Do The Evolution

Pearl Jam's 'Do The Evolution' is a song that takes a critical and satirical look at human progress and the concept of evolution. The lyrics, delivered with a mix of irony and intensity, suggest a reflection on the human condition and the consequences of our actions. The song's protagonist boasts about human achievements and dominance over nature, but there's an underlying critique of the arrogance and destructive tendencies that often accompany these advancements.

The song opens with a declaration of being 'ahead' and 'a man,' immediately setting a tone of superiority. The mention of being the 'first mammal to wear pants' is a humorous way to highlight human evolution but also pokes fun at the idea that such progress is inherently good or meaningful. The protagonist's peace with personal lust and the ability to kill under the guise of religious trust further illustrates the hypocrisy and moral ambiguity that can come with human 'progress.'

As the song progresses, it touches on themes of greed, environmental destruction, and cultural imperialism. The line 'Buying stocks on the day of the crash' points to a reckless pursuit of wealth, while 'flatten 'em out' suggests a disregard for the natural world. The protagonist's claim over the land and irresponsible freedom reflects a colonial mindset. The song's chorus, 'It's evolution, baby,' is delivered with a sense of both celebration and condemnation, implying that while evolution has brought us far, it has also led to a host of problems that are self-inflicted and potentially catastrophic, as hinted by the reference to 2010 and the world going to fire.