| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 18 years ago |
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Out of pure spite and a lackadaisical retort for eliza13: "These lyrics defy logic but they do evoke imagery and then sounds through the music which I supposedly keep as simple as possible in song. Less is more. This simple rule applies to lyrical imagery. The songs are closer to sketches with words or impressionist paintings. They have made different meanings to people and that is what great music or poetry does. There is not a correct analysis as to the meaning of the words and there was none intended. The music in all its simplicity and the abstract thought that represents the lyrical imagery are to evoke comparison and paradox. The music then soars like the spirit." -Kurt Correct lyrics, as written by Kurt Cobain: "Load up on guns, bring your friends it's fun to lose than to pretend" These words refer to people who try so hard to keep an image which is really useless, with the right choices, experiences, opportunities.. anyone could fulfill a certain image. It's an excuse to feed their ego. It'd be just as easy to spray paint 'Kill George Bush' over and over again. Whether that would have an impact on anything or not it doesn't matter, it's still fun to do it. Which is applicable to the line 'It's fun to lose than to pretend'. Though, it is apparent in both sexes, it's more evident in males. "She's overboard and self-assured, oh no, I know a dirty word" I think he may be referring to narcissistic, overenthusiastic girls.. you know, like the conceited cheerleader, for example. The part where he says "dirty word" is an obvious indirect reference to "bitch." The sentence is basically explaining a female that is stuck-up and shallow, attributes of a "bitch." "Hello, hello, hello, how low?" Is anybody there? I'd be nice to rapport with people of your caliber or higher. "With the lights out, it's less dangerous" Interesting metaphor, this is kind of like "Ignorance is Bliss". If you're blind to the truth (with the lights out), then you have less worries. I think this is a very ambiguous line. "Here we are now, entertain us" I've read once in an interview with Kurt (There's a lot of them on the net) he use to say this to break the ice at a party. He might be referring to people constantly averting themselves from being bored. Why would he bring this up? Maybe, if we're made in "Gods Image" we're probably just here to keep god from being bored? j/k Honestly, I'm not sure. Maybe Kurt strayed himself from being amused so that he can intentionally seek boredom. "I feel stupid and contagious" Obvious satire. I know Kurt was a real big fan of William S. Burroughs. I think that's why he wore those bifocals. Burroughs once said, "Language is virus.” I can try and explain this in metaphorical terms... Any information you receive through your senses is a virus, while your brain cells are the host. Words especially, words are very expressive, after all, that is there purpose. Right now you are staring at colored light making silhouettes of what you understand as "letters", but if you didn't know this language, these words would make no sense at all. Kurt new this and exploited it. For example, some of the songs he created, he tried to have sinister ambience musically wise, while he used blissful lyrics, or vise versa. I don't think Kurt ever considered himself "smart", in a lot of his interviews he'd prefer to call himself an "experienced simpleton". In a sense, everyone is ignorant and naive, smart is only in the eye of the beholder. I guess what Kurt considered genius we probably couldn't understand.. here's a quote from an interview... "I don't think genius has anything to do with education and knowledge. It has absolutely nothing to do with intelligence. It is a kind of incommunicable power of creative thought that has nothing to do with traditional learning because it can't be taught. To be taught requires a willingness to learn and a genius' undefined thought process can't follow a logical succession of ideas. That's why poetry, or my lyrics transcend thought. Musical thought, as I know it, creates and defies pattern and logic." - Kurt "A mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido, Yeah!" I think he's talking about the transferring of fluids. Nowadays no one is of one pure race. I think this particular line is a rant against racist. Libido is sexual desire, and can result in a person that is a mixture of all races. "I'm worse at what I do best and for this gift I feel blessed" This line is an appreciation for opinions. Without them, Kurt wouldn't have experienced stardom. While the line may sound like an amphigouri, with further attention, the meaning becomes pretty apparent. Due to our opinions, the line 'I'm worst at what I do best' is valid, and the reason he feels blessed is because it has brought him great fortune. Now, by fortune, I don't mean money. I don't think Kurt valued money much. I mean fortune as in having the opportunity to touch people with his music. "Our little group has always been and always will until the end" This one stumped me. Maybe, it means, since everything you eat your body takes from it and it accumulates to your growth, so in a sense, you were always here, you were just spread around the earth. And even after you die, you don't leave existence, your matter still lies in the form of decadence or ash. It's only your brain that ceases function which ends your so called "reality". Actually, I'm just kidding but you never know, Kurt was a very philosophical person. This interpretation could be right, or not. Although, I liked Chocolate's interpretation for this line on page 22, it's the best I've heard. "And I forget just why I taste, oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile" I forget why I've chose to live out this tedious path (life), oh yeah, "I guess it makes me smile" (metaphor for happiness, maybe?). I think Kurt is questioning life, or questioning question. The only thing that will ever will be valued in your life will be what that organ behind your eyes chooses to find value in. Kurt is trying to find some values I guess, because he burnt out the ones he already had. "I found it hard, it's hard to find, oh well, whatever, never mind" Because most people would just as soon forget or just say 'never mind' than take a can of spray paint or start a band, make up excuses for not starting a band. People just don't do things very often any more. This disturbed Kurt intensely. And finally, a denial... I think this means the thoughts that derive from your instinct or hormones can be overwritten with your mind. Some examples would be people who practice celibacy or suicide as in denying existence. Though, there are many types of denials, even ones you unwittingly act upon. Now as for "Teen Spirit" being the greatest song, it truly is a matter of opinion, you can't argue over two oposing opinions, it's pointless, you'll get nowhere, unless you could convince the other person to agree with your opinion. But, it could be the best song or it can't, it all depends on you. To sum up the meaning of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (Metaphor with a biblical reference) It's about hey brother, especially sister, throw away the fruit and eat all the rind. (Metaphor on provoked diversity) No longer is it taboo forte tattooed to take their generational solidarity and Byrds and Herman's Hermits-loving disgraces we call parents... (What to contrive) Posing as the enemy to infiltrate the mechanics of the system and slowly start its rot from the inside. It's an inside job. It starts with the custodians and the cheerleaders... Or not, most people just listen, your aural sensors can be viewed as a passive receptacle for sensory experience. Don't obsess over words so much, but if you must know the lyrics, find the meaning behind the words, then decide. |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 18 years ago |
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Yeah, Kurt was a janitor at Lemons Janitorial Service, he admits it in an interview. Here's another a book with segments of an interview where he's asked, "What's the meaning of Smells Like Teen Spirit." http://books.google.com/books?id=LuLUMJalA1oC&pg=PA89&lpg=PA89&dq=%22it's+about+hey+brother+especially+sister%22&source=web&ots=EOCy0DM-xP&sig=zKxUZhU-fElVegHr9PSKAbjyQvY#PPA90,M1 Check out the second page. Infernal CKY is right, it's about peoples' apathetic response. "I found it hard, it was hard to find... " What could it have been? Perhaps he found the essence of existence? Oh well, whatever… Never mind |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 18 years ago |
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eliza13, it was something I wrote years ago. My thoughts have completely changed on the song. However, a lot of it actually came from Kurt himself. So, questioning what's "right" might not have any point at all. Why do you favor the lyric "I find it hard, it was hard to find"? If you were paying attention, you'd realize that I did, in fact, have an answer for that one, too. You probably didn't even understand what I typed, since atypical and polysyllabic words are my taste of play. Your decipherment was pretty breif and nowhere near succint, so I truly doubt you thoroughly read my post. The reason I so redundtly post it is probably due to the loads of e-mails I've gotten commenting on my post. I've had many different people who might not have had the chance to see it before and won't search through the hundreds of comments see it when I re-post it. So, "F" all your misdirected hostility. I personally believe there's tons of nescience and aggression floating around here, when we should be opining and combining thoughts, instead of all these condescending trivial posts. I guess it really is more fun to lose, than to pretend. I wonder what an omniscient pastime would be. |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 19 years ago |
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Here's an exegesis I originally typed out on page 22, or somewhere in approximation to that page. It's an exegesis I wrote from what I've absorbed through everyone's posts here at this thread and other sources on the net, the journals, thoughts I've gained from watching just about every recorded live Nirvana concert out there to download, and of course, above all, all the interviews Kurt was involved in either by himself, with his band, or his wife. In my recent post, I started it off with a quote from Kurt Cobain taken from an interview that you can probably find on the net titled "Fixing a Hole" by Bradley Barnett. You could probably type "Cobsain," since the typo on that page will help you search it with the most celerity on Google's search engine… "These lyrics defy logic but they do evoke imagery and then sounds through the music which I supposedly keep as simple as possible in song. Less is more. This simple rule applies to lyrical imagery. The songs are closer to sketches with words or impressionist paintings. They have made different meanings to people and that is what great music or poetry does. There is not a correct analysis as to the meaning of the words and there was none intended. The music in all its simplicity and the abstract thought that represents the lyrical imagery are to evoke comparison and paradox. The music then soars like the spirit." -Kurt Correct lyrics, as written by Kurt Cobain: "Load up on guns, bring your friends it's fun to lose than to pretend" These words refer to people who try so hard to keep an image which is really useless, with the right choices, experiences, opportunities.. anyone could fulfill a certain image. It's an excuse to feed their ego. It'd be just as easy to spray paint 'Kill George Bush' over and over again. Whether that would have an impact on anything or not it doesn't matter, it's still fun to do it. Which is applicable to the line 'It's fun to lose than to pretend'. Though, it is apparent in both sexes, it's more evident in males. "She's overboard