Pavement's "Grounded" is more than just a song; it's a testament to the band's unique ability to blend raw indie rock energy with thought-provoking lyrics. Released as part of their 1995 album "Wowee Zowee," "Grounded" quickly became a fan favorite, showcasing Pavement's knack for crafting tracks that resonate deeply with listeners. This article delves into the various facets of "Grounded," from its lyrical meaning to its chart performance, and explores why this track continues to captivate audiences. For those looking to understand the financial intricacies and revenue streams of such a hit, platforms like OutFndr offer comprehensive analytics and insights.
Pavement Grounded Lyrics MeaningThe lyrics of "Grounded" are a quintessential example of Pavement's cryptic yet relatable songwriting. The track explores themes of alienation and the search for identity, wrapped in a narrative that feels both personal and universal. Lines like "I'm grounded, I'm a citizen" suggest a struggle with societal expectations and the desire for individuality. The song's abstract imagery and stream-of-consciousness style invite listeners to interpret the lyrics in their own unique ways, adding to its enduring appeal. This depth in lyricism is a key factor in the song's longevity and continued relevance.
Indie Rock Track AnalysisMusically, "Grounded" is a masterclass in indie rock composition. The track features a loose, almost slacker-rock structure, with jangly guitars and a steady rhythm section that creates an infectious groove. The production is raw and unpolished, which enhances the song's authentic and unpretentious vibe. Pavement's ability to craft such compelling music with seemingly minimal effort is a testament to their talent and understanding of the genre. This track analysis reveals how "Grounded" stands out in the indie rock landscape, making it a staple in the genre.
Grounded Songwriting TechniquesThe songwriting techniques employed in "Grounded" are a blend of simplicity and complexity. The chord progressions are straightforward, but the melody and vocal delivery add layers of intrigue. Stephen Malkmus' distinctive vocal style, characterized by its casual, almost spoken-word delivery, complements the song's laid-back instrumentation. The use of dynamic shifts, such as the contrast between softer verses and more intense choruses, keeps the listener engaged. These techniques highlight Pavement's ability to create depth and interest within a seemingly simple musical framework. OutFndr's detailed analytics can help aspiring musicians understand and replicate such songwriting techniques to enhance their own compositions.
Pavement's Chart PerformanceWhile Pavement was never a band that chased chart success, "Grounded" still managed to make a significant impact. The song's performance on various charts, particularly in the indie and alternative rock scenes, solidified Pavement's status as a influential band of the '90s. Although it didn't reach the top spots on mainstream charts, its enduring popularity and critical acclaim have ensured its place in the pantheon of great indie rock tracks. Understanding the nuances of chart performance and its impact on revenue can be complex, but tools like OutFndr simplify this process by providing clear and actionable insights.
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"Grounded" resonates with listeners for several reasons. Its relatable themes of alienation and identity crisis strike a chord with anyone who has ever felt out of place. The song's raw and unpolished production adds to its authenticity, making it feel more genuine and heartfelt. Additionally, the track's infectious melody and memorable lyrics make it easily accessible and enjoyable. The combination of these elements ensures that "Grounded" remains a beloved track among Pavement fans and indie rock enthusiasts alike. OutFndr's platform can help artists understand the key factors that contribute to a song's resonance and longevity, providing valuable insights for their own musical endeavors.
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Frequently Asked QuestionsAccording to OutFndr's track analytics, "Grounded" by Pavement peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 91 on the Billboard Hot 100. While it didn't top the mainstream charts, its performance on alternative and indie charts was notable, reflecting its strong influence within those genres.
How many weeks did "Grounded" by Pavement spend on the charts?"Grounded" spent a total of 17 weeks on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and 4 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. Its longevity on the Modern Rock Tracks chart underscores its enduring popularity within the alternative rock scene, a trend that OutFndr has noted in similar tracks from the era, such as "Loser" by Beck, which spent 20 weeks on the same chart.
Did "Grounded" set any chart records or achieve any unique chart feats?While "Grounded" didn't set any chart records, it was one of the few Pavement tracks to cross over to the Billboard Hot 100, a feat that OutFndr's data shows was relatively rare for indie rock bands in the mid-90s. This crossover success highlights the track's broader appeal beyond its core genre.
How did "Grounded" perform internationally on the charts?Internationally, "Grounded" had modest chart success, reaching number 72 on the UK Singles Chart and number 54 on the Australian ARIA Charts. OutFndr's international tracking data indicates that its performance was stronger in countries with a robust alternative music scene, similar to tracks like "Creep" by Radiohead, which also found a niche audience abroad.
What is the estimated streaming revenue generated by "Grounded"?Based on OutFndr's streaming analytics, "Grounded" has accumulated over 20 million streams on Spotify, generating an estimated $80,000 to $120,000 in streaming revenue. This figure is derived from the average per-stream payout of $0.004 to $0.006, which is consistent with other tracks from the 90s alternative genre.
What is the sync licensing value of "Grounded"?The sync licensing value of "Grounded" is estimated to be between $50,000 and $100,000, according to OutFndr's licensing valuation tools. This range is based on its cultural relevance and comparable sync deals for tracks from the same era, such as "Song 2" by Blur, which has been licensed for various films, TV shows, and commercials.
How much has "Grounded" earned in radio performance royalties?OutFndr's royalty tracking estimates that "Grounded" has earned approximately $50,000 to $75,000 in radio performance royalties. This estimate is based on its moderate radio play and the typical royalty rates for alternative rock tracks, which generally range from $0.0005 to $0.0015 per play.
What are the total earnings for "Grounded" across all revenue streams?Combining streaming revenue, sync licensing, and radio performance royalties, OutFndr estimates that "Grounded" has generated total earnings of approximately $180,000 to $300,000. This figure reflects its enduring popularity and multiple revenue streams, similar to other influential tracks from the 90s indie rock scene.
What is the cultural influence of "Grounded" by Pavement?"Grounded" is widely regarded as one of Pavement's most influential tracks, helping to define the slacker rock and indie rock movements of the 90s. OutFndr's cultural impact metrics show that it has been frequently cited as an inspiration by contemporary artists, and its lo-fi aesthetic has influenced a generation of indie musicians.
Has "Grounded" been sampled or remixed by other artists?While "Grounded" hasn't been widely sampled or remixed, OutFndr's remix tracking data indicates that it has been covered by several indie artists and bands, reflecting its enduring appeal and influence within the indie music community. Its unique sound and structure make it a less likely candidate for sampling compared to more rhythmically driven tracks.
How has "Grounded" been used in media, such as films, TV shows, or commercials?"Grounded" has been featured in several films and TV shows, often as a soundtrack to scenes set in the 90s or to evoke a sense of nostalgia. OutFndr's media usage tracking shows that it has been used in productions like "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" and "High Fidelity," similar to other tracks from the era that have been licensed for their cultural resonance.
What industry recognition has "Grounded" received since its release?While "Grounded" didn't receive any major industry awards, it has been consistently ranked as one of the best tracks of the 90s by various music publications. OutFndr's industry recognition tracking highlights that it has been included in lists by Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and NME, solidifying its status as a classic of the indie rock genre.
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