Meaning of "Alive" by Pearl Jam

The lyrics of "Alive" delve into themes of identity, familial relationships, and the search for self-worth. The song presents a situation where the protagonist realizes that his perception of his father was completely false. This revelation challenges his sense of identity and raises questions about the authenticity of his own existence. The mother's confession highlights the impact of secrecy within a family, and the emotional toll it takes on all parties involved. By confronting the truth, the son becomes haunted by thoughts of what could have been and what he may have missed out on throughout his childhood. The repeated phrase "I'm still alive" functions as both a declaration and a question. It signals a survivor's mentality, a way of asserting one's continued existence, and serves as a reflection on the value of life itself. The protagonist contemplates whether he deserves to be alive and ponders who holds the answer to this question. This introspective and existential exploration makes "Alive" a poignant examination of the complexities of human existence and the lasting impact of hidden truths within intimate relationships.