and self-assured, oh no, I know a dirty word" I think he may be referring to narcissistic, overenthusiastic girls.. you know, like the conceited cheerleader, for example. The part where he says "dirty word" is an obvious indirect reference to "bitch." The sentence is basically explaining a female that is stuck-up and shallow, attributes of a "bitch." "Hello, hello, hello, how low?" Is anybody there? I'd be nice to rapport with people of your caliber or higher. "With the lights out, it's less dangerous" Interesting metaphor, this is kind of like "Ignorance is Bliss". If you're blind to the truth (with the lights out), then you have less worries. I think this is a very ambiguous line. "Here we are now, entertain us" I've read once in an interview with Kurt (There's a lot of them on the net) he use to say this to break the ice at a party. He might be referring to people constantly averting themselves from being bored. Why would he bring this up? Maybe, if we're made in "Gods Image" we're probably just here to keep god from being bored? j/k Honestly, I'm not sure. Maybe Kurt strayed himself from being amused so that he can intentionally seek boredom. "I feel stupid and contagious" Obvious satire. I know Kurt was a real big fan of William S. Burroughs. I think that's why he wore those bifocals. Burroughs once said, "Language is virus.” I can try and explain this in metaphorical terms... Any information you receive through your senses is a virus, while your brain cells are the host. Words especially, words are very expressive, after all, that is there purpose. Right now you are staring at colored light making silhouettes of what you understand as "letters", but if you didn't know this language, these words would make no sense at all. Kurt new this and exploited it. For example, some of the songs he created, he tried to have sinister ambience musically wise, while he used blissful lyrics, or vise versa. I don't think Kurt ever considered himself "smart", in a lot of his interviews he'd prefer to call himself an "experienced simpleton". In a sense, everyone is ignorant and naive, smart is only in the eye of the beholder. I guess what Kurt considered genius we probably couldn't understand.. here's a quote from an interview... "I don't think genius has anything to do with education and knowledge. It has absolutely nothing to do with intelligence. It is a kind of incommunicable power of creative thought that has nothing to do with traditional learning because it can't be taught. To be taught requires a willingness to learn and a genius' undefined thought process can't follow a logical succession of ideas. That's why poetry, or my lyrics transcend thought. Musical thought, as I know it, creates and defies pattern and logic." - Kurt "A mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido, Yeah!" I think he's talking about the transferring of fluids. Nowadays no one is of one pure race. I think this particular line is a rant against racist. Libido is sexual desire, and can result in a person that is a mixture of all races. "I'm worse at what I do best and for this gift I feel blessed" This line is an appreciation for opinions. Without them, Kurt wouldn't have experienced stardom. While the line may sound like an amphigouri, with further attention, the meaning becomes pretty apparent. Due to our opinions, the line 'I'm worst at what I do best' is valid, and the reason he feels blessed is because it has brought him great fortune. Now, by fortune, I don't mean money. I don't think Kurt valued money much. I mean fortune as in having the opportunity to touch people with his music. "Our little group has always been and always will until the end" This one stumped me. Maybe, it means, since everything you eat your body takes from it and it accumulates to your growth, so in a sense, you were always here, you were just spread around the earth. And even after you die, you don't leave existence, your matter still lies in the form of decadence or ash. It's only your brain that ceases function which ends your so called "reality". Actually, I'm just kidding but you never know, Kurt was a very philosophical person. This interpretation could be right, or not. Although, I liked Chocolate's interpretation for this line on page 22, it's the best I've heard. "And I forget just why I taste, oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile" I forget why I've chose to live out this tedious path (life), oh yeah, "I guess it makes me smile" (metaphor for happiness, maybe?). I think Kurt is questioning life, or questioning question. The only thing that will ever will be valued in your life will be what that organ behind your eyes chooses to find value in. Kurt is trying to find some values I guess, because he burnt out the ones he already had. "I found it hard, it's hard to find, oh well, whatever, never mind" Because most people would just as soon forget or just say 'never mind' than take a can of spray paint or start a band, make up excuses for not starting a band. People just don't do things very often any more. This disturbed Kurt intensely. And finally, a denial... I think this means the thoughts that derive from your instinct or hormones can be overwritten with your mind. Some examples would be people who practice celibacy or suicide as in denying existence. Though, there are many types of denials, even ones you unwittingly act upon. Now as for "Teen Spirit" being the greatest song, it truly is a matter of opinion, you can't argue over two oposing opinions, it's pointless, you'll get nowhere, unless you could convince the other person to agree with your opinion. But, it could be the best song or it can't, it all depends on you. To sum up the meaning of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (Metaphor with a biblical reference) It's about hey brother, especially sister, throw away the fruit and eat all the rind. (Metaphor on provoked diversity) No longer is it taboo forte tattooed to take their generational solidarity and Byrds and Herman's Hermits-loving disgraces we call parents... (What to contrive) Posing as the enemy to infiltrate the mechanics of the system and slowly start its rot from the inside. It's an inside job. It starts with the custodians and the cheerleaders... Or not, most people just listen, your aural sensors can be viewed as a passive receptacle for sensory experience. Don't obsess over words so much, but if you must know the lyrics, find the meaning behind the words, then decide. |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 19 years ago |
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silversun rapture, I don't think Kurt's complaint geared toward his level of fame, neither did him performing the coup de grâce on himself. I don't know how far back you've pulled on posts. You should try going back to page thirty, ready kafei's first post on that page. You might find a whole different scenario or perspective there. Suicidal Dream, I'm a Tool fan, I wasn't trying to borrow lyrics to insult someone. I was merely attempting to pry open a mind. |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 19 years ago |
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Grungehead217, I've got some advice for you little buddy, before you go around pointing your finger in any direction in your utmost presumptuous manner. I've a post to make your statement of "amphigouri" paradoxical, read an exegesis I wrote for this song on page 30, before you go ranting and raving your finger at everyone but yourself. |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 19 years ago |
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karma sutured (comment from page 34) , This is a very tardy response, but oh well… I'm aware of the interview you're speaking of, I own the "Live Tonight! Sold Out" video on VHS. I remember when Kurt says "Music is first, lyrics are secondary." I have those demos that you speak of, and just about every recording available. While you may have thought that there's no similarity from demo to album version, you might be surprised. He used metaphors even during the first recordings, so it would be hard to tell if there were in fact similarities between demo to final version. The technique of humming over the riffs, then later filling those hums with lyrics derived from watching The Melvins' practice sessions (Kurt witnessed many). The music should always come first. If the words were so important, you know,and the music wasn't; people would be doing sold-out spoken word tours, and music would be secondary, but they're not. The music is what carries all the emotion, the words just kind of define where the emotion is going. Kurt would try to create a blissful ambience with his acoustic while singing lyrics with a dysphoric tone or vice versa. Having read almost all the interviews, watching most recorded concerts, his Journals, and just about any other perspective I can get my hands on, I really do think there is something more than amphigouri behind most of his songs. Have you read that exegesis I wrote on page 30 within this thread? Maybe you can get a better idea through that. |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 19 years ago |
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No Code 79: No, it's not my favorite song. It's just the most popular among "the masses." I knew I could get more people to read my interpretation if I did an exegesis for this song. I wanted to do other songs, but I knew most people would read this one. I did one for "Aero Zeppelin," too. Some of my favorites are Pen Chap Chew, If You Must, Downer, Blandest, Dough Ray Me, Paper Cuts, Hairspray Queen, Tourette's, Lounge Act, Sappy, Formaldehyde, Beeswax, Blew, Scoff, Paper Cuts, Floyd the Barber, I Hate Myself and Want to Die, Even in his Youth, and the live (electric) guitar version of Where Did You Sleep Last Night… to name a few. It just (sort of) bothers me that most people refer to Nirvana as some sort of "poser's band" since they've been commercialized so much. Then those people decide to dismiss Nirvana from their WinAmp playlist. It's (kind of) disturbing to think that everyone assumes that Kurt's lyrics mean absolutely nothing, that they're just amphigouri. These people are simple-minded and don't dwell too much thought on any of his songs. But, hey, who cares, right? I mean, most people just listen just to listen. Synesthesia could be a really creative thing. |
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| Taking Back Sunday – Error Operator (Louder Now version) Lyrics | 19 years ago |
| Thou shalt not regret! Fuck this song. | |
| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 19 years ago |
| penrhyn, most people who don't pour any thought into the lyricism usually do end up thinking they're superficial or even amphigouri. Read the last post on page 32 and you'll know what I mean. | |
| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 19 years ago |
| CupCake0711, why not bother reading the first post on page 33? I wrote an exegesis for "Smells Like Teen Spirit" there. | |
| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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kc4ever, your vent is a conveyance of your nescience. Most people who don't think will call Kurt's lyrics amphigouri, I bet you didn't bother reading the first post on this page, right? guybrows, nice interpretation, wrong song. Try Slayer's "Necrophiiliac." |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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"These lyrics defy logic but they do evoke imagery and then sounds through the music which I supposedly keep as simple as possible in song. Less is more. This simple rule applies to lyrical imagery. The songs are closer to sketches with words or impressionist paintings. They have made different meanings to people and that is what great music or poetry does. There is not a correct analysis as to the meaning of the words and there was none intended. The music in all its simplicity and the abstract thought that represents the lyrical imagery are to evoke comparison and paradox. The music then soars like the spirit." -Kurt Correct lyrics, as written by Kurt Cobain: "Load up on guns, bring your friends it's fun to lose than to pretend" These words refer to people who try so hard to keep an image which is really useless, with the right choices, experiences, opportunities.. anyone could fulfill a certain image. It's an excuse to feed their ego. It'd be just as easy to spray paint 'Kill George Bush' over and over again. Whether that would have an impact on anything or not it doesn't matter, it's still fun to do it. Which is applicable to the line 'It's fun to lose than to pretend'. Though, it is apparent in both sexes, it's more evident in males. "She's overboard and self-assured, oh no, I know a dirty word" I think he may be referring to narcissistic, overenthusiastic girls.. you know, like the stuck up cheerleader for ex. The part where he says 'dirty word' is an obvious indirect reference to 'bitch'. The sentence is basically explaining a female that is stuck up and close-minded.. attributes of a bitch. "Hello, hello, hello, how low?" Is anybody there? I'd be nice to rapport with people of your caliber or higher. "With the lights out, it's less dangerous" Interesting metaphor, this is kind of like "Ignorance is Bliss". If you're blind to the truth (with the lights out), then you have less worries. I think this is a very ambiguous line. "Here we are now, entertain us" I've read once in an interview with Kurt (There's a lot of them on the net) he use to say this to break the ice at a party. He might be referring to people constantly averting themselves from being bored. Why would he bring this up? Maybe, if we're made in "Gods Image" we're probably just here to keep god from being bored? j/k Honestly, I'm not sure. "I feel stupid and contagious" Obvious satire. I know Kurt was a real big fan of William S. Burroughs. I think that's why he wore those bifocals. Burroughs once said, "Language is virus.” I can try and explain this in metaphorical terms... Any information you receive through your senses is a virus, while your brain cells are the host. Words especially, words are very expressive, after all, that is there purpose. Right now you are staring at colored light making silhouettes of what you understand as "letters", but if you didn't know this language, these words would make no sense at all. Kurt new this and exploited it. For example, some of the songs he created, he tried to have sinister ambience musically wise, while he used blissful lyrics, or vise versa. I don't think Kurt ever considered himself "smart", in a lot of his interviews he'd prefer to call himself an "experienced simpleton". In a sense, everyone is ignorant and naive, smart is only in the eye of the beholder. I guess what Kurt considered genius we probably couldn't understand.. here's a quote from an interview... "I don't think genius has anything to do with education and knowledge. It has absolutely nothing to do with intelligence. It is a kind of incommunicable power of creative thought that has nothing to do with traditional learning because it can't be taught. To be taught requires a willingness to learn and a genius' undefined thought process can't follow a logical succession of ideas. That's why poetry, or my lyrics transcend thought. Musical thought, as I know it, creates and defies pattern and logic." - Kurt "A mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido, Yeah!" I think he's talking about the transferring of fluids. Nowadays no one is of one pure race. I think this particular line is a rant against racist. Libido is sexual desire, and can result in a person that is a mixture of all races. "I'm worse at what I do best and for this gift I feel blessed" This line is an appreciation for opinions. Without them, Kurt wouldn't have experienced stardom. While the line may sound like an amphigouri, with further attention, the meaning becomes pretty apparent. Due to our opinions, the line 'I'm worst at what I do best' is valid. And the reason he feels blessed is because it has brought him great fortune. And by fortune, I don't mean money, I don't think Kurt valued money that much. I mean fortune as in having the opportunity to touch people with his music. "Our little group has always been and always will until the end" This one stumped me. Maybe, it means, since everything you eat your body takes from it and it accumulates to your growth, so in a sense, you were always here, you were just spread around the earth. And even after you die, you don't leave existence, your matter still lies in the form of decadence or ash. It's only your brain that ceases function which ends your so called "reality". Actually, I'm just kidding but you never know, Kurt was a very philosophical person. This interpretation could be right, or not. Although, I liked Chocolate's interpretation for this line on page 22, it's the best I've heard. "And I forget just why I taste, oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile" I forget why I've chose to live out this tedious path (life), oh yeah, "I guess it makes me smile" (metaphor for happiness, maybe?). I think Kurt is questioning life, or questioning question. The only thing that will ever will be valued in your life will be what that organ behind your eyes chooses to find value in. Kurt is trying to find some values I guess, because he burnt out the ones he already had. "I found it hard, it's hard to find, oh well, whatever, never mind" Because most people would just as soon forget or just say 'never mind' than take a can of spray paint or start a band, make up excuses for not starting a band. People just don't do things very often any more. This disturbed Kurt intensely. And finally, a denial... I think this means the thoughts that derive from your instinct or hormones can be overwritten with your mind. Some examples would be people who practice celibacy or suicide as in denying existence. Though, there are many types of denials, even ones you unwittingly act upon. Now as for "Teen Spirit" being the greatest song, it truly is a matter of opinion, you can't argue over two oposing opinions, it's pointless, you'll get nowhere, unless you could convince the other person to agree with your opinion. But, it could be the best song or it can't, it all depends on you. To sum up the meaning of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (Metaphor with a biblical reference) It's about hey brother, especially sister, throw away the fruit and eat all the rind. (Metaphor on provoked diversity) No longer is it taboo forte tattooed to take their generational solidarity and Byrds and Herman's Hermits-loving disgraces we call parents... (What to contrive) Posing as the enemy to infiltrate the mechanics of the system and slowly start its rot from the inside. It's an inside job. It starts with the custodians and the cheerleaders... Or not, most people just listen, your aural sensors can be viewed as a passive receptacle for sensory experience. Don't obsess over words so much, but if you must know the lyrics, find the meaning behind the words, then decide. |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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TaytorTot: Kurt, Chris, and Dave did call "In Utero" a litmus test for their audience. Not just the people who praised what they saw on MTV but their "Nevermind" fans as well who were expecting a "Nevermind II" sound for "In Utero." I still think it doesn't matter whether a song is overplayed or over analyzed. If it's over analyzed, good. It'll make someone think if it's going to be "over analyzed." Most people believe that Kurt's lyrics are amphigouri and it's because they don't dwell any thought at all into them. Whether they think it's the best Nirvana song or not, does it really matter? It's their opinion, you can show them all the other Nirvana songs you might like, ie. Paper Cuts, Downer, Blandest, Aero Zeppelin etc. They might be aware of every Nirvana song and still consider "Smells Like Teen Spirit" #1 in their book. I think the lyrics you should be quoting, TaytorTot, are the ones from a Nirvana song called "Opinion." I'll save you the time… "Now they rise and fall like Wall Street stock" "And they have an affect on our peace talk" "Our opinions, Mmm, hmm…" |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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I think you meant to type "ditto," Nirvana Chick. The point is who cares what other people think about Nirvana or whether they overplay or favor only one song, if that's not being a "true Nirvana fan" let them be fooled. It's a matter of opinion, are you really going to take the time to rant over what other people think? Besides, this site is called "SongMeanings" not "OpinionComplaint." Now I'm ranting over the nescient whine… Screw it, who cares about typos or misspelled words!? Everyone usually understands the implicature and context, right? Divine apathy can really turn you into a walking paradox. |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
| I've actually read an interview where Kurt Cobain is asked what is the meaning of "Smells Like Teen Spirit". He just answered with another metaphor. His music is filled with them. I quoted what he said in my post which is the first one on this page. | |
| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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"These lyrics defy logic but they do evoke imagery and then sounds through the music which I supposedly keep as simple as possible in song. Less is more. This simple rule applies to lyrical imagery. The songs are closer to sketches with words or impressionist paintings. They have made different meanings to people and that is what great music or poetry does. There is not a correct analysis as to the meaning of the words and there was none intended. The music in all its simplicity and the abstract thought that represents the lyrical imagery are to evoke comparison and paradox. The music then soars like the spirit." -Kurt Correct lyrics, as written by Kurt Cobain: "Load up on guns, bring your friends it's fun to lose than to pretend" These words refer to people who try so hard to keep an image which is really useless, with the right choices, experiences, opportunities.. anyone could fulfill a certain image. It's an excuse to feed their ego. It'd be just as easy to spray paint 'Kill George Bush' over and over again. Whether that would have an impact on anything or not it doesn't matter, it's still fun to do it. Which is applicable to the line 'It's fun to lose than to pretend'. Though, it is apparent in both sexes, it's more evident in males. "She's overboard and self-assured, oh no, I know a dirty word" I think he may be referring to narcissistic, overenthusiastic girls.. you know, like the stuck up cheerleader for ex. The part where he says 'dirty word' is an obvious indirect reference to 'bitch'. The sentence is basically explaining a female that is stuck up and close-minded.. attributes of a bitch. "Hello, hello, hello, how low?" Is anybody there? I'd be nice to rapport with people of your caliber or higher. "With the lights out, it's less dangerous" Interesting metaphor, this is kind of like "Ignorance is Bliss". If you're blind to the truth (with the lights out), then you have less worries. I think this is a very ambiguous line. "Here we are now, entertain us" I've read once in an interview with Kurt (There's a lot of them on the net) he use to say this to break the ice at a party. He might be referring to people constantly averting themselves from being bored. Why would he bring this up? Maybe, if we're made in "Gods Image" we're probably just here to keep god from being bored? j/k Honestly, I'm not sure. "I feel stupid and contagious" Obvious satire. I know Kurt was a real big fan of William S. Burroughs. I think that's why he wore those bifocals. Burroughs once said, "Language is virus.” I can try and explain this in metaphorical terms... Any information you receive through your senses is a virus, while your brain cells are the host. Words especially, words are very