Smells Like Teen Spirit -
by Nirvana
| Explanation by: andyl... -- |
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Smells Like Teen Spirit was an unexpected chart-topper in the early 90s. It is now regarded as an anthem for Generation X, capturing the ennui of a generation of Americans. Critics have argued over the interpretation of the song, some arguing that the song is essentially nonsensical.
| Load up on guns |
These lyrics introduce a contradiction that is sustained throughout the song-- Cobain is at once starting a revolution ("load up on guns and bring your friends") and dismissing the idea as just "pretend".
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| And bring your friends | |
| It's fun to lose and to pretend | |
| She's over-bored and self-assured |
Some have suggested Cobain is referring to his ex-girlfriend, but the adjectives "over-bored" and "self-assured" have been commonly associated with Generation X.
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| Oh no, I know a dirty word | |
| Hello, hello, hello, how low? |
Cobain's lyrics here are both nonsensical and cynical, as he playfully repeats "hello" while simultaneously cynically asking "how low"?
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| Hello, hello, hello, how low? | |
| Hello, hello, hello, how low? | |
| Hello, hello, hello | |
| With the lights out, it's less dangerous | |
| Here we are now, entertain us | |
| I feel stupid and contagious | |
| Here we are now, entertain us | |
| A mulatto, an albino |
Cobain calls out the outcasted, marginalized, and conflicted.
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| A mosquito, my libido | |
| Yeah, hey, yeah! | |
| I'm worse at what I do best | |
| And for this gift I feel blessed | |
| Our little group has always been | |
| And always will until the end | |
| Hello, hello, hello, how low? | |
| Hello, hello, hello, how low? | |
| Hello, hello, hello, how low? | |
| Hello, hello, hello | |
| With the lights out, it's less dangerous | |
| Here we are now, entertain us | |
| I feel stupid and contagious | |
| Here we are now, entertain us | |
| A mulatto, an albino | |
| A mosquito, my libido | |
| Yeah, hey, yeah! | |
| And I forget just why I taste | |
| Oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile | |
| I found it hard, it's hard to find | |
| Oh well, whatever, nevermind | |
| Hello, hello, hello, how low? | |
| Hello, hello, hello, how low? | |
| Hello, hello, hello, how low? | |
| Hello, hello, hello | |
| With the lights out, it's less dangerous |
i have no idea what this means.
|
| Here we are now, entertain us | |
| I feel stupid and contagious | |
| Here we are now, entertain us | |
| A mulatto, an albino | |
| A mosquito, my libido | |
| A denial, a denial | |
| A denial, a denial | |
| A denial, a denial | |
| A denial, a denial | |
| A denial |