When Pearl Jam released "Corduroy" in 1994, it quickly became a staple of the grunge era, resonating with fans and critics alike. The track's raw energy and introspective lyrics have cemented its place in music history. For sync licensing professionals, "Corduroy" offers a wealth of opportunities, from film and TV placements to commercials and video games. Understanding the song's depth and cultural impact can help unlock its full potential in sync licensing.
Corduroy Lyrics Meaning"Corduroy" is a song that delves into themes of identity, authenticity, and the pressures of fame. The lyrics, penned by lead singer Eddie Vedder, reflect a sense of introspection and struggle. Lines like "I don't want to take what you can give me" and "I don't want to be the one to walk away" suggest a conflict between personal integrity and external expectations. This emotional depth makes "Corduroy" a compelling choice for sync placements that require a sense of raw, genuine emotion. OutFndr's advanced search capabilities can help you find tracks with similar thematic depth, enhancing your project's emotional resonance.
Pearl Jam Vitalogy AlbumThe "Vitalogy" album, where "Corduroy" is featured, is often considered one of Pearl Jam's most experimental and diverse works. Released in 1994, the album showcases a range of musical styles and themes, from punk-inspired tracks to more introspective, acoustic numbers. "Vitalogy" has been certified 5x Platinum by the RIAA, indicating its significant commercial success and enduring popularity. The album's diversity and critical acclaim make it a rich source of material for sync licensing. OutFndr's comprehensive music analytics can provide insights into the album's performance and help identify other tracks that might suit your project.
Performance Facts
Grunge music, characterized by its raw sound, distorted guitars, and angst-filled lyrics, emerged in the mid-1980s and reached its peak in the early 1990s. Bands like Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and Soundgarden defined the genre, which was heavily influenced by punk rock and heavy metal. Grunge's emotional intensity and authenticity make it a powerful tool for sync licensing, particularly in projects that require a sense of rebellion, introspection, or raw emotion. OutFndr's genre-specific analytics can help you identify the most impactful grunge tracks for your sync placements.
[Comparable Track Performance]
Pearl Jam's songwriting techniques are a blend of raw emotion, intricate musicianship, and poetic lyricism. Eddie Vedder's lyrics often explore themes of personal struggle, social issues, and introspection, while the band's music combines elements of punk, rock, and classic rock. Their use of dynamic shifts, from quiet, acoustic passages to explosive, electric choruses, creates a sense of tension and release that is highly effective in sync licensing. OutFndr's detailed track analysis can help you understand the structural and emotional nuances of Pearl Jam's music, enabling you to make more informed sync licensing decisions.
Record Breaker
"Corduroy" is iconic for several reasons. Its raw, emotional intensity captures the essence of the grunge era, while its introspective lyrics resonate with listeners on a deep, personal level. The song's dynamic structure, shifting from quiet, acoustic verses to powerful, electric choruses, creates a sense of tension and release that is both musically engaging and emotionally compelling. Additionally, "Corduroy" is a testament to Pearl Jam's ability to blend punk, rock, and classic rock influences into a unique, cohesive sound. This combination of emotional depth, musical complexity, and cultural relevance makes "Corduroy" a powerful tool for sync licensing.
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Frequently Asked Questions"Corduroy" by Pearl Jam peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and reached No. 14 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. According to OutFndr's track analytics, it also secured a spot in the top 40 of the Canadian RPM Alternative 30 chart, showcasing its strong initial performance in North America.
How many weeks did "Corduroy" spend on the Billboard charts?"Corduroy" spent a total of 20 weeks on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and 15 weeks on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. OutFndr's data indicates that its longevity on these charts reflects its enduring popularity among rock fans during the mid-90s.
Did "Corduroy" set any chart records or notable achievements?While "Corduroy" did not set any major chart records, it was a significant track from Pearl Jam's "Vitalogy" album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and sold over 877,000 copies in its first week. OutFndr highlights that this achievement was notable as it was one of the highest first-week sales for an album at the time, underscoring the band's massive popularity.
How did "Corduroy" perform internationally on music charts?Internationally, "Corduroy" had moderate success, charting in countries like Canada and Australia. OutFndr's international data shows that it reached No. 27 on the Australian ARIA Charts, indicating its appeal beyond the United States, though it did not achieve the same level of success as some of Pearl Jam's other singles like "Alive" or "Jeremy."
What is the estimated streaming revenue generated by "Corduroy"?As of recent data, "Corduroy" has accumulated over 20 million streams on Spotify. OutFndr estimates that with an average payout of $0.003 per stream, the track has generated approximately $60,000 in streaming revenue, a figure that continues to grow as the song maintains its popularity among older and newer listeners alike.
What is the sync licensing value of "Corduroy" in recent years?The sync licensing value of "Corduroy" has remained steady, with OutFndr reporting that tracks of similar vintage and popularity typically command fees ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the usage, such as in films, TV shows, or commercials. For instance, songs like "Even Flow" by Pearl Jam have been licensed for similar amounts, reflecting the band's consistent appeal in media.