expressive, after all, that is there purpose. Right now you are staring at colored light making silhouettes of what you understand as "letters", but if you didn't know this language, these words would make no sense at all. Kurt new this and exploited it. For example, some of the songs he created, he tried to have sinister ambience musically wise, while he used blissful lyrics, or vise versa. I don't think Kurt ever considered himself "smart", in a lot of his interviews he'd prefer to call himself an "experienced simpleton". In a sense, everyone is ignorant and naive, smart is only in the eye of the beholder. I guess what Kurt considered genius we probably couldn't understand.. here's a quote from an interview... "I don't think genius has anything to do with education and knowledge. It has absolutely nothing to do with intelligence. It is a kind of incommunicable power of creative thought that has nothing to do with traditional learning because it can't be taught. To be taught requires a willingness to learn and a genius' undefined thought process can't follow a logical succession of ideas. That's why poetry, or my lyrics transcend thought. Musical thought, as I know it, creates and defies pattern and logic." - Kurt "A mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido, Yeah!" I think he's talking about the transferring of fluids. Nowadays no one is of one pure race. I think this particular line is a rant against racist. Libido is sexual desire, and can result in a person that is a mixture of all races. "I'm worse at what I do best and for this gift I feel blessed" This line is an appreciation for opinions. Without them, Kurt wouldn't have experienced stardom. While the line may sound like an amphigouri, with further attention, the meaning becomes pretty apparent. Due to our opinions, the line 'I'm worst at what I do best' is valid. And the reason he feels blessed is because it has brought him great fortune. And by fortune, I don't mean money, I don't think Kurt valued money that much. I mean fortune as in having the opportunity to touch people with his music. "Our little group has always been and always will until the end" This one stumped me. Maybe, it means, since everything you eat your body takes from it and it accumulates to your growth, so in a sense, you were always here, you were just spread around the earth. And even after you die, you don't leave existence, your matter still lies in the form of decadence or ash. It's only your brain that ceases function which ends your so called "reality". Actually, I'm just kidding but you never know, Kurt was a very philosophical person. This interpretation could be right, or not. Although, I liked Chocolate's interpretation for this line on page 22, it's the best I've heard. "And I forget just why I taste, oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile" I forget why I've chose to live out this tedious path (life), oh yeah, "I guess it makes me smile" (metaphor for happiness, maybe?). I think Kurt is questioning life, or questioning question. The only thing that will ever will be valued in your life will be what that organ behind your eyes chooses to find value in. Kurt is trying to find some values I guess, because he burnt out the ones he already had. "I found it hard, it's hard to find, oh well, whatever, never mind" Because most people would just as soon forget or just say 'never mind' than take a can of spray paint or start a band, make up excuses for not starting a band. People just don't do things very often any more. This disturbed Kurt intensely. And finally, a denial... I think this means the thoughts that derive from your instinct or hormones can be overwritten with your mind. Some examples would be people who practice celibacy or suicide as in denying existence. Though, there are many types of denials, even ones you unwittingly act upon. Now as for "Teen Spirit" being the greatest song, it truly is a matter of opinion, you can't argue over two oposing opinions, it's pointless, you'll get nowhere, unless you could convince the other person to agree with your opinion. But, it could be the best song or it can't, it all depends on you. To sum up the meaning of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (Metaphor with a biblical reference) It's about hey brother, especially sister, throw away the fruit and eat all the rind. (Metaphor on provoked diversity) No longer is it taboo forte tattooed to take their generational solidarity and Byrds and Herman's Hermits-loving disgraces we call parents... (What to contrive) Posing as the enemy to infiltrate the mechanics of the system and slowly start its rot from the inside. It's an inside job. It starts with the custodians and the cheerleaders... Or not, most people just listen, your aural sensors can be viewed as a passive receptacle for sensory experience. Don't obsess over words so much, but if you must know the lyrics, find the meaning behind the words, then decide. |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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N0 C0DE 79: I answered your question by e-mailing the address displayed on your profile, I'm not sure if you've read it or received it. myndfallen: The reason why I thought I could write that post I did was because I felt I had an idea of what Kurt was trying to express in the song. I wouldn't call it an essay, it's more of an line by line exegesis. I use to be a totally obsessed Nirvana fan, analyzing every live video I could get my hands on and reading every interview/article that delt with the band. A lot people think that Kurt's poetry is amphigouri when in fact, it's not. I think I first posted this on page 22, then reposted it on page 30 after fixing up all the grammar and spelling. If you'll take a look at the one on page 22, it's not perfect at all and I'm not tyring to be perfect nor am I saying I know more or am more genius than anyone else. What I've realized is that what's genius or smart or dumb is merely opinion. I wasn't trying to offend, I was just trying to add something new. Whether people agreed or not, it wouldn't matter, ultimately it's up to them. At the very least, it still remains a matter of opinion and preference. If you're unfamiliar with the poetry technique he used, it's called "stream-of-consciousness". Interesting technique. He also used the cut-up technique which was referred to him by William S. Burroughs, an author he idolized. Though, Burroughs did not invent this technique himself he still gave Kurt the idea. By the way, I didn't write two paragraphs for "I found it hard, it's hard to find, oh well, whatever, never mind". It was one and it ended with intensely. I actually took that part from an interview with him, here's a link to it if you're interested. There's many of them on the net... http://www.nirvanaclub.com/articles/08.00.91.html |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
| I accidentally posted two times. :( | |
| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
|
"These lyrics defy logic but they do evoke imagery and then sounds through the music which I supposedly keep as simple as possible in song. Less is more. This simple rule applies to lyrical imagery. The songs are closer to sketches with words or impressionist paintings. They have made different meanings to people and that is what great music or poetry does. There is not a correct analysis as to the meaning of the words and there was none intended. The music in all its simplicity and the abstract thought that represents the lyrical imagery are to evoke comparison and paradox. The music then soars like the spirit." -Kurt Correct lyrics, as written by Kurt Cobain: "Load up on guns, bring your friends it's fun to lose than to pretend" These words refer to people who try so hard to keep an image which is really useless, with the right choices, experiences, opportunities.. anyone could fulfill a certain image. It's an excuse to feed their ego. It'd be just as easy to spray paint 'Kill George Bush' over and over again. Whether that would have an impact on anything or not it doesn't matter, it's still fun to do it. Which is applicable to the line 'It's fun to lose than to pretend'. Though, it is apparent in both sexes, it's more evident in males. "She's overboard and self-assured, oh no, I know a dirty word" I think he may be referring to narcissistic, overenthusiastic girls.. you know, like the stuck up cheerleader for ex. The part where he says 'dirty word' is an obvious indirect reference to 'bitch'. The sentence is basically explaining a female that is stuck up and close-minded.. attributes of a bitch. "Hello, hello, hello, how low?" Is anybody there? I'd be nice to rapport with people of your caliber or higher. "With the lights out, it's less dangerous" Interesting metaphor, this is kind of like "Ignorance is Bliss". If you're blind to the truth (with the lights out), then you have less worries. I think this is a very ambiguous line. "Here we are now, entertain us" I've read once in an interview with Kurt (There's a lot of them on the net) he use to say this to break the ice at a party. He might be referring to people constantly averting themselves from being bored. Why would he bring this up? Maybe, if we're made in "Gods Image" we're probably just here to keep god from being bored? j/k Honestly, I'm not sure. "I feel stupid and contagious" Obvious satire. I know Kurt was a real big fan of William S. Burroughs. I think that's why he wore those bifocals. Burroughs once said, "Language is virus.” I can try and explain this in metaphorical terms... Any information you receive through your senses is a virus, while your brain cells are the host. Words especially, words are very expressive, after all, that is there purpose. Right now you are staring at colored light making silhouettes of what you understand as "letters", but if you didn't know this language, these words would make no sense at all. Kurt new this and exploited it. For example, some of the songs he created, he tried to have sinister ambience musically wise, while he used blissful lyrics, or vise versa. I don't think Kurt ever considered himself "smart", in a lot of his interviews he'd prefer to call himself an "experienced simpleton". In a sense, everyone is ignorant and naive, smart is only in the eye of the beholder. I guess what Kurt considered genius we probably couldn't understand.. here's a quote from an interview... "I don't think genius has anything to do with education and knowledge. It has absolutely nothing to do with intelligence. It is a kind of incommunicable power of creative thought that has nothing to do with traditional learning because it can't be taught. To be taught requires a willingness to learn and a genius' undefined thought process can't follow a logical succession of ideas. That's why poetry, or my lyrics transcend thought. Musical thought, as I know it, creates and defies pattern and logic." - Kurt "A mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido, Yeah!" I think he's talking about the transferring of fluids. Nowadays no one is of one pure race. I think this particular line is a rant against racist. Libido is sexual desire, and can result in a person that is a mixture of all races. "I'm worse at what I do best and for this gift I feel blessed" This line is an appreciation for opinions. Without them, Kurt wouldn't have experienced stardom. While the line may sound like an amphigouri, with further attention, the meaning becomes pretty apparent. Due to our opinions, the line 'I'm worst at what I do best' is valid. And the reason he feels blessed is because it has brought him great fortune. And by fortune, I don't mean money, I don't think Kurt valued money that much. I mean fortune as in having the opportunity to touch people with his music. "Our little group has always been and always will until the end" This one stumped me. Maybe, it means, since everything you eat your body takes from it and it accumulates to your growth, so in a sense, you were always here, you were just spread around the earth. And even after you die, you don't leave