SLIVER
Nirvanaā Lyrics


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Mom and dad went to a show
They dropped me off at Grandpa Joe's
I kicked and screamed, said please don't go

Grandma take me home

Had to eat my dinner there
Mashed potatos and stuff like that
I couldn't chew my meat too good

She said, well, don't you start your crying
Go outside and ride your bike
That's what I did, I killed my toe

After dinner, I had ice cream
I fell asleep and watched TV
I woke up in my mother's arms





Grandma take me home
I wanna be alone

Overall Meaning

The Nirvana song "Sliver" is a melancholy and introspective reflection on childhood and the longing for comfort, security, and companionship. The song begins with the singer recalling his parents' night out, which leads them to drop him off at his grandparent's house. The young boy protests and pleads with them to stay but is taken to the house regardless.


At the grandparent's house, he is fed dinner but couldn't eat his meat. The grandmother tells him not to complain but instead to go outside and ride his bike. However, he ends up injuring himself and killing his toe. After dinner, the boy falls asleep while watching TV and wakes up in his mother's arms, longing for the comfort of his own home and to be alone.


The song explores feelings of isolation and vulnerability that often arise in our early memories. The singer longs to return home but is stuck in a situation he cannot control. The imagery of being at his grandparent's house and struggling to eat dinner represents the feeling of being out of place and uncomfortable in an unfamiliar environment. Overall, the song captures a sense of nostalgia for childhood moments where we felt safe and protected. It is a reminder of the innocence and simplicity of our early years and the longing to return to that carefree time in our lives.


Line by Line Meaning

Mom and dad went to a show
My parents went to watch a show


They dropped me off at Grandpa Joe's
I was left under the care of my Grandpa Joe


I kicked and screamed, said please don't go
I was unhappy with their departure, begging them to stay


Grandma take me home
I wanted to go home, so I asked grandma to take me


Had to eat my dinner there
Reluctantly, I had dinner at Grandpa Joe's


Mashed potatoes and stuff like that
For dinner, I had mashed potatoes and similar items


I couldn't chew my meat too good
I had trouble eating my meat


She said, well, don't you start your crying
Grandma advised me not to cry


Go outside and ride your bike
Grandma suggested I go out and ride my bike


That's what I did, I killed my toe
Following grandma's advice, I hurt my toe while riding my bike


After dinner, I had ice cream
I had some ice cream after dinner


I fell asleep and watched TV
While watching TV, I fell asleep


I woke up in my mother's arms
I woke up to find myself in my mother's embrace


Grandma take me home
I still wanted to go home and asked grandma to take me


I wanna be alone
I wanted to be alone after the day's events




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: KURT COBAIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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