Pearl Jam - Daughter

“Daughter” by Pearl Jam was released in 1993 and is a poignant song that addresses themes of childhood struggles and the impact of parental relationships. The lyrics convey a sense of empathy and understanding for a young girl facing difficulties, often interpreted as touching on issues like neglect and emotional pain. The song’s haunting melody and Eddie Vedder’s powerful vocals enhance its emotional weight. It’s a fan favorite and highlights the band’s ability to blend personal storytelling with broader social commentary.

Eddie Vedder said about the song "Daughter":

"The child in that song obviously has a learning difficulty, and it's only in the last few years that they've actually been able to diagnose these learning disabilities, that before were looked at as misbehavior; as just outright rebelliousness, but no one knew what it was. These kids, because they seemed unable or reluctant to learn, they'd end up getting the shit beaten outta them. The song ends, you know, with this idea of the shades going down—so that the neighbors can't see what happens next. What hurts about shit like that is that it ends up defining people's lives. They have to live with that abuse for the rest of their lives. Good, creative people are just fucking destroyed."

Pearl Jam - Daughter Lyrics

Alone, listless
Breakfast table in an otherwise empty room
Young girl, violence
Center of her own attention
The mother reads aloud, child tries to understand it
Tries to make her proud
The shades go down, it's in her head
Painted room, can't deny there's something wrong

Don't call me daughter, not fit to
The picture kept will remind me
Don't call me daughter, not fit to
The picture kept will remind me
Don't call me

She holds the hand that holds her down
She will rise above, ooh, ooh

Don't call me daughter, not fit to
The picture kept will remind me
Don't call me daughter, not fit to
The picture kept will remind me
Don't call me daughter, not fit to
The picture kept will remind me
Don't call me daughter, not fit to
The picture kept will remind me
Don't call me

The shades go down
The shades go down
The shades go, go
Go