existence, your matter still lies in the form of decadence or ash. It's only your brain that ceases function which ends your so called "reality". Actually, I'm just kidding but you never know, Kurt was a very philosophical person. This interpretation could be right, or not. Although, I liked Chocolate's interpretation for this line on page 22, it's the best I've heard. "And I forget just why I taste, oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile" I forget why I've chose to live out this tedious path (life), oh yeah, "I guess it makes me smile" (metaphor for happiness, maybe?). I think Kurt is questioning life, or questioning question. The only thing that will ever will be valued in your life will be what that organ behind your eyes chooses to find value in. Kurt is trying to find some values I guess, because he burnt out the ones he already had. "I found it hard, it's hard to find, oh well, whatever, never mind" Because most people would just as soon forget or just say 'never mind' than take a can of spray paint or start a band, make up excuses for not starting a band. People just don't do things very often any more. This disturbed Kurt intensely. And finally, a denial... I think this means the thoughts that derive from your instinct or hormones can be overwritten with your mind. Some examples would be people who practice celibacy or suicide as in denying existence. Though, there are many types of denials, even ones you unwittingly act upon. Now as for "Teen Spirit" being the greatest song, it truly is a matter of opinion, you can't argue over two oposing opinions, it's pointless, you'll get nowhere, unless you could convince the other person to agree with your opinion. But, it could be the best song or it can't, it all depends on you. To sum up the meaning of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (Metaphor with a biblical reference) It's about hey brother, especially sister, throw away the fruit and eat all the rind. (Metaphor on provoked diversity) No longer is it taboo forte tattooed to take their generational solidarity and Byrds and Herman's Hermits-loving disgraces we call parents... (What to contrive) Posing as the enemy to infiltrate the mechanics of the system and slowly start its rot from the inside. It's an inside job. It starts with the custodians and the cheerleaders... Or not, most people just listen, your aural sensors can be viewed as a passive receptacle for sensory experience. Don't obsess over words so much, but if you must know the lyrics, find the meaning behind the words, then decide. |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
|
"These lyrics defy logic but they do evoke imagery and then sounds through the music which I supposedly keep as simple as possible in song. Less is more. This simple rule applies to lyrical imagery. The songs are closer to sketches with words or impressionist paintings. They have made different meanings to people and that is what great music or poetry does. There is not a correct analysis as to the meaning of the words and there was none intended. The music in all its simplicity and the abstract thought that represents the lyrical imagery are to evoke comparison and paradox. The music then soars like the spirit." -Kurt Correct lyrics, as written by Kurt Cobain: "Load up on guns, bring your friends it's fun to lose than to pretend" These words refer to people who try so hard to keep an image which is really useless, with the right choices, experiences, opportunities.. anyone could fulfill a certain image. It's an excuse to feed their ego. It'd be just as easy to spray paint 'Kill George Bush' over and over again. Whether that would have an impact on anything or not it doesn't matter, it's still fun to do it. Which is applicable to the line 'It's fun to lose than to pretend'. Though, it is apparent in both sexes, it's more evident in males. "She's overboard and self-assured, oh no, I know a dirty word" I think he may be referring to narcissistic, overenthusiastic girls.. you know, like the stuck up cheerleader for ex. The part where he says 'dirty word' is an obvious indirect reference to 'bitch'. The sentence is basically explaining a female that is stuck up and close-minded.. attributes of a bitch. "Hello, hello, hello, how low?" Is anybody there? I'd be nice to rapport with people of your caliber or higher. "With the lights out, it's less dangerous" Interesting metaphor, this is kind of like "Ignorance is Bliss". If you're blind to the truth (with the lights out), then you have less worries. I think this is a very ambiguous line. "Here we are now, entertain us" I've read once in an interview with Kurt (There's a lot of them on the net) he use to say this to break the ice at a party. He might be referring to people constantly averting themselves from being bored. Why would he bring this up? Maybe, if we're made in "Gods Image" we're probably just here to keep god from being bored? j/k Honestly, I'm not sure. "I feel stupid and contagious" Obvious satire. I know Kurt was a real big fan of William S. Burroughs. I think that's why he wore those bifocals. Burroughs once said, "Language is virus.” I can try and explain this in metaphorical terms... Any information you receive through your senses is a virus, while your brain cells are the host. Words especially, words are very expressive, after all, that is there purpose. Right now you are staring at colored light making silhouettes of what you understand as "letters", but if you didn't know this language, these words would make no sense at all. Kurt new this and exploited it. For example, some of the songs he created, he tried to have sinister ambience musically wise, while he used blissful lyrics, or vise versa. I don't think Kurt ever considered himself "smart", in a lot of his interviews he'd prefer to call himself an "experienced simpleton". In a sense, everyone is ignorant and naive, smart is only in the eye of the beholder. I guess what Kurt considered genius we probably couldn't understand.. here's a quote from an interview... "I don't think genius has anything to do with education and knowledge. It has absolutely nothing to do with intelligence. It is a kind of incommunicable power of creative thought that has nothing to do with traditional learning because it can't be taught. To be taught requires a willingness to learn and a genius' undefined thought process can't follow a logical succession of ideas. That's why poetry, or my lyrics transcend thought. Musical thought, as I know it, creates and defies pattern and logic." - Kurt "A mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido, Yeah!" I think he's talking about the transferring of fluids. Nowadays no one is of one pure race. I think this particular line is a rant against racist. Libido is sexual desire, and can result in a person that is a mixture of all races. "I'm worse at what I do best and for this gift I feel blessed" This line is an appreciation for opinions. Without them, Kurt wouldn't have experienced stardom. While the line may sound like an amphigouri, with further attention, the meaning becomes pretty apparent. Due to our opinions, the line 'I'm worst at what I do best' is valid. And the reason he feels blessed is because it has brought him great fortune. And by fortune, I don't mean money, I don't think Kurt valued money that much. I mean fortune as in having the opportunity to touch people with his music. "Our little group has always been and always will until the end" This one stumped me. Maybe, it means, since everything you eat your body takes from it and it accumulates to your growth, so in a sense, you were always here, you were just spread around the earth. And even after you die, you don't leave existence, your matter still lies in the form of decadence or ash. It's only your brain that ceases function which ends your so called "reality". Actually, I'm just kidding but you never know, Kurt was a very philosophical person. This interpretation could be right, or not. Although, I liked Chocolate's interpretation for this line on page 22, it's the best I've heard. "And I forget just why I taste, oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile" I forget why I've chose to live out this tedious path (life), oh yeah, "I guess it makes me smile" (metaphor for happiness, maybe?). I think Kurt is questioning life, or questioning question. The only thing that will ever will be valued in your life will be what that organ behind your eyes chooses to find value in. Kurt is trying to find some values I guess, because he burnt out the ones he already had. "I found it hard, it's hard to find, oh well, whatever, never mind" Because most people would just as soon forget or just say 'never mind' than take a can of spray paint or start a band, make up excuses for not starting a band. People just don't do things very often any more. This disturbed Kurt intensely. And finally, a denial... I think this means the thoughts that derive from your instinct or hormones can be overwritten with your mind. Some examples would be people who practice celibacy or suicide as in denying existence. Though, there are many types of denials, even ones you unwittingly act upon. Now as for "Teen Spirit" being the greatest song, it truly is a matter of opinion, you can't argue over two oposing opinions, it's pointless, you'll get nowhere, unless you could convince the other person to agree with your opinion. But, it could be the best song or it can't, it all depends on you. To sum up the meaning of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (Metaphor with a biblical reference) It's about hey brother, especially sister, throw away the fruit and eat all the rind. (Metaphor on provoked diversity) No longer is it taboo forte tattooed to take their generational solidarity and Byrds and Herman's Hermits-loving disgraces we call parents... (What to contrive) Posing as the enemy to infiltrate the mechanics of the system and slowly start its rot from the inside. It's an inside job. It starts with the custodians and the cheerleaders... Or not, most people just listen, your aural sensors can be viewed as a passive receptacle for sensory experience. Don't obsess over words so much, but if you must know the lyrics, find the meaning behind the words, then decide. |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
| unipsycho, you should scroll up and read my interpretation on this song, it's a line by line exegesis on "Smells Like Teen Spirit"... | |
| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
|
