Present Tense by Pearl Jam
Written by: Vedder, Mc Cready

Do you see the way that tree bends?
Does it inspire?
Leaning out to catch the sun's rays,
A lesson to be applied,
Are you getting something out of this all-encompassing trip?

You can spend your time alone, redigesting past regrets, oh,
Or you can come to terms and realize,
You're the only one who cannot forgive yourself, oh,
Makes much more sense,
To live in the present tense,

Have you ideas on how this life ends?
Checked your hands and studied the lines?
Have you to believe that the road ascends off into the light?

Seems to me it's getting harder,
To find an approach and a way to live,
Are we getting something out of this all-encompassing trip?

You can spend your time alone redigesting past regrets, oh,
Or you can come to terms and realize,
You're the only one who cannot forgive yourself, oh,
Makes much more sense,
To live in the present tense