Ain't It A Shame
Nirvana Lyrics


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Ain't it a shame to go fishin on a Sunday
Ain't it a shame
Ain't it a shame to go fishin on a Sunday
When you got Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Oh, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Ain't it a shame

Ain't it a shame to have a drink on Sunday
Ain't it a shame
Ain't it a shame to have a drink on Sunday
When you got Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Oh, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Ain't it a shame

Ain't it a shame to beat your wife on Sunday
Ain't it a shame
Ain't it a shame to beat your wife on Sunday
When you got Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday




Oh, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Ain't it a shame

Overall Meaning

Nirvana's song "Ain't It A Shame" is a cover of the classic 1955 song by Fats Domino of the same name. The song explores the idea of restraint and self-control as opposed to indulgence and recklessness. The lyrics depict the singer questioning why someone would go fishing, drink alcohol or even beat their spouse on a Sunday when they have six other days of the week to do so. By asking these rhetorical questions, the singer highlights the importance of moderation and responsibility, especially on a day of rest and reflection.


The repeated phrase "ain't it a shame" suggests a sense of disappointment and condemnation towards those who exhibit impulsive behavior. Nirvana's rendition of the song adds a layer of grunge and the raw emotion that Kurt Cobain is known for in his music. Cobain's rough, pained voice underscores the idea that despite the upbeat rhythm of the song, the lyrics are anything but joyful.


The song's message is undoubtedly an important one, and it could be seen as a commentary on the darker side of human nature. "Ain't It A Shame" presents a plea for individuals to be accountable for their actions and to take responsibility for the impact their decisions have on others.


Line by Line Meaning

Ain't it a shame to go fishin on a Sunday
Isn't it unfortunate that society has imposed restrictions on leisure activities that should be enjoyed on any day?


Ain't it a shame
How unfortunate is it?


Ain't it a shame to have a drink on Sunday
Isn't it a tragedy that the arbitrary distinction of days makes people feel guilty about enjoying themselves?


When you got Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Given that there are still six other days when society approves of drinking


Oh, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Those other six days are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday


Ain't it a shame
It really is such a great shame


Ain't it a shame to beat your wife on Sunday
How much more shameful is it to abuse your partner on a day that society considers holy?


When you got Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Considering that there are still six other days that are often spent in argument or abuse


Oh, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Those days would be Thursday, Friday, and Saturday


Ain't it a shame
It is a terrible shame indeed




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: HUDDIE LEDBETTER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Bill Brasky

He kills these Lead Belly songs man. Dude had some serious rockabilly skills. I think a lot of Nirvana fans probably have no idea how melodic and groovy he can play and sing; his other songs have melody of course, but I'm talking about it in a different sense... A soulful sense.

julia stoffers

these songs are about freedom of the will
,ku_Ssjoe

Loren Fulghum

these drum fills are some of the grooviest lines in their canon

assurdo888

You're right. Kurt has a lot of simultaneously smooth and raw melody / musicality. Even tho it's sort of an off topic, if we are talking about a coversong of Leadbelly that he did in the ( let's say ) "pre - mainstream" era of Nirvana, i've noticed in some of Nirvana's key song that his voice sometimes is like the voice of a Sting's punk alter ego . . .

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William Francis

Love when Kurt did angry blues songs...wish he did more.

Jesus Martinez Cruz

leadbelly wrote this ;)

a90zx

The focus on chords and lack of solos makes this more like country

Bonzo Dimduly

Why don't we you just ask him

aggel beatboxer

@Jesus Martinez Cruz I think he means "Love when kurt covered blues songs in an angry way" im assuming

tyler skott

@Jesus Martinez Cruz no he didnt this song was recorded in 1923 by the wiseman sextet/orchestra and they probably didn't write it either lmao not to mention the fact leadbelly didn't write 90 perfect of his songs anyway

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