The song coursed along a frantic drum beat, made all the more searing by Mike McCready’s forceful guitar riffs. 11 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. It was made available to the general public two days later and would eventually climb to No. The track was initially released on March 10 as an exclusive download for members of Pearl Jam’s Ten Club. Like many Americans, Pearl Jam were angered by these societal shifts and responded with a standalone single, 'Can't Deny Me.' For the artwork, the band used an image of a young female protestor that was created by bassist Jeff Ament alongside videographer Kevin Shuss. Some, such as the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Va, even erupted in violence. Protests from both sides of the political aisle garnered headlines across the country. America soon felt like a country divided. His administration quickly became known for controversial decision-making, much to the ire of the nation’s liberal-leaning sector. Trump would win the presidency several months later. “Fuck Donald Trump,” Vedder sang during a performance a New York’s Madison Square Garden, changing the lyrics to Pearl Jam’s 1998 track “Wishlist.” “It’s like his penis gets smaller every time he says ‘huge.'”

In a concert prior to the 2016 election, the singer openly insulted the then-Republican nominee. Frontman Eddie Vedder had made his feelings on Trump known long before the former reality star was elected president.

Protest songs by pearl jam