I dissent with 'kickthebucket'. Who cares if people just like one song from a band. Maybe, they've heard other songs from Nirvana and decided that they only liked "Smells Like Teen Spirit". The point is, who cares what other people think about Nirvana or whether they overplay or favor only one song, if that's not being a "true Nirvana fan", let them be fooled. It's a matter of opinion, are you really going to take the time to complain over what other people think? Besides, this site is called "SongMeanings" not "OpinionComplaint". xnerd181, why don't you scroll up and look at my post and try to find out what this song really means. |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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"These lyrics defy logic but they do evoke imagery and then sounds through the music which I supposedly keep as simple as possible in song. Less is more. This simple rule applies to lyrical imagery. The songs are closer to sketches with words or impressionist paintings. They have made different meanings to people and that is what great music or poetry does. There is not a correct analysis as to the meaning of the words and there was none intended. The music in all its simplicity and the abstract thought that represents the lyrical imagery are to evoke comparison and paradox. The music then soars like the spirit." -Kurt Correct lyrics, as written by Kurt Cobain: "Load up on guns, bring your friends it's fun to lose than to pretend" These words refer to people who try so hard to keep an image which is really useless, with the right choices, experiences, opportunities.. anyone could fulfill a certain image. It's an excuse to feed their ego. It'd be just as easy to spray paint 'Kill George Bush' over and over again. Whether that would have an impact on anything or not it doesn't matter, it's still fun to do it. Which is applicable to the line 'It's fun to lose than to pretend'. Though, it is apparent in both sexes, it's more noticable in males. "She's overboard and self-assured, oh no, I know a dirty word." I think he may be referring to narcissistic, overenthusiastic girls.. you know, like the stuck up cheerleader for ex. The part where he says 'dirty word' is an obvious indirect reference to 'bitch'. The sentence is basically explaining a female that is stuck up and close-minded.. attributes of a bitch. "Hello, hello, hello, how low?" Is anybody there? I'd be nice to rapport with people of your calibur or higher. "With the lights out, it's less dangerous" Interesting metaphor, this is kind of like "Ignorance is Bliss". If you're blind to the truth (with the lights out), then you have less worries. I think this is a very ambiguous line. "Here we are now, entertain us" I've read once in an interview with Kurt (There's a lot of them on the net) he use to say this to break the ice at a party. He might be referring to people constantly averting themselves from being bored. Why would he bring this up? Maybe, if we're made in "Gods Image" we're probably just here to keep god from being bored? j/k Honestly, I'm not sure. "I feel stupid and contagious." Obvious satire. I know Kurt was a real big fan of William S. Burroughs. I think that's why he wore those bifocals. Burroughs once said,"Language is virus.” I can try explain this in metaphorical terms... Any information you receive through your senses is a virus, while your brain cells are the host. Words especially, words are very expressive, after all, that is there purpose. Right now you are staring at colored light making silhouettes of what you understand as "letters", but if you didn't know this language, these words would make no sense at all. Kurt new this and exploited it. For example, some of the songs he created, he tried to have sinister ambience musically wise, while he used blissful lyrics, or viseversa. I don't think Kurt ever considered himself "smart", he'd prefer to call himself an "experienced simpleton" in a lot of his interviews. In a sense, everyone is ignorant and naive, smart is only in the eye of the beholder. I guess what Kurt considered genius we probably couldn't understand.. here's a quote from an interview... "I don't think genius has anything to do with education and knowledge. It has absolutely nothing to do with intelligence. It is a kind of incommunicable power of creative thought that has nothing to do with traditional learning because it can't be taught. To be taught requires a willingness to learn and a genius' undefined thought process can't follow a logical succession of ideas. That's why poetry, or my lyrics transcend thought. Musical thought, as I know it, creates and defies pattern and logic." - Kurt "A mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido, Yeah!" I think he's talkin' about the transferring of fluids. Now-a-days no one is of one pure race. I think this particular line is a rant against racist. Libido is sexual desire, and can result in a person that is a mixture of all races. "I'm worse at what I do best and for this gift I feel blessed." This line is an appreciation for opinions. Without them, Kurt wouldn't have experienced stardom. While the line may sound like an amphigouri, with further attention, the meaning becomes pretty apparent. Due to our opinions, the line 'I'm worst at what I do best' is valid. And the reason he feels blessed is because it has brought him great fortune. And by fortune, I don't mean money, I don't think Kurt valued money that much. I mean fortune as in having the opportunity to touch people with his music. "Our little group has always been and always will until the end." This one stumped me. Maybe, it means, since everything you eat your body takes from it and it accumulates to your growth, so in a sense, you were always here, you were just spread around the earth. And even after you die, you don't leave existence, your matter still lies in the form of decadence or ash. It's only your brain that ceases funtion which ends your so called "reality". Actually, I'm just kidding but you never know, Kurt was a very philosophical person. This interpretation could be right, or not. Although, I liked Chocolate's interpretation for this line on page 22, it's the best I've heard. "And I forget just why I taste, oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile." I forget why I've chose to live out this tedious path (life), oh yeah, "I guess it makes me smile" (metaphor for happiness, maybe?). I think Kurt is questioning life, or questioning question. The only thing that will ever will be valued in your life will be what that organ behind your eyes chooses to find value in. Kurt is trying to find some values I guess, because he burnt out the ones he already had. "I found it hard, it's hard to find, oh well, whatever, never mind." Because most people would just as soon forget or just say 'never mind' than take a can of spray paint or start a band, make up excuses for not starting a band. People just don't do things very often any more. This disturbed Kurt intensely. And finally, a denial... I think this means the thoughts that derive from your instinct or hormones can be overwritten with your mind. Some examples would be people who practice celibacy or suicide as in denying existence. Though, there are many types of denials, even ones you unwittingly act upon. Now as for "Teen Spirit" being the greatest song, it truly is a matter of opinion, you can't argue over two oposing opinions, it's pointless, you'll get nowhere, unless you could convince the other person to agree with your opinion. But, it could be the best song or it can't, it all depends on you. To sum up the meaning of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (Metaphor with a biblical reference) It's about hey brother, especially sister, throw away the fruit and eat all the rind. (Metaphor on provoked diversity) No longer is it tabooforte tattooed to take their generational solidarity and Byrds and Herman's Hermits-loving disgraces we call parents... (What to contrive) Posing as the enemy to infiltrate the mechanics of the system, to slowly start its rot from the inside. It's an inside job, it starts with the custodians and the cheerleaders... Or not, most people just listen, your aural sensors can be viewed as a passive receptacle for sensory experience. Don't obsess over words so much, but if you must know the lyrics, find the meaning behind the words, then decide. |
|
| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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"These lyrics defy logic but they do evoke imagery and then sounds through the music which I supposedly keep as simple as possible in song. Less is more. This simple rule applies to lyrical imagery. The songs are closer to sketches with words or impressionist paintings. They have made different meanings to people and that is what great music or poetry does. There is not a correct analysis as to the meaning of the words and there was none intended. The music in all its simplicity and the abstract thought that represents the lyrical imagery are to evoke comparison and paradox. The music then soars like the spirit." -Kurt Correct lyrics, as written by Kurt Cobain: "Load up on guns, bring your friends it's fun to lose than to pretend" These words refer to people who try so hard to keep an image which is really useless, with the right choices, experiences, opportunities.. anyone could fulfill a certain image. It's an excuse to feed their ego. It'd be just as easy to spray paint 'Kill George Bush' over and over again. Whether that would have an impact on anything or not it doesn't matter, it's still fun to do it. Which is applicable to the line 'It's fun to lose than to pretend'. Though, it is apparent in both sexes, it's more noticable in males. "She's overboard and self-assured, oh no, I know a dirty word." I think he may be referring to narcissistic, overenthusiastic girls.. you know, like the stuck up cheerleader for ex. The part where he says 'dirty word' is an obvious indirect reference to 'bitch'. The sentence is basically explaining a female that is stuck up and close-minded.. attributes of a bitch. "Hello, hello, hello, how low?" Is anybody there? I'd be nice to rapport with people of your calibur or higher. "With the lights out, it's less dangerous" Interesting metaphor, this is kind of like "Ignorance is Bliss". If you're blind to the truth (with the lights out), then you have less worries. I think this is a very ambiguous line. "Here we are now, entertain us" I've read once in an interview with Kurt (There's a lot of them on the net) he use to say this to break the ice at a party. He might be reffering to people constantly averting themselves from being bored. Why would he bring this up? Maybe, if we're made in "Gods Image" we're probably just here to keep god from being bored? j/k Honestly, I'm not sure. "I feel stupid and contagious." Obvious satire. I know Kurt was a real big fan of William S. Burroughs. I think that's why he wore those bifocals. Burroughs once said,"Language is virus". I can try explain this in metaphorical terms... Any information you receive through your senses is a virus, while your brain cells are the host. Words especially, words are very expressive, after all, that is there purpose. Right now you are staring at colored light making silhouettes of what you understand as "letters", but if you didn't know this language, these words would make no sense at all. Kurt new this and exploited it. For example, some of the songs he created, he tried to have sinister ambience musically wise, while he used blissful lyrics, or viseversa. I don't think Kurt ever considered himself "smart", he'd prefer to call himself an "experienced simpleton" in a lot of his interviews. In a sense, everyone is ignorant and naive, smart is only in the eye of the beholder. I guess what Kurt considered genius we probably couldn't understand.. here's a quote from an interview... "I don't think genius has anything to do with education and knowledge. It has absolutely nothing to do with intelligence. It is a kind of incommunicable power of creative thought that has nothing to do with traditional learning because it can't be taught. To be taught requires a willingness to learn and a genius' undefined thought process can't follow a logical succession of ideas. That's why poetry, or my lyrics transcend thought. Musical thought, as I know it, creates and defies pattern and logic." - Kurt "A mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido, Yeah!" I think he's talkin' about the transferring of fluids. Now-a-days no one is of one pure race. I think this particular line is a rant against racist. Libido is sexual desire, and can result in a person that is a mixture of all races. "I'm worse at what I do best and for this gift I feel blessed." This line is an appreciation for opinions. Without them, Kurt wouldn't have experienced stardom. While the line may sound like an amphigouri, with further attention, the meaning becomes pretty apparent. Due to our opinions, the line 'I'm worst at what I do best' is valid. And the reason he feels blessed is because it has brought him great fortune. And by fortune, I don't mean money, I don't think Kurt valued money that much. I mean fortune as in having the opportunity to touch people with his music. "Our little group has always been and always will until the end." This one stumped me. Maybe, it means, since everything you eat your body takes from it and it accumulates to your growth, so in a sense, you were always here, you were just spread around the earth. And even after you die, you don't leave existence, your matter still lies in the form of decadence or ash. It's only your