The Man Who Sold the World
Nirvana(Нирвана) Lyrics

The lyrics of Nirvana's "The man who sold the world" appear to narrate a surreal encounter between two individuals who seem to have a history together. The first stanza introduces the persona passing upon the stairs with someone he had a conversation with about "what was and when." Interestingly, the persona reveals that he wasn't there, yet the man he was conversing with seems to have acknowledged him as a friend. The second line of the stanza evokes a sense of surprise from the persona, bringing about a memory of something that hadn't occurred in a while, bringing us to the second stanza.

The second stanza starts with the persona speaking up and expressing their confusion about the man they are talking to, stating that they thought he had died long ago. The man responds by telling them that it wasn't the case and that he never lost control, which could potentially symbolize he had his wits about him or hadn't lost his sense of self. The stanza ends with the persona acknowledging that they are "face to face with the man who sold the world."

The third stanza seems to portray the persona's reaction to the conversation, laughing and shaking the man's hand, and proceeding to make their way back home. The next line appears to suggest that the persona has been searching for something for years and years, yet unsuccessfully until now. The last two lines of the stanza are contemplative and poetic, evoking a sense that "we" had died along, which could suggest that the persona feels like part of them had been lost along the way.

Overall, "The man who sold the world" is a song open to interpretation, with suggestions that it possibly talks about memory, self-discovery, and realization. The lyrics are nonsensical but catchy, and its grunge-rock style evokes a feeling of defiance and rebellion.