Heart-Shaped Box
✔ Nirvana Lyrics
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I've been locked inside your heart-shaped box for weeks
I've been drawn into your magnetar pit trap trap
I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black
Hey!
Wait!
I've got a new complaint
Hey!
Wait!
I've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice
Hey!
Wait!
I've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice, your advice
Meat-eating orchids forgive no one just yet
Cut myself on angel hair and baby's breath
Broken hymen of your Highness, I'm left back
Throw down your umbilical noose so I can climb right back
Hey!
Wait!
I've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice
Hey!
Wait!
I've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice
Hey!
Wait!
I've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice, your advice
She eyes me like a Pisces when I am weak
I've been locked inside your heart-shaped box for weeks
I've been drawn into your magnetar pit trap trap
I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black
Hey!
Wait!
I've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice
Hey!
Wait!
I've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice
Hey!
Wait!
I've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice, your advice, your advice, your advice
The lyrics of Nirvana's song "Heart-Shaped Box" are open to interpretation, but one common interpretation suggests that the song is about a man who is trapped in a relationship with a woman who has power over him. The first verse suggests that the woman has a hold on the man ("locked inside your heart-shaped box for weeks"), and that she is able to manipulate and control him ("drawn into your magnetar pit trap trap"). The man wishes that he could free himself from her, but he is unable to do so ("I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black").
The chorus ("Hey! Wait! I've got a new complaint...") suggests that the man has some complaints or grievances about the relationship, but he is unable to voice them because he feels indebted to the woman ("Forever in debt to your priceless advice"). The second verse is darker and more abstract, touching on themes of self-harm and sexual subjugation ("Cut myself on angel hair and baby's breath / Broken hymen of your Highness, I'm left back"). The final chorus repeats the themes of the first, suggesting that the man is trapped in the cycle of this unhealthy, controlling relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
She eyes me like a Pisces when I am weak
When I feel vulnerable, she looks at me in a way that feels like she can see right through me, like the elusive and intuitive Pisces sign
I've been locked inside your heart-shaped box for weeks
I've been trapped in your emotional realm for weeks, feeling confined and unable to escape
I've been drawn into your magnetar pit trap trap
You have such a strong gravitational pull that it feels like I've been sucked into a deep and dangerous pit trap
I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black
I care for you deeply and want to take away your pain, even if it means taking on your worst qualities in order to help you through them
Hey! Wait! I've got a new complaint Forever in debt to your priceless advice
While I value your guidance and insight, I have another issue that needs to be addressed and it feels like I can never fully repay you for your help
Meat-eating orchids forgive no one just yet
I feel a sense of bitterness and mistrust towards the world around me, and am not yet ready to forgive anyone for their perceived wrongs
Cut myself on angel hair and baby's breath
I've been hurt by the delicate and seemingly harmless things in life, like angel hair pasta and baby's breath flowers
Broken hymen of your Highness, I'm left back
I feel like I've been left behind or forgotten about by someone of high status or importance, like a royal figure
Throw down your umbilical noose so I can climb right back
Help me feel connected to you again, so that I can climb back into your good graces and feel like a part of your life once more
Hey! Wait! I've got a new complaint Forever in debt to your priceless advice
I still have unresolved issues and am deeply grateful for your wise counsel, even if I still feel like I can never fully pay you back for it
She eyes me like a Pisces when I am weak
I still feel like she can see right through me when I'm feeling down or defeated
I've been locked inside your heart-shaped box for weeks
My emotional entanglement with her is still ongoing, and I feel like I'm trapped in her world
I've been drawn into your magnetar pit trap trap
Her pull on me is still incredibly strong, to the point where it feels like I'm being lured into something dangerous
I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black
My desire to help and heal her is still present, even though it means taking on her pain with her
Hey! Wait! I've got a new complaint Forever in debt to your priceless advice
My problems continue to pile up, and I am once again seeking her guidance even though I know I can never fully repay her for it
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: KURT COBAIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Babak Birjandy
It's not important that how many years or months he lived, the most important thing is what you leave behind, every time we listen to his songs it's like giving him life , he is always alive in our heads and that's what makes artists like him immortal.
Jarryd DeVuono
One of my favorite songs by Nirvana. Lyrics mean a lot to me.
Nathan Thornton
This MTV unplugged, and Alice in Chains unplugged, are simply the best live recordings made. This album was number one in ever English speaking nation, and had went platinum over and over. You know when rock and roll is just punishing the pop market, like it was in the early 90's, there is very obviously a lot of pure talent. The Seattle 4, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden, just pure talent, putting pop culture to shame. Here come these dirty rockers stealing the lime light!
Tom P
its insane that they sounded this good live. Most bands can't even do this in a studio.
gendo20
Even though I was only a child at the time, I was still sad to find out that Kurt died. Cause I knew that I would never hear any new music from them, but I am glad for what they have made. It's bands like Nirvana that got me into rock. RIP Kurt ... you were the best.
Aaron
I love the classical string vibe they put into this performance. I love that sound with the song.
danbuter
I remember when this was live on TV. These guys were amazing.
Sarah
Are*
starlesseyeforheavenssake
One of my favorites of theirs. I really miss him, but I'm glad that Nirvana was born, and at least we still have Dave Grohl. Kurt seemed like a down to earth type of guy who doesn't want fame, he just wants you to hear the music, and that's f**cking awesome!
Scrap5000
Their music always take me back, gives me an indescribable feeling...youth lost, different times in my life, times when I faced such challenges and took them on with a passion, hanging with friends, loving life. R.I.P. Kurt, and God Bless You