I didn't read all of the prior opinions but the ones I did read referenced low self-esteem and such and, though I can certainly see how the superficially self-denigrating "I think I'm dumb" could be seen as self-loathing, I think it is more meant to insult those whom the subject deigns as being in contrast with his more realistic expectations.
"I'm not like them but I can pretend" as far as I can tell referencing this realism (cynicism) and inability as a person of superior faculties of recognition (as I think this song is actually very self-laudatory) to generally concede to any degree of temporal (and unreasonable) optimism.
This song is, I believe, a serenade to such visceral, illogical, and ephemeral joy and the awareness that trusting it is perilous and "dumb."
"He who binds himself to joy
Does the winged life destroy;
But he who kisses the joy as it flies
Lives in eternity's sunrise" -- William Blake
I didn't read all of the prior opinions but the ones I did read referenced low self-esteem and such and, though I can certainly see how the superficially self-denigrating "I think I'm dumb" could be seen as self-loathing, I think it is more meant to insult those whom the subject deigns as being in contrast with his more realistic expectations. "I'm not like them but I can pretend" as far as I can tell referencing this realism (cynicism) and inability as a person of superior faculties of recognition (as I think this song is actually very self-laudatory) to generally concede to any degree of temporal (and unreasonable) optimism. This song is, I believe, a serenade to such visceral, illogical, and ephemeral joy and the awareness that trusting it is perilous and "dumb."
"He who binds himself to joy Does the winged life destroy; But he who kisses the joy as it flies Lives in eternity's sunrise" -- William Blake
@original_andi Yes. Kurt was asked about this song in an interview and this is basically what he said the song was about.
@original_andi Yes. Kurt was asked about this song in an interview and this is basically what he said the song was about.