Smells Like Teen Spirit
Melvins feat. Leif Garrett Lyrics
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It's fun to lose and to pretend
She's over-bored and self-assured
Oh no, I know a dirty word
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
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
Yeah, hey
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
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 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
Yeah, hey
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
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 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
A denial, a denial, a denial, a denial, a denial
A denial, a denial, a denial, a denial
The lyrics to Melvins feat. Leif Garrett's cover of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" go deeper than just being a catchy anthem of teenage angst. The opening line, "Load up on guns, bring your friends," can be interpreted as an illustration of society's obsession with violence and weaponry. The next line "It's fun to lose and to pretend" suggests that the adolescent characters in the song are disenchanted with their lives and school, and use their apathy as a form of rebellion. The line "She's over-bored and self-assured" is a commentary on the singer's lack of connection with his peers, and his attempt to make sense of his disaffected youth.
The chorus of the song, with its repetition of "Hello, hello, how low," reflects the numbed state of the characters, who feel unimportant and voiceless in society. The line "A mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido" embodies the misfit characters in the song and their sexual desires. The bridge of the song, "And I forget just why I taste, oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile," conveys the irony of the characters finding pleasure in things that ultimately lead to their self-destructive tendencies.
Line by Line Meaning
Load up on guns, bring your friends
Gather weapons and invite your companions
It's fun to lose and to pretend
It's enjoyable to give in and pretend
She's over-bored and self-assured
She's excessively bored, yet confident
Oh no, I know a dirty word
I recognize a vulgar term
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Greeting, how's it going?
With the lights out, it's less dangerous
It's less hazardous in the absence of lights
Here we are now, entertain us
We've arrived, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
I feel foolish and infectious
A mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido
A person of mixed race, a person with no pigment, an insect, my sexual desire
I'm worse at what I do best
I'm less skilled at what I excel at
And for this gift I feel blessed
I'm grateful for this talent
Our little group has always been and always will until the end
Our small circle of companions remains constant until the very end
And I forget just why I taste
I'm unsure why I enjoy this flavor
Oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile
I suppose it brings a smile to my face
I found it hard, it's hard to find
It was difficult to locate
Oh well, whatever, never mind
Oh, doesn't matter, forget about it
A denial, a denial, a denial, a denial, a denial
Denial repeated multiple times
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: David Grohl, Krist Novoselic, Kurt Cobain
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
VanishedPNW
He sounds good. Different style definitely, but definitely the best cover of the song I have heard.
Tabbatha Oxendine
Had such a major crush on him in the 70s, that I literally could not sleep at night. I have 2 say I didn't think no one but Cobain could sing this, but now that I have heard Leif sing this in his version I love it. U can finally understand the words as its being sang. I'm old school, you just hardly understand the words to music these days compared 2 our (LEIF) days growing up (70's-80"s).. ROCK ON LEIF. Glad 2 know that U R doing better. We have all had our time, it just takes the brave ones 2 talk about it. Shout out 2 the LUMBEE people.
TheShanshuprophecy
He was my idol when I was about 11 - but like a good wine he is way more interesting now - sounding good here Leif - I like the fact that he plays it his own way and doesn't try to do a Cobain - Leif - you rock!
Laura Ward
Leif sang this song by himself at a benefit show he did in Indianapolis a few months ago and sounded amazing!
P S.
without the Mevlins?
Maura Caracciolo
Unique!💖
Isabel Johnson
He was my idol love ❤️ him
Danny Stratton
its weird being able to understand the lyrics lol. not saying nirvana made a bad song, you can understand the lyrics when leif is singing lol.
Melvins82
I think I like this song.
Valerie Williams
Love it! Honey that bald head is so handsome!!! I love ur voice! Ya I had a crush when I was young and will always have a heart for u! Love this song by you! Better than the original!