Meaning of "Off He Goes" by Pearl Jam

The song "Off He Goes" explores the concept of a person who is constantly on the move and struggles to find peace or stability in their life. The lyrics describe the man's face as pulled and tense, indicating the stress he carries. The imagery of riding a motorbike in strong winds symbolizes the difficulty he faces as he navigates through the challenges life throws at him. The narrator tries to approach him with tact and suggests he should relax, perhaps indicating a close friendship or relationship with the man.

The lyrics also mention the man's unkempt clothes, suggesting that while he may appear put together on the outside, internally he may be struggling. The line "It's like his thoughts are too big for his size" implies that the man's mind is overwhelmed with thoughts and emotions that he struggles to handle. He has taken on too much in life, possibly in terms of responsibilities or expectations, and it has started to impact his well-being.

The song explores the narrator's feelings of concern and curiosity about the man's internal state. They wonder about his insides and how he truly feels beneath the surface. The line "I've seen his picture, it doesn't look the same up on the rack" suggests that the image the man presents to the world does not accurately reflect his true self.

When the man finally returns home, the narrator realizes that their preconceptions of him were wrong. He is still smiling and strong, indicating resilience and a capacity to overcome challenges. However, the surrounding "bullshit" has grown, likely referring to the external pressures and expectations that have built up during his absence.

Despite the brief moment of relief and laughter shared between the narrator and the man, the strain and distraction return before he even takes his first step. This suggests that the cycle of constant movement and internal struggle will continue. The song ends with the realization that he will once again be off, suggesting that he may never find the peace or stability he seeks.