a holy stubbornness

As a result of hearing my friend Randy speak last night at The Place, I was really made to think about the idea of standing up for what you think is right even if you believe the odds are against you (and/or you have no real allies)--as he called it, "a holy stubbornness." I put my iPod on shuffle this morning, which I never do, and this beautiful haunting song by Pearl Jam came on. The song is called "Indifference" and it is the closing song on their seminal Vs album. I remember being very moved the lyrics the first time I heard the song and this morning, after listening to Randy last night, it was like hearing the song again for the first time:

I will light the match this morning so I won't be alone.
Watch as she lies silent for soon that will be gone.
Oh, I will stand arms outstretched. Pretend I'm free to roam.
Oh, I will make my way through one more day in hell.

How much difference does it make?

I will hold the candle till it burns up my arm.
Oh, I'll keep taking punches until their will grows tired.
Oh, I will stare the sun down until my eyes go blind.
Hey, I won't change direction and I won't change my mind.

How much difference does it make?
Mmm, how much difference does it make?
How much difference...

I'll swallow poison until I grow immune.
I will scream my lungs out till it fills this room.

How much difference...
How much difference does it make?

I must note that this is one of the finest vocal performances of Ed Vedder's career and the song is really worth a listen.