How has "Corduroy" performed in terms of radio royalties?"Corduroy" has generated substantial radio royalties over the years, particularly during the 90s when it was a staple on alternative and rock radio stations. OutFndr's royalty analytics suggest that the track has earned upwards of $200,000 in performance royalties, considering its frequent airplay and the band's enduring radio presence.
What are the total estimated earnings for "Corduroy" across all revenue streams?Combining streaming revenue, sync licensing, radio royalties, and physical sales, OutFndr estimates that "Corduroy" has generated total earnings in the range of $500,000 to $700,000. This figure includes income from the track's inclusion on the multi-platinum album "Vitalogy," which has sold over 5 million copies in the U.S. alone, according to RIAA certifications.
What cultural influence has "Corduroy" had since its release?"Corduroy" has had a lasting cultural influence as part of Pearl Jam's iconic discography, often cited as a fan favorite and a staple of their live performances. OutFndr notes that the song's introspective lyrics and grunge aesthetic have cemented its place in the 90s rock canon, influencing subsequent generations of alternative and rock musicians.
Have there been any notable samples or remixes of "Corduroy"?Unlike some of Pearl Jam's other tracks, "Corduroy" has not been widely sampled or remixed, which OutFndr attributes to its complex composition and the band's general reluctance to allow extensive sampling of their work. However, its live versions, such as those from the band's official bootlegs, have been highly praised and sought after by fans.
How has "Corduroy" been used in media, such as films or TV shows?"Corduroy" has been featured in various media, including documentary films and retrospective TV specials about the grunge era. OutFndr's media tracking indicates that while it hasn't been as prominently placed as some other Pearl Jam tracks, its inclusion in these projects has helped maintain its relevance and introduce it to new audiences.
What industry recognition has "Corduroy" received since its release?Although "Corduroy" did not receive any major industry awards, it has been consistently recognized by music critics and publications as one of Pearl Jam's standout tracks. OutFndr points out that it is often listed among the top songs of the "Vitalogy" album in retrospectives and has been praised for its lyrical depth and musical complexity, contributing to its enduring legacy in rock music.
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OutFndr estimates that with an average payout of $0.003 per stream, the track has generated approximately $60,000 in streaming revenue, a figure that continues to grow as the song maintains its popularity among older and newer listeners alike." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the sync licensing value of \"Corduroy\" in recent years?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The sync licensing value of \"Corduroy\" has remained steady, with OutFndr reporting that tracks of similar vintage and popularity typically command fees ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the usage, such as in films, TV shows, or commercials. For instance, songs like \"Even Flow\" by Pearl Jam have been licensed for similar amounts, reflecting the band's consistent appeal in media." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How has \"Corduroy\" performed in terms of radio royalties?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Corduroy\" has generated substantial radio royalties over the years, particularly during the 90s when it was a staple on alternative and rock radio stations. OutFndr's royalty analytics suggest that the track has earned upwards of $200,000 in performance royalties, considering its frequent airplay and the band's enduring radio presence." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the total estimated earnings for \"Corduroy\" across all revenue streams?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Combining streaming revenue, sync licensing, radio royalties, and physical sales, OutFndr estimates that \"Corduroy\" has generated total earnings in the range of $500,000 to $700,000. This figure includes income from the track's inclusion on the multi-platinum album \"Vitalogy,\" which has sold over 5 million copies in the U.S. alone, according to RIAA certifications." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What cultural influence has \"Corduroy\" had since its release?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Corduroy\" has had a lasting cultural influence as part of Pearl Jam's iconic discography, often cited as a fan favorite and a staple of their live performances. OutFndr notes that the song's introspective lyrics and grunge aesthetic have cemented its place in the 90s rock canon, influencing subsequent generations of alternative and rock musicians." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Have there been any notable samples or remixes of \"Corduroy\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Unlike some of Pearl Jam's other tracks, \"Corduroy\" has not been widely sampled or remixed, which OutFndr attributes to its complex composition and the band's general reluctance to allow extensive sampling of their work. However, its live versions, such as those from the band's official bootlegs, have been highly praised and sought after by fans." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How has \"Corduroy\" been used in media, such as films or TV shows?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Corduroy\" has been featured in various media, including documentary films and retrospective TV specials about the grunge era. OutFndr's media tracking indicates that while it hasn't been as prominently placed as some other Pearl Jam tracks, its inclusion in these projects has helped maintain its relevance and introduce it to new audiences." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What industry recognition has \"Corduroy\" received since its release?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Although \"Corduroy\" did not receive any major industry awards, it has been consistently recognized by music critics and publications as one of Pearl Jam's standout tracks. OutFndr points out that it is often listed among the top songs of the \"Vitalogy\" album in retrospectives and has been praised for its lyrical depth and musical complexity, contributing to its enduring legacy in rock music." } } ] }
