4/20/02
Pearl Jam Lyrics

Using, using, using
The using takes toll
Isolation

Lonesome friend, we all knew
Always hoped you'd pull through

No blame, no blame
No blame, it could be you
Using, you can't grow old using

So sing just like him, fuckers
It won't offend him

Just me
Because he's dead

The song 4/20/02 by Pearl Jam is a tribute to Layne Staley, the lead singer of Alice in Chains who passed away due to a drug overdose in the year 2002. The first stanza of the song seems to be directed towards those who are trying to imitate Layne's singing style, and encourages them to sing even more like him now that he's dead. It's almost as if the singer is sarcastically stating that now it won't offend Layne since he's no longer alive. However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that there is a personal connection between the singer and the subject of the song, as they speak about the toll of drug use and how isolation from loved ones is a common result. The singer remembers Layne as a "lonesome friend" who was always hoped to pull through but unfortunately lost his battle.

The line "Using, you can't grow old using" seems to be a warning to others who may be using drugs, that it's not a sustainable lifestyle, and eventually the choices they make will catch up to them. The final refrain of "So sing just like him, fuckers, it won't offend him. Just me. Because he's dead" is the most emotionally charged moment in the song. The rawness and honesty of the lyrics remind us of the tragic waste of talent that was Layne Staley, and the pain and loss felt by those who knew and loved him.

So all you fools
Addressing those who idolized the deceased

Who sing just like him
Those who mimic the deceased's singing style

Feel free to do so now
Encouraging those to continue imitating the deceased now that he's gone

Cuz he's dead
A reminder that the person they're emulating is no longer alive

Using, using, using
Referring to drug use by the deceased and others

The using takes toll
Drug use has negative effects on a person

Isolation
The deceased was isolated from others due to addiction

Just so happy to be one
The deceased was content with being alone while using drugs

Sad to, sad to think
Reflecting on the tragedy of the situation

Sad to think of him more
It's sad to contemplate the deceased's life and death

Lonesome friend, we all knew
Describing the deceased's situation and relationships

Always hoped you'd pull through
Wishing the deceased would recover from addiction

No blame, no blame
Not blaming anyone for the deceased's tragic outcome

No blame, it could be you
A cautionary reminder that anyone could fall victim to addiction

Using, you can't grow old using
Stating that drug use leads to a shortened life span

So sing just like him, fuckers
A sarcastic invitation for others to continue singing like the deceased

It won't offend him
A prediction that the deceased wouldn't care about someone imitating him

Just me
It's the singer who takes offense to the imitation

Because he's dead
Reiterating that the person they're imitating is no longer living

Contributed by Charlie W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

ncG1vNJzZmirn6O2pLTIrapnm5%2BifLe1w56maIiVlr%2Btq6mapGhsVWV%2Bc3yEaWhpag%3D%3D