Cobain and Nirvana were highly influential, popularizing what came to be known as "grunge music". In 1991, the arrival of Cobain's best known song, "Smells Like Teen Spirit", marked the beginning of a dramatic shift of popular music away from the dominant genres of the 1980s: glam metal, arena rock, and dance-pop. The music media eventually awarded "Smells Like Teen Spirit" "anthem-of-a-generation" status, and, with it, Cobain ascended as the reluctant "spokesman" for Generation X. Kurt Cobain changed the course of music forever even though it was never his intention.
Polly
Kurt Cobain Lyrics
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I think I should get off her first
I think she wants some water
To put out the blow torch
Isn't me, have a seed
Let me clip your dirty wings
Let me take a ride, cut yourself
Polly wants a cracker
Maybe she would like some food
She asked me to untie her
c chase would be nice for a few
Isn't me, have a seed
Let me clip your dirty wings
Let me take a ride, cut yourself
Want some help, please myself
Got some rope, haven't told
Promise you, have been true
Let me take a ride, cut yourself
Want some help, please myself
Polly said
Polly says her back hurts
She's just as bored as me
She caught me off my guard
cmazes me the will of instinct
Isn't me, have a seed
Let me clip your dirty wings
Let me take a ride, cut yourself
Want some help, please myself
Got some rope, haven't told
Promise you, have been true
Let me take a ride, cut yourself
Want some help, please myself
"Polly" is a haunting and thought-provoking song by Kurt Cobain, the late frontman of Nirvana. The lyrics depict a disturbing scenario, exploring themes of power, control, and abuse. The song is reportedly based on a true story of a young girl named Polly who was kidnapped and sexually assaulted in Tacoma, Washington.
The first verse introduces us to Polly and her desires. "Polly wants a cracker" can be interpreted metaphorically as her desire for freedom or release from her captivity. However, Cobain suggests that he should get off her first, implying a dominant position and the need to assert his control over her. The line "I think she wants some water, to put out the blow torch" may suggest that she wants to numb the pain inflicted on her, both physically and emotionally.
The second verse continues with the power dynamics between the singer and Polly. He sees himself as the one with the seed, symbolizing his ability to manipulate her and control her actions. The lines "let me clip your dirty wings" and "cut yourself, want some help, please myself" depict his desire to strip her of her independence and autonomy. It represents a twisted power dynamic where he derives pleasure from manipulating and degrading her.
In the chorus, Polly is depicted as a captive who desires not only freedom but also basic necessities like food and water. She pleads to be untied, suggesting her yearning for liberation. The reference to a chase being nice for a few implies that Polly craves the excitement and thrill of being pursued, possibly as some form of escapism from her painful reality.
In the final verse, Polly expresses physical and emotional pain. Her statement that her "back hurts" could be a metaphor for the burden she carries from her traumatic experience. Cobain acknowledges his boredom, indicating a sense of detachment or indifference towards her suffering. He also admits she caught him "off his guard," emphasizing the unpredictability and strength of her survival instinct, a testament to her resilience despite the circumstances.
Overall, "Polly" is a disturbing and chilling exploration of the power dynamics between an abuser and their captive. The lyrics offer insights into the complexities of abuse, the yearning for freedom, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of trauma. Cobain's poetic and introspective songwriting gives us a glimpse into the dark corners of humanity and the pain that can be inflicted upon others.
Line by Line Meaning
Polly wants a cracker
Polly desires something to eat
I think I should get off her first
I feel like I should remove myself from her presence before fulfilling her request
I think she wants some water
I believe she is in need of hydration
To put out the blow torch
In order to extinguish the intense emotional pain she is experiencing
Isn't me, have a seed
It's not about me, have a little patience
Let me clip your dirty wings
Allow me to remove the negative influences in your life
Let me take a ride, cut yourself
Allow me to guide you on a journey of self-discovery and emotional release
Want some help, please myself
Desiring to assist you while also satisfying my own needs
Got some rope, haven't told
I possess a tool for potential action, but I haven't revealed it
Promise you, have been true
Assuring you that I have been loyal and honest
Polly said
Polly expressed
Polly says her back hurts
Polly communicates that she experiences physical pain in her back
She's just as bored as me
She feels the same sense of monotony and dissatisfaction as I do
She caught me off my guard
She surprised me and caught me unprepared
Amazes me the will of instinct
I am amazed by the strength and determination of natural instincts
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10Kei
The Dark Story Behind "Polly"
The song "Polly" by Nirvana is about a 14 year old girl who was kidnapped in '87 as she was leaving a concert at the Tacoma Dome. Her kidnapper was a sadist named Gerald Friend. He took Polly at knifepoint, and brought her back to his place where he sexually assaulted and tortured her. Some of the items he used against her included a hot roller, a razor, hot wax, a leather whip, even a blow torch. When Gerald was done with the girl he bound and gagged her, then loaded her up in his car and took her for a final ride. Thankfully he did not plan this part out very well, Gerald had to stop for gas. At this time the brave young girl saved her own life. She freed herself and ran into the gas station, escaping her would be killer.
And yes, pretty sure he would have killed her. "Polly" was not Gerald's first victim.
Back in 1960 Gerald gave 2 hitchhiking siblings a ride. It was a 12 yr old girl and her brother. Gerald pulled a gun on the brother and made him get out of the vehicle, then he drove the girl to an isolated park. Gerald beat this girl, sexually assaulted her, he even cut her hair. She finally escaped by jumping in a lake and swimming until she got help.
These two victims survived their encounter with Gerald Friend. Police believe he has other victims who may not have been so lucky- including 2 murdered Tacoma girls in 1987.
Gerald was convicted of the torture and rape of this 1st girl and was sentenced to at least 75 years, but he was instead paroled in 1980. Allowed to walk free and plot his next attack.
For what he did to "Polly", Gerald was charged with rape, torturing and kidnapping- again. He was sentenced to another 75 years.
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Kurt was disgusted and so he wrote this song, it's showing awareness. What's sad is that a group of boys gang-raped a young girl while singing this song to her.
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Nirvana played some benefits to help rape victims, including the “Rock Against Rape” concert in 1993, which raised money for a women’s self-defense organization.
Iris Gobert
The harmonies between Kurt’s voice and Dave’s give me goosebumps
Cesar L
You should listen to Alice in Chains
Boecafzdobu
Jerry and layne compliment each other more
Luiz Fernando Peruchi
Música boa
IDrinkDiesel
yeah, if you like that you'd love Alice in Chains
Iris Gobert
deleted 831 I already do ! Cmon ;)
HyperSF2
Dave and Kurt’s voices together harmonised so well though…I’m glad Dave started his own band.
Red Skies
Hi I Recommend checking out a song Called 'The Bond Villain' By Robert Nix
Haseeb
What's his band called?
joshua
@Haseeb foo fighters