In Hiding - Lyrics

Lyrics

Vedder's lyrics for "In Hiding" were inspired by the writings of Charles Bukowski. The writer was known to stay in a room for days at a time without coming out. The lyric page for the song in the album's liner notes features a quote by Bukowski attributed to "Buk" in place of the lyrics for the song. Vedder on the origins of the song:

"In Hiding" is actually written about Bukowski. Sean Penn gave me a quote that Bukowski had said to him once, and it was written directly from that. He told Sean that sometimes he just has to check out for a few days—no people, no nothing. So he goes in hiding, then he gets back and has the will to live once again. Maybe because society takes you down. For all the good things we offer each other, sometimes we beat each other down.

When asked about the song in an interview, Vedder stated it was about "a life fast." Vedder about "In Hiding":

The song was about taking a fast from life, doing anything to get yourself back in touch with something real. Abstinence from anything is cool, because the normalcy of life is deceptive: It's enjoyable for a while, and there are good moments, but sometimes that's not enough. You start questioning what's the point. By not opening my mouth I was able to get into that state. Jack called me at the end of it; he couldn't understand what I was saying. It took a minute to get my speech back.

It has been suggested that the song is written about one of Vedder's experiences with LSD.