However, Pearl Jam’s take is less flamboyant than those bands – it’s a darker, more earnest groove.

Comparatively, another Pearl Jam song worth mentioning is “Bugs” from Vitalogy (1994). “Bugs” is an oddball track where Vedder speaks over an accordion about being overrun by bugs. It’s not a fan favorite musically, but thematically it again touches on discomfort with pests and possibly symbolizing intrusive fans or media. While “Bugs” is more abstract (and often seen as a novelty song), it’s interesting to see Pearl Jam use insects (bugs) and rodents (rats) on consecutive albums as metaphors for their anxieties and critiques. “Bugs” portrays a paranoid scenario of infestation, whereas “Rats” flips perspective to empathize with the vermin. Together, they show the band’s willingness in the mid-’90s to experiment with unconventional themes beyond standard rock tropes.

In a broader rock history perspective, one could compare “Rats” to songs that personify animals to critique humans. For example, Genesis’s 1973 song “The Return of the Giant Hogweed” isn’t about animals but plants, yet it similarly warns of nature biting back at careless humans (an early eco-rock theme). More directly, Oingo Boingo’s “Wild Sex (In the Working Class)” or Devo’s satirical songs come to mind as distant relatives, since they critique societal norms with irony and groove – akin to what Pearl Jam attempted on “Rats.” But those bands had a very different aesthetic (new wave/ska). It’s safe to say “Rats” is a distinctive piece in Pearl Jam’s catalog and the grunge canon, as it marries the era’s raw intensity with a funk rhythm and sardonic narrative rarely heard from their immediate peers.

Finally, in terms of songwriting evolution within Pearl Jam, “Rats” can be contrasted with later socially conscious songs like “Worldwide Suicide” (2006) or “Can’t Deny Me” (2018). Those songs are much more direct and anthemic protests (addressing war and political figures respectively). “Rats,” by contrast, is indirect and artful in its protest – it doesn’t name any issue explicitly, making it more of an allegorical piece. This highlights an evolution: early in their career, Pearl Jam sometimes veiled their commentary in metaphor (partly out of Vedder’s poetic style), whereas later they occasionally opted for blunt clarity. Both approaches have power, but “Rats” stands out for how daring it was to use satire and still make the listener feel the seething frustration beneath it.

In sum, comparatively “Rats” showcases Pearl Jam’s range – aligning them with funk-rock explorations not typical of grunge, thematically complementing other Pearl Jam songs that criticize societal ills, and prefiguring some of the band’s later satirical takes on humanity. It remains a singular composition in their songbook: few other Pearl Jam tracks so thoroughly fuse a stylistic experiment (funk grooves) with such a pointed thematic message. This uniqueness is a big reason “Rats” is often lovingly singled out when discussing Pearl Jam deep cuts, and why it continues to invite comparisons and connections to other works both within and beyond the band’s repertoire.

Sources: Pearl Jam’s Vs. album liner notes and interviews (Vs. (Pearl Jam album) - Wikipedia) (Vs. | Pearl Jam Wiki | Fandom); Reddit fan discussions (Daily Song Discussion #34: Rats : r/pearljam) (Could you help me understand “Rats” lyrics? : r/pearljam); setlist archives (Rats by Pearl Jam Song Statistics | setlist.fm); Fluxblog and ClassicRockReview critiques (Fluxblog » Pearl Jam | Vs.) (Vs. by Pearl Jam – Classic Rock Review); Pearl Jam Twenty era anecdotes (Pearl Jam Vs. Turns 26 — Pearl Jam Community).