present tense

I recently made a trip to San Francisco to visit an old friend and see Pearl Jam in concert. Needless to say, the show was an incredible experience, as expected. What moved me the most was the touching performance of a song called Present Tense. The song was originally recorded on the oft-forgotten, ten year old album 'No Code' which was wedged between the opus 'Vitalogy' and the artistic renewal that was 'Yield.'

I find the album 'No Code' to be the bands greatest reflection on the inner workings of the soul. While Present Tense is one of the albums lesser known tracks, it demonstrates a fundamental characteristic of humanity and has always meant a great deal to me personally. With that in mind, I give you the masterpiece that is,

Present Tense, by Pearl Jam

Do you see the way that tree bends? does it inspire?

Leaning out to catch the sun's rays, a lesson to be applied

Are you getting something out of this all encompassing trip?

You can spend your time alone, redigesting past regrets, oh, or you can come to terms and realize you're the only one who can't forgive yourself, oh

Makes much more sense, to live...in the present tense.

Have you ideas on how this life ends? checked your hands and studied the lines.

Have you the belief that the road ahead ascends off into the light?

Seems that needlessly it's getting harder, to find an approach and a way to live

Are we getting something out of this all-encompassing trip?

You can spend your time alone re-digesting past regrets, oh, or you can come to terms and realize you're the only one who cannot forgive yourself, oh

Makes much more sense, to live in the present tense.