brain that ceases funtion wich ends your so called "reality". Actually, I'm just kidding but you never know, Kurt was a very philosophical person. This interpretation could be right, or not. Although, I liked Chocolate's interpertation for this line on page 22, it's the best I've heard. "And I forget just why I taste, oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile." I forget why I've chose to live out this tedious path (life), oh yeah, "I guess it makes me smile" (metaphor for happiness, maybe?). I think Kurt is questioning life, or questioning question. The only thing that will ever will be valued in your life will be what that organ behind your eyes chooses to find value in. Kurt is trying to find some values I guess, because he burnt out the ones he already had. "I found it hard, it's hard to find, oh well, whatever, never mind." Because most people would just as soon forget or just say 'never mind' than take a can of spraypaint or start a band, make up excuses for not starting a band. People just don't do things very often any more. This disturbed Kurt intensely. And finally, a denial... I think this means the thoughts that derive from your instinct or hormones can be overwritten with your mind. Some examples would be people who practice celibacy or suicide as in denying existence. Though, there are many types of denials, even ones you unwittingly act upon. Now as for "Teen Spirit" being the greatest song, it truly is a matter of opinion, you can't argue over two oposing opinions, it's pointless, you'll get nowhere, unless you could convince the other person to agree with your opinion. But, it could be the best song or it can't, it all depends on you. To sum up the meaning of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (Metaphor with a biblical reference) It's about hey brother, especially sister, throw away the fruit and eat all the rind. (Metaphor on provoked diversity) No longer is it tabooforte tattooed to take their generational solidarity and Byrds and Herman's Hermits-loving disgraces we call parents... (What to contrive) Posing as the enemy to infiltrate the mechanics of the system, to slowly start its rot from the inside. It's an inside job, it starts with the custodians and the cheerleaders... Or not, most people just listen, your aural sensors can be viewed as a passive receptacle for sensory experience. Don't obsess over words so much, but if you must know the lyrics, find the meaning behind the words, then decide. |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
| If anyone is looking to have an idea of what this song means go to page 22 and scroll down to my first post on that page. It is a critical explanation towards the meaning of the lyrics of "Smells Like Teen Spirit". | |
| Nirvana – Sappy Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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I think it says "the clue to that came to you" in the first verse, then,"Conclusion came to you"... You see, I think this song is about a girl who is in a relationship where her happiness is fabricated by her companion, where she slowly realizes it and eventually fakes her happiness. Then "conclusion" comes to her while she's in a laundry room, which could mean anything, maybe she'll sever his most prized possesion. |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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::add your comments:: What does this song mean to you? stryker311, that's the most close-minded way to take this song in, you should read my exegesis on this song that I typed on page 22. Then, maybe it won't be so "effing" hard to take in. It's my first post on that page. |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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NO CODE 79, Proto Cloud, I think it's pretty funny people think Kurt Cobain's lyrics are amphigouri, it just reveals their ignorance. I use to be a pretty obsessed fan, I have a huge collection of live concerts and I've read every single Nirvana interview from the time he was famous 'till the time he killed himself. Over-analyzed every single song. You see, when Kurt was asked what his songs meant he always gave an answer with a lack of seriousness. I don't think he wanted to tell people directly what his songs meant, he always expressed levity when asked that question in every single interveiw, and if he did answer it seriously, he would just use another metaphor... his songs usually are filled with metaphors. I think he wanted to provoke thinking in people, if you make things too obvious and give information directly then people just take it as is and don't dwell any further thought. He wanted to evoke use of that organ behind your eyes. You should check out my first post on page 22, it's my decipherment on "Smells Like Teen Spirit". You might find it makes sense. |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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It's pretty obvious I don't have the gift of the silver tongue, but I meant to put "on page 22".. I'm an imbecile, but that's okay, because so is everyone else. |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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This site is to express song interpretations... hello123, you just state your opinions and I bet you don't even know what Kurt lyrics mean even if you don't care. Who cares if a song is overrated or what people you don't know decide to do with their lives. Everyone is a dumbass, some people are just lest naive than others. I do include myself when I say that. Do me a favor, read my interpretation on page 23, or listen to that song called "Opinion" from Nirvana. |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
| carlisle18240, check out my post on page 22. It's my interpretation of "Smells Like Teen Spirit". Maybe it might make sense to you. | |
| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
| chocolate, you don't see how that's revelant? You see, we're coming from two very different perspectives. What I meant by Kurt not putting much effort in his guitar playing was instrumentally wise. He didn't use any special technique. He mostly used power chords and chords. He kept his solos simple. I was tryin' to say that there is more detail in his lyrics than his music. So, playing an instrument would be very relevant, particularly the guitar. | |
| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
| chocolate, you don't play any instruments, do you? | |
| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
| Don't get me wrong, if I didn't think Nirvana's music was any good, I probably wouldn't have stumbled upon them, and they probably wouldn't have been as famous. I too as well like the music, I don't listen solely for the lyrics, even though the music is simple compared to others. You see, I play guitar and it would be no challenge to play a Nirvana song, in fact, I know them all. My favorite song has to be "Aneurysm" in my opinion. What I meant by listening them for the lyrics is that, he put a lot more effort into the lyrics than the music. There's more talent inside his poetry. And I was just simply stating it like that to abbeYroad because he decided to state his useless opinion. | |
| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
| Maybe Nirvana is mediocre in the sense that the what the instrumetns play are not as complex as maybe something you're comparing it to. But, Kurt even admitted he was no virtuoso. He even stated once in an interview that he kept himself unfamiliar with his instrument as possible. I like music like Jason Becker, Steve Vai, or Yngwie Malmsteen.. but I listen to Nirvana for the lyrics. Just like I would any Tool or A Perfect Circle song.. you see, their instrumental talent is nowhere near Vai or Becker, but it's the lyrics that interest me. Nirvana being over-rated.. whether people think it's the best song or not, it's always just their opinion. As for it being mediocre instrumentally wise... yeah, so what? There's really no use in stating your opinion. Did you read the posts before this, about the lyrics? You seem like you just.. listen to the music.. and don't really pay attention to the meaning behind the lyrics.. which, there is nothing wrong with that.. I just can't see the point of your opinion. | |
| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
| NirvanaTourettes, hey, don't worry about it. I don't think anyone posting is spelling correctly. Look how many times I misspelled,"apparently".. I made a lot of mistakes as well. | |
| Nirvana – Aerozeppelin Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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bohda, hey, I listened to the song, you're right man, it says,"You could shit upon the stage, they'll be fans." I guess I came up with that other decipherment because I thought it said,"You could shit upon the stairs, better be fast.".. Maybe that line,"over-bored and self-assured"described that girl from Bikini Kill? Maybe, it could still be right? I read on the internet somewhere, on some Nirvana fact sheet, the line from aneurysm,"She keeps it pumpin' straight to my heart." was inspired by when kurt overdosed on heroin before a concert once, and Courtney was there to inject him with that needle use to wake up the overdosed.. and saved him.. Hence, "she keeps it pumpin' straight to my heart", but I'm not sure. |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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"I feel stupid and contagious." Or maybe since he didn't consider himself smart, and his meaning of genius was way out there. Possibly, he considered himself intelligent enough to be at least "stupid" and perhaps more aware than the average person, and he thought he can infect people and make them more aware as well. I feel stupid, he's comparing himself to a higher wit, genius for example. And being contagious in the sense that he won't subvert people but simply make them more aware. And what they decide to do with their new understanding will be up to them. |
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| Nirvana – Aerozeppelin Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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Correct lyrics as written by Kurt Cobain: "What's the season of love if you can't have anything." Some species on this earth have a breeding season. These species are not particular in what creature they choose to breed with. Humans however, are specific and have conditions, now in this sense, an example would be if you're an outcast at a school. People would dismiss you or exclude certain emotions from you, such as love. I think Kurt is trying to say what is love if you're fat and ugly.. that's just an example but people usually choose to ignore people for certain reasons. Love shouldn't be conditional. That's the main idea of this line. "What's the reason you're around if a crime means anything." I think he's tryin' to show here that everyone is a potential criminal. If you want to act on sin, you can do it if you choose to. It's your decisions that decide your fate. When you socialize, other people can choose to be hostile toward you if they wanted to. The way Kurt wrote that lyric is interesting.. "If a crime means anything" imagine if a crime had no meaning, that would mean crimes wouldn't exist. But they do, so when you're out amongst other people, you're in a sense, taking a risk. While, at the same time, you're apposing risk on other people as well, it's your choices that restrain you. "What's the meaning in a crime? It's a frown if anything." Kurt is implying that any form of criminal acts are frowned upon. Any crime can be considered immoral. "What's the meaning of love?It's a grand, it's a grand." I meet the average person on the street and I'm kinda prejudiced towards them. 