Discover the story of the song > Dissident – Pearl Jam

The song is about a man (the protagonist) who stayed overnight with his partner (she), but he wasn't sure if she wanted him to stay. Eventually, she became upset and sold him out to the government. The chorus repeats that a "dissident" (someone who opposes the government) is present and that escape is never the safest option. The song ends with the repetition of the chorus and the idea that the dissident is still present.