Junkyard
Nirvana Lyrics


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I'm long gone from (vertical)
Somewhere South is stopping (me)
I'm long gone from the American Dream
You may decide it's not for me
I'm long gone but I'll let you through

You may decide it's not for you
I'm long gone, but I'll let you through
You may decide there's nothing there

Born in a junkyard (x8)
Gone
I'm long gone but I'll let you through
You may decide that it's not that good
I'm long gone but I'll let you leave
You may decide on stopping me
(repeat 2nd verse)
(chorus)




(solo)
(chorus)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Nirvana's song Junkyard appear to be about the feeling of being lost, disconnected from the American Dream, and removed from societal expectations. The repeated phrase "I'm long gone" suggests a sense of displacement, both physical and emotional. The use of "vertical" and "somewhere south" adds to the disorientation and sense of confusion.


The repeated line "Born in a junkyard" further emphasizes the feeling of being discarded or unwanted, suggesting that the singer feels like they were never given a fair chance in life. This is echoed in the line "You may decide there's nothing there", suggesting that others may not see the value in their existence.


Overall, the song conveys a sense of detachment, disillusionment, and a rejection of mainstream expectations. In typical Nirvana fashion, the lyrics paint a picture of a world that is gritty, raw, and unforgiving.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm long gone from (vertical)
I have left the upright, moral position


Somewhere South is stopping (me)
An unknown place is obstructing my path


I'm long gone from the American Dream
I have definitely left behind the American Dream


You may decide it's not for me
It might not be suitable for me, as you wish


I'm long gone but I'll let you through
I'm no longer there, but I'll let you through


You may decide it's not for you
You may choose it's not suitable for yourself


You may decide there's nothing there
You may think there's nothing there to find


Born in a junkyard (x8)
Repeat eight times, 'I was born in a place full of waste'


Gone
I am no longer present


I'm long gone but I'll let you through
I have definitely departed, but I'll let you pass


You may decide that it's not that good
You may think that it is not excellent


I'm long gone but I'll let you leave
I am long gone, but I'll permit you to leave


You may decide on stopping me
You can determine to halt me if you choose


(repeat 2nd verse)
Repeat the second verse


(chorus)
Play the chorus


(solo)
Play the solo


(chorus)
Play the chorus again




Contributed by Avery D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Mike Moskowitz

This is a very underestimated song. It is pure power and distinctly Kurt.

Hey Dude

Все также охуенно как и 15 лет назад...

Jörmungandr

I still have a tape recording of this concert.Recording from a voice recorder.

Hey Dude

It is the Junkyard. Not Token Eastern Song (Blandest).

Nomen Nescio

@nirvanapearljam1 Auf "Outcesticide" heißt der Song "You know youre right" auch noch "Autopilot". Ist halt alles etwas veraltet. Und eine andere Aufnahme würde ich nicht direkt Sagen. Klingt so als hätte man diesen Song einfach remastered. Klingt jedenfalls wie der "Token Eastern Song".

nirvanapearljam1

@JrNapalm01 "token eastern song" ist das selbe lied, nur eine andere aufnahme junkyard heißt es auf "outcesticide"

Nomen Nescio

Das ist der "Token Eastern Song" nicht Junkyard :D

Jörmungandr

that song was called before Junkyard, and than Token Eastern Song:)

nirvanapearljam1

@JrNapalm01 weiß auch nicht genau, obs eine andere aufnahme ist oder die selbe, nur remastered. hätt halt gedacht es ist eine andere, weils so anders klingt wie auch immer

roma serebrov

Немец, ты о чём!"? я не Врубель)?

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