In Bloom
Nirvana Lyrics


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Sell the kids for food
Weather changes moods
Spring is here again
Reproductive glands

He's the one
Who like all our pretty songs
And he likes to sing along
And he likes to shoot his gun
But he don't know what it means
Don't know what it means
And I say
He's the one
Who like all our pretty songs
And he likes to sing along
And he likes to shoot his gun
But he don't know what it means
Don't know what it means
And I say yeah

We can have some more
Nature is a whore
Bruises on the fruit
Tender age in bloom

He's the one
Who like all our pretty songs
And he likes to sing along
And he likes to shoot his gun
But he don't know what it means
Don't know what it means
And I say
He's the one
Who like all our pretty songs
And he likes to sing along
And he likes to shoot his gun
But he don't know what it means
Don't know what it means
And I say yeah

He's the one
Who like all our pretty songs
And he likes to sing along
And he likes to shoot his gun
But he don't know what it means
Don't know what it means
And I say
He's the one
Who like all our pretty songs
And he likes to sing along
And he likes to shoot his gun
But he don't know what it means




Don't know what it means
And I say yeah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Nirvana's "In Bloom" are about the dichotomy between the commercialization of music and those who appreciate it for its artistic value. The opening line, "Sell the kids for food," is a sarcastic critique of the band's newfound fame and the societal pressures faced by young, struggling artists. The mention of "reproductive glands" and "tender age in bloom" can be seen as references to the band's youth and their struggle to maintain authenticity in the face of pressure to conform to industry standards.


The chorus, which is repeated throughout the song, is a representation of the band's frustration with the "mainstream" fans who enjoy the catchiness of their songs without understanding their underlying messages. The line "He's the one who likes all our pretty songs and he likes to sing along" is a nod to the band's newfound popularity and commercial success, but the reference to "shooting his gun" symbolizes the dangerous consequences of glorifying violence in popular culture. The repetition of "Don't know what it means," underscores the divide between the band and their fans and the issues with commercialization in the music industry.


Overall, "In Bloom" is a commentary on the struggles faced by artists who want to be recognized for their artistic vision rather than their ability to churn out catchy, profitable hits. Through sarcastic lyrics and a catchy melody, Nirvana expresses their frustration with the commodification of music and the lack of understanding from their mainstream fans.


Line by Line Meaning

Sell the kids for food
Desperate times lead to desperate measures like selling your own children for food.


Weather changes moods
Our emotions are affected by external factors, such as weather patterns and changes.


Spring is here again
The changing of the seasons is a reminder of how time continues to move forward, even in bleak times.


Reproductive glands
Referencing the biology of reproduction and potentially highlighting the struggles of starting a family during hard times.


He's the one Who like all our pretty songs And he likes to sing along And he likes to shoot his gun But he don't know what it means Don't know what it means And I say He's the one
This person enjoys the catchy, melodic tunes Nirvana produces and sings along, but also enjoys violent activities such as using a gun. However, they don't understand the true meaning behind the music.


We can have some more Nature is a whore Bruises on the fruit Tender age in bloom
This line could be interpreted as a cynical commentary on society and how it exploits and damages nature and young people for its own gain.


He's the one Who like all our pretty songs And he likes to sing along And he likes to shoot his gun But he don't know what it means Don't know what it means And I say He's the one
Repeating the sentiment from earlier in the song, highlighting the singer's frustration that this person is enjoying the music without fully understanding it.


He's the one Who like all our pretty songs And he likes to sing along And he likes to shoot his gun But he don't know what it means Don't know what it means And I say yeah
Final repetition of the verse, emphasizing the artist's point that this person enjoys the music without truly grasping its meaning and implications.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: KURT COBAIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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