Big Long Now
Nirvana Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

It's not cold enough
Please put this side up
She is moving through
Can we show our faces now?

I'm not interesting
She's not turning green
Shameful as it seems
Can we show our faces now?

Endless climb
I am blind
Why can't I hear?
Color blind
Speaking a phrase
Instantly grown
I am blind
Waiting in line

It's not cold enough
Please put this side up
She is moving through
Can we show our faces now?

I'm not interesting
She's not turning green
Shameful as it seems
Can we show our faces now?

Endless climb
I am blind
Why can't I hear?
Color blind
Speak a phrase
Instantly grown




I am blind
Why am I sure?

Overall Meaning

Interpretation:


"Big Long Now" is one of the lesser-known tracks from Nirvana, recorded in 1988 and released in 1991 posthumously on the album "Incesticide." The song features a simple guitar melody and a melancholic and introspective feel that contrasts with the heavy, grunge sound of the band's later music. The lyrics are mysterious and enigmatic, just like many other Nirvana songs, offering multiple interpretations depending on the perspective of the listener.


The song seems to be about a troubled and dysfunctional relationship between two people who share some unresolved issues. The opening lines, "It's not cold enough, please put this side up, she is moving through, can we show our faces now?" suggest some sort of mutual secrecy, as if the couple is hiding from something or someone, perhaps even from themselves. The situation is tense, but not necessarily hostile, and the singers seem to be trying to find a way to get out of it. The second verse continues this theme, with the lines "I'm not interesting, she's not turning green, shameful as it seems, can we show our faces now?" hinting at a possible history of shame or guilt.


The chorus adds to the sense of claustrophobia and despair, as the singer complains about feeling trapped and unable to move forward. The lines "Endless climb, I am blind, why can't I leave? Color blind, speaking a phrase, instantly grown, I am blind, waiting in line" suggest that the singer is struggling with something that he cannot see or understand, like a feeling or an addiction, and that he feels stuck in a cycle of repeating the same mistakes over and over again. The final lines "Why am I sure?" suggest that he may have lost faith in his own judgment, perhaps due to past disappointments or betrayals. The song ends on a somber note, with the guitar fading out slowly, leaving the listener with a sense of unresolved tension.


Line by Line Meaning

It's not cold enough
The present situation is not extreme or serious enough to warrant a certain reaction or action.


Please put this side up
A plea or request to handle something with care or in a specific manner.


She is moving through
A female subject is continuing on with their life or current situation.


Can we show our faces now?
A question asking if it is appropriate or possible to reveal one's true self or feelings in a certain situation.


I'm not interesting
A statement that one's personality or actions are not captivating or engaging to others.


She's not turning green
A female subject is not exhibiting signs of jealousy or envy in response to a situation.


Shameful as it seems
Acknowledging that a certain situation or behavior may be considered embarrassing or inappropriate.


Endless climb
An ongoing struggle or journey that seems to have no end in sight.


I am blind
A state of confusion or uncertainty, lacking clarity or direction.


Why can't I leave?
A question asking why it is not possible to escape a certain situation or mindset.


Color blind
Unable to perceive or understand the differences or nuances in a given situation or circumstance.


Speaking a phrase
Uttering a specific set of words or vocalizing a thought or idea.


Instantly grown
A sudden or unexpected maturity or sense of responsibility.


Waiting in line
Standing in a queue or waiting for one's turn, possibly for an unspecified purpose.


Why am I sure?
A question pondering the singer's certainty or confidence in a given situation or aspect of their life.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Kurt Cobain

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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abby


on Marigold (B‐side)

dont hesitate to listen to Marigold, like seriously.

Johnny


on Lithium

Nice

robin


on Stay Away

love this

CHR!S


on Drain You - Live (1991/Del Mar Fairgrounds)

a-side goes hard from their paramount set tho

El Hrubcová


on Endless, Nameless

That's crazy song! Oh my god...I can't listen it!!!

El Hrubcová


on Territorial Pissings

It's dangerous... That's my drug!! <3

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