Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics – Nirvana
Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics
[Verse 1: Kurt Cobain]
Load up on guns, bring your friends
It's fun to lose and to pretend
She's over-bored and self-assured
Oh no, I know a dirty word
[Pre-Chorus: Kurt Cobain]
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello
[Chorus: Kurt Cobain]
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
[Post-Chorus: Kurt Cobain]
Yeah, hey, yay
[Verse 2: Kurt Cobain]
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
[Pre-Chorus: Kurt Cobain]
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello
[Chorus: Kurt Cobain]
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
[Post-Chorus: Kurt Cobain]
Yeah, hey, yay
[Verse 3: Kurt Cobain]
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, never mind
[Pre-Chorus: Kurt Cobain]
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello
[Chorus: Kurt Cobain]
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
[Outro: Kurt Cobain]
A denial, a denial
A denial, a denial
A denial, a denial
A denial, a denial
A denial
Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics Meaning
The lyrics of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana is often interpreted as an anthem of teenage rebellion and disillusionment. Written by Kurt Cobain, the song captures the angst, confusion, and apathy of youth in the early 1990s. The lyrics reflect a sense of frustration with societal expectations, boredom, and the search for identity. Cobain's abstract and often cryptic writing style leaves room for various interpretations, but the recurring themes are of discontent and a desire for authenticity in a world perceived as superficial and conformist. The repetitive and raw energy of the song mirrors the chaotic and rebellious spirit it seeks to convey.
[Verse 1]
The opening lines, "Load up on guns, bring your friends," set a tone of recklessness and perhaps a hint of danger. It suggests a gathering of like-minded individuals ready to engage in something rebellious or out of the ordinary. "It's fun to lose and to pretend" points to a sense of irony and disillusionment, implying that there's an enjoyment in letting go of societal norms and playing a role. "She's over-bored and self-assured" introduces a character who is confident yet bored, highlighting the paradox of feeling secure but unfulfilled. "Oh no, I know a dirty word" adds a layer of rebellion against social taboos and norms.
[Pre-Chorus]
The repetition of "Hello, hello, hello, how low" can be seen as a reflection of monotony and perhaps a questioning of how low one can go in terms of self-esteem or societal expectations. It creates a hypnotic effect, reinforcing the sense of confusion and apathy.
[Chorus]
The chorus, "With the lights out, it's less dangerous / Here we are now, entertain us," captures a sense of freedom that comes with anonymity and the demand for distraction in a mundane world. "I feel stupid and contagious" expresses a feeling of foolishness and the spread of these emotions among peers. "A mulatto, an albino / A mosquito, my libido" lists contrasting and seemingly random items, suggesting a chaotic and disordered view of the world.
[Post-Chorus]
The simple exclamation "Yeah, hey, yay" conveys a sense of release and perhaps a mock celebration, aligning with the overall theme of disillusionment and rebellion.
[Verse 2]
"I'm worse at what I do best / And for this gift, I feel blessed" speaks to a sense of inadequacy despite being good at something, and feeling grateful for this paradoxical gift. "Our little group has always been / And always will until the end" reflects a sense of camaraderie and loyalty within a close-knit group, which can be seen as a refuge from the outside world.
[Verse 3]
"And I forget just why I taste / Oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile" suggests a disconnection from the reasons behind one's actions, finding solace in simple pleasures despite the confusion. "I found it hard, it's hard to find / Oh well, whatever, never mind" expresses a sense of resignation and acceptance of the difficulty in finding meaning or satisfaction.
[Outro]
The repeated "A denial" in the outro can be seen as a mantra of rejecting reality or societal expectations, emphasizing a refusal to conform.
[Popular Phrases Explained]
1. "Load up on guns, bring your friends" - Symbolizes a readiness to engage in rebellious activities, possibly hinting at a metaphorical or literal preparation for action.
2. "It's fun to lose and to pretend" - Reflects a cynical view of societal norms, suggesting that there's enjoyment in failing to conform and pretending to be something one is not.
3. "Here we are now, entertain us" - Captures the demand for distraction and entertainment in a world perceived as dull and unfulfilling.
4. "I feel stupid and contagious" - Highlights feelings of inadequacy and the idea that such emotions can spread among peers.
5. "A mulatto, an albino / A mosquito, my libido" - Uses contrasting and random elements to depict a chaotic worldview, challenging the listener to find meaning in disorder.
6. "I'm worse at what I do best" - Indicates a paradoxical feeling of inadequacy despite being skilled at something, reflecting a deeper sense of insecurity.
7. "And I forget just why I taste" - Suggests a disconnect from the reasons behind one's actions, pointing to a broader sense of confusion and searching for purpose.
8. "A denial" - Repeatedly emphasizes a rejection of reality or societal norms, underlining the theme of non-conformity and rebellion.
This is the end of "Smells Like Teen Spirit Song Lyrics" by Nirvana. If you discover any mistake in the song text, please send the correct lyrics by using the Contact Us form.
Official Music Video
Cast & Crew
- Artist / Band
- Lead Vocalist
- Kurt Cobain
- Producer(s)
- Butch Vig
- Writter(s)
- Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl & Kurt Cobain
- Released On
- September 10, 1991
Nevermind Songs
- 1.Breed
- 2.Come as You Are
- 3.Drain You
- 4.Endless, Nameless
- 5.In Bloom
- 6.Lithium
- 7.Lounge Act
- 8.On a Plain
- 9.Polly
- 10.Smells Like Teen Spirit
- 11.Something in the Way
- 12.Stay Away
- 13.Territorial Pissings
Nirvana Albums
FAQs & Knowledge
Who is the singer of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" song?
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" song is sung by Nirvana (Kurt Cobain is the lead vocalist).
Who is the lyrics writer of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" song?
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" song lyrics written by Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl & Kurt Cobain.
Who is the music producer of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" song?
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" song music composed & produced by Butch Vig.
When was "Smells Like Teen Spirit" song released?
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" song was released on September 10, 1991.