Why did Pearl Jam write last kiss?

Pearl Jam's "Last Kiss" is a cover of a song originally written by Wayne Cochran in 1961. The band decided to record it as a tribute to the emotional weight of love and loss, telling the story of a tragic car accident from the perspective of a young couple. The song's themes resonate with feelings of nostalgia and heartache, which align with Pearl Jam's broader lyrical explorations. Released in 1999, it also served to raise funds for the victims of the war in Kosovo.