Infallible

Pearl Jam's song "Infallible" delves into the human tendency to believe in our own invincibility and the consequences that arise from such hubris. The lyrics paint a picture of a society that continues to build and fortify itself, ignoring the potential disasters that loom on the horizon. The repeated lines "Keep on locking your doors / Keep on building your floors / Keep on just as before" suggest a stubborn adherence to the status quo, despite the clear signs of impending doom. This can be seen as a metaphor for how societies often ignore warning signs and continue on a path of self-destruction, believing themselves to be untouchable.

The chorus, with lines like "Of everything that's possible / In the hearts and minds of men / Somehow it is the biggest things / That keep on slipping / Right through our hands," highlights the irony of human progress. Despite our potential for greatness, we often let the most important opportunities slip away due to our overconfidence. The song suggests that by thinking we are infallible, we are actually tempting fate and setting ourselves up for failure. This is a powerful commentary on the dangers of arrogance and the importance of humility.

The song also touches on the idea of endings and new beginnings. The line "Time we best begin / Here at the ending" implies that it is only when we reach the brink of disaster that we realize the need for change. This can be interpreted as a call to action, urging listeners to recognize their own fallibility and to start making meaningful changes before it's too late. Pearl Jam's "Infallible" serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of human endeavors and the importance of self-awareness and adaptability in the face of inevitable challenges.