'Cause this person's like, I'm really into my car and I think George Bush has done a good job and I'm a supermarket manager and I'm really into it and if I lost my job it'd be such a big deal... Fuck! Nothing's a big deal—unless it's love! But I don't think many people think that way, though. I mean, the main lesson the bible teaches is love, in fact the word "God" has evolved from Yahweh and Jehovah, which means love and light. Light as in morality. The word "God" means love, and now we have all these wars going on evoked from religion, when everyone should just get together and realize religion is about morality and love, infinite, unconditional, and without judgement. Seems like a pretty simple concept, some people just don't seem able to grasp it. "How a culture can forget it's plan of yesterday." This lyric is stating evidence of how platitudinous trends can blind youth or limit them. "And you swear it's not a trend, doesn't matter anyways." This is more of a philosophical opinion of Kurt maybe. Saying that banal trends can hold back society but where society is taking itself really doesn't matter. "There's no need to talk to friends, nothing new is everyday." I think he's referring to gossip of popularity that is evident in school. People concerned with the most trivial information not realizing that it's been repeated long before they were ever born. While it may be a new experience to that person, it's nothing new. The same gossip has been mummered hundreds of times before they stepped foot in a school. "You could shit upon the stairs, better be fast." Another philosophical lyric, before there was society, humans had a different way to survive, before there was communication, before there was any from of toilets.. just like animals will shit anywhere.. humans are forbidded because of society. Society confines you in the sense that laws are a sort of restraint. See, you could shit upon the stars if you want, but you better fast so that you won't get caught. So, If consequences dictate our course of action and it doesn't matter what's right. It's only wrong if you get caught. "All the kids will eat it up, if it's packaged properly." The ignorance of kids, how kids are gullible or maybe some adults, and will feed on anything you throw at them if it's "packaged properly", this is a metophor, so it doesn't necessarily mean food. For example, any piece of sound displayed on Mtv will be considered music by kids that watch Mtv. "Still the sound will imitate, keep it moving equally." A metaphor that conveys how conformity is a form of restraint. It limits people from creativity. "All that's known is just the fact of where the world is nowadays." Since most people give in to conformity due to their fear of "not fitting in" or whatever, the masses are confined to thinking "only in the box" instead of "out of the box". "An idea is what we lack, doesn't matter anyway." Most people tend to just feed off other people's ideas instead of trying to grow from them or add into them, imitations, "Monkey see, monkey do" modern art is bromidic nowadays. If people wouldn't copy eachother, and create things that weren't retro, there would be way more diversity. So, basically the idea we lack is one that isn't retro. Creating music for a certain genre is retro in a sense, imagine music that didn't apply to any known genre? Just an example. As for the "Doesn't matter anyway." This more of Kurts own philisophical opinion maybe based on scientific facts. You see, science nor philosophy can explain the essense of existence or it's reason for existing, or if there even is one. An idea that completely defied logic and inheritance, such as color, light, sound, darkness, taste, emotion, feeling, scent, or sight. Any idea imprinted on your mind through your senses is inherited, to think of something completely defiant would be the truest form of abstract. But it wouldn't matter, because if Kurt is implying that we should be creative, there must be a reason for our actions, not based on our own values but something maybe existence has left for us. But since none can be explained. The truth may very well be that there is none. So, in this case, "it doesn't matter anyway." Chris the antihero, have you seen my comment on "Teen Spirit"? I think it's posted on page 22 or somewhere around there. |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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I like chocolate's interpretation for "Our little group has always been and always will until the end". I screwed up on my last post toward the end, I meant to put, "You can't argue against two opposing opinions"... To sum up the meaning of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (Metaphor with a biblical reference) It's about hey brother, especially sister, throw away the fruit and eat all the rind. No longer is it tabooforte tattooed to take their generational solidarity and Byrds and Herman's Hermits-loving disgraces we call parents... Posing as the enemy to infiltrate the mechanics of the system, to slowly start its rot from the inside. It's an inside job, it starts with the custodians and the cheerleaders... Or not, most people just listen, your aural sensors can be viewed as a passive receptacle for sensory experience. Don't obsess over words so much, but if you must know the lyrics, find the meaning behind the words, then decide. |
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| Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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"These lyrics defy logic but they do evoke imagery and then sounds through the music which I supposedly keep as simple as possible in song. Less is more. This simple rule applies to lyrical imagery. The songs are closer to sketches with words or impressionist paintings. They have made different meanings to people and that is what great music or poetry does. There is not a correct analysis as to the meaning of the words and there was none intended. The music in all its simplicity and the abstract thought that represents the lyrical imagery are to evoke comparison and paradox. The music then soars like the spirit." -Kurt Correct lyrics, as written by Kurt Cobain: "Load up on guns, bring your friends it's fun to lose than to pretend" These words refer to people who try so hard to keep an image which is really useless, with the right choices, experiences, opportunities.. anyone could fulfill a certain image. It's an excuse to feed their ego. It'd be just as easy to spray paint 'Kill George Bush' over and over again. Whether that would have an impact on anything or not it doesn't matter, it's still fun to do it. Which is applicable to the line 'It's fun to lose than to pretend'. Though, it is apperant in both sexes, it's more noticable in males. "She's overboard and self-assured, oh no, I know a dirty word." I think he may be referring to narcissistic, overenthusiastic girls.. you know, like the stuck up cheerleader for ex. The part where he says 'dirty word' is an obvious indirect reference to 'bitch'. The sentence is basically explaining a female that is stuck up and close-minded.. attributes of a bitch. "Hello, hello, hello, how low?" Is anybody there? I'd be nice to rapport with people of your calibur or higher. "With the lights out, it's less dangerous" Interesting metaphor, this is kind of like "Ignorance is Bliss". If you're blind to the truth (with the lights out), then you have less worries. I think this is a very ambiguous line. "Here we are now, entertain us" I've read once in an interview with Kurt (There's a lot of them on the net) he use to say this to break the ice at a party. He might be reffering to people constantly averting themselves from being bored. Why would he bring this up? Maybe, if we're made in "Gods Image" we're probably just here to keep god from being bored? j/k Honestly, I'm not sure. "I feel stupid and contagious." Obvious satire. I know Kurt was a real big fan of William S. Burroughs. I think that's why he wore those bifocals. Burroughs once said,"Language is virus". I can try explain this in metaphorical terms... Any information you receive through your senses is a virus, while your brain cells are the host. Words especially, words are very expressive, after all, that is there purpose. Right now you are staring at colored light making silhouettes of what you understand as "letters", but if you didn't know this language, these words would make no sense at all. Kurt new this and exploited it. For example, some of the songs he created, he tried to have sinister ambience musically wise, while he used blissful lyrics, or viseversa. I don't think Kurt ever considered himself "smart", he'd prefer to call himself an "experienced simpleton" in a lot of his interviews. In a sense, everyone is ignorant and naive, smart is only in the eye of the beholder. I guess what Kurt considered genius we probably couldn't understand.. here's a quote from an interview... "I don't think genius has anything to do with education and knowledge. It has absolutely nothing to do with intelligence. It is a kind of incommunicable power of creative thought that has nothing to do with traditional learning because it can't be taught. To be taught requires a willingness to learn and a genius' undefined thought process can't follow a logical succession of ideas. That's why poetry, or my lyrics transcend thought. Musical thought, as I know it, creates and defies pattern and logic." - Kurt "A mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido, Yeah!" I think he's talkin' about the transferring of fluids. Now-a-days no one is of one pure race. I think this particular line is a rant against racist. Libido is sexual desire, and can result in a person that is a mixture of all races. "I'm worse at what I do best and for this gift I feel blessed." This line is an appreciation for opinions. Without them, Kurt wouldn't have experienced stardom. While the line may sound like an amphigouri, with further attention, the meaning becomes pretty apperant. Due to our opinions, the line 'I'm worst at what I do best' is valid. And the reason he feels blessed is because it has brought him great fortune. And by fortune, I don't mean money, I don't think Kurt valued money that much. I mean fortune as in having the opportunity to touch people with his music. "Our little group has always been and always will until the end." This one stumped me. Maybe, it means, since everything you eat your body takes from it and it accumulates to your growth, so in a sense, you were always here, you were just spread around the earth. And even after you die, you don't leave existence, your matter still lies in the form of decadence or ash. It's only your brain that ceases funtion wich ends your so called "reality". Actually, I'm just kidding but you never know, Kurt was a very philosophical person. This interpretation could be right, or not. "And I forget just why I taste, oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile." I forget why I've chose to live out this tedious path (life), oh yeah, "I guess it makes me smile" (metaphor for happiness, maybe?). I think Kurt is questioning life, or questioning question. The only thing that will ever will be valued in your life will what that organ behind your eyes chooses to find value in. Kurt is trying to find some values I guess, because he burnt out the ones he already had. "I found it hard, it's hard to find, oh well, whatever, never mind." Because most people would just as soon forget or just say 'never mind' than take a can of spraypaint or start a band, make up excuses for not starting a band. People just don't do things very often any more. This disturbed Kurt intensely. And finally, a denial... I think this means the thoughts that derive from your instinct or hormones can be overwritten with your mind. Some examples would be people who practice celibacy or suicide as in denying existence. Though, there are many types of denials, even ones you unwittingly act upon. Now as for "Teen Spirit" being the greatest song, it truly is a matter of opinion, you can't over two oposing opinions, it's pointless, you'll get nowhere, unless you could convince the other person to agree with your opinion. But, it could be the best song or it can't, it all depends on you. |
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