Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a song by the American rock band Nirvana. It was released in 1991 as the lead single from their second studio album, “Nevermind.” The song was written by Kurt Cobain, the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist.

About This Song

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is often regarded as one of the greatest and most iconic songs in the history of rock music. It played a pivotal role in bringing grunge music and the Seattle music scene to mainstream attention in the early 1990s. The song’s powerful and energetic sound, along with its catchy guitar riff and unforgettable chorus, struck a chord with a generation of music listeners.

The lyrics of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” are somewhat cryptic and open to interpretation. Kurt Cobain himself explained that the song was inspired by feelings of apathy, disconnection, and the youth culture of the time. The phrase “Smells Like Teen Spirit” came from a piece of graffiti written by Kathleen Hanna, a friend of Cobain’s and the lead singer of the band Bikini Kill. At the time, Cobain didn’t realize it was a deodorant brand, and he thought it had a revolutionary and rebellious connotation, which fit the song’s theme.

Upon its release, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” became an instant hit and significantly contributed to the mainstream success of Nirvana and the grunge movement. The music video for the song, featuring a high school pep rally and chaotic performance scenes, further solidified its impact and popularity.

Video

Lyric

Load up on guns, bring your friendsIt’s fun to lose and to pretendShe’s over-bored and self-assuredOh no, I know a dirty word
Hello, hello, hello, how lowHello, hello, hello, how lowHello, hello, hello, how lowHello, hello, hello
With the lights out, it’s less dangerousHere we are now, entertain usI feel stupid, and contagiousHere we are now, entertain usA mulatto, an albinoA mosquito, my libido
Yeah, hey, yay
I’m worse at what I do bestAnd for this gift, I feel blessedOur little group has always beenAnd always will until the end
Hello, hello, hello, how lowHello, hello, hello, how lowHello, hello, hello, how lowHello, hello, hello
With the lights out, it’s less dangerousHere we are now, entertain usI feel stupid, and contagiousHere we are now, entertain usA mulatto, an albinoA mosquito, my libido
Yeah, hey, yay
And I forget, just why I tasteOh yeah, I guess it makes me smileI found it hard, it’s hard to findOh well, whatever, never mind
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 dangerousHere we are now, entertain usI feel stupid, and contagiousHere we are now, entertain usA mulatto, an albinoA mosquito, my libido
A denial, a denialA denial, a denialA denial, a denialA denial, a denialA denial