The song is perhaps best known for the version that was recorded and released in 1993 by Nirvana, as a b-side to the "Heart-Shaped Box" single. A live version was later featured on the Foo Fighters' release Skin and Bones in 2006, garnering "Marigold" the notable distinction of being the only song released by both Nirvana and Foo Fighters, two of Grohl's most distinguished bands.
Nirvana
In February 1993, Grohl entered Pachyderm Studios in Cannon Falls, Minnesota with bandmates Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic, to record what would eventually become In Utero, the third and final studio album from Nirvana, produced by Steve Albini. Towards the end of the session, Grohl decided to re-record "Marigold," this time with a more detailed arrangement including bass and drums. Like the Late! version, lead and backing vocals and guitar were done by Grohl, who also recorded the drum parts.[2] Although Novoselic contributed bass,[2] it has been said that Cobain was absent during the production of "Marigold",[2] despite exhaustive rumors insisting his involvement singing backing vocal and playing either drums or guitar. The song didn't make it to the final album, however it would see limited release in August 1993 as a b-side, along with "Milk It", to "Heart-Shaped Box", the first single from In Utero (interestingly, Grohl is credited for playing drums and singing lead vocal on "Marigold", but not guitar or backing vocal). The song would later appear on the third disc of the posthumous box set, With the Lights Out in 2004. The Nirvana version of "Marigold" is significantly notable in that during the band's seven year tenure, it is the only song released by Nirvana to not include any contribution from frontman Kurt Cobain.
Marigold
Nirvana Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He's scared 'cause I want
He's scared in case I want it all
He's scared 'cause I want
All in all the clock is slow
Six color pictures all in a row
Of a marigold
He's there in case I want it all
He's scared 'cause I want
He's there in case I want it all
He's scared 'cause I want
All in all the clock is slow
Six color pictures all in a row
Of a marigold
He's there in case I want it all
He's scared 'cause I want
He's there in case I want it all
He's there 'cause I want
All in all the clock is slow
Six color pictures all in a row
Of a marigold
The lyrics to Nirvana's song Marigold appear to be about a relationship where one person is there for the other person in case they want everything, but is also afraid of that desire. The repetition of "He's scared 'cause I want" emphasizes the fear that exists in the relationship. The clock being slow could represent the stagnation of the relationship, and the six color pictures all in a row could symbolize the repetitive nature of it.
The mention of a marigold could hold significance as well. Marigolds are often associated with passion, creativity, and cruelty. In some cultures, they are also associated with death and remembrance. The fact that there are six color pictures of a marigold could mean that there are different interpretations of the relationship, or that there are different aspects of it that are being memorialized.
Overall, the lyrics to Marigold are cryptic and open to interpretation, but it seems to describe a relationship where one partner is afraid of the other's desires and the other partner is conflicted about what they want. The clock being slow and the marigold being repeated could symbolize a stagnant, repetitive situation.
Line by Line Meaning
He's there in case I want it all
Someone is present with me, ready to give me everything I might desire.
He's scared 'cause I want
This person is scared because I have expressed a desire for something.
He's scared in case I want it all
This person is scared that I might want everything they have to offer.
He's scared 'cause I want
The person is frightened because I have expressed a desire for something.
All in all the clock is slow
Overall, time seems to be passing slowly for me.
Six color pictures all in a row
There are six colored pictures lined up in a row before me.
Of a marigold
These pictures are all of a specific flower, a marigold.
He's there in case I want it all
The person remains present, ready to give me everything I might desire.
He's scared 'cause I want
This person is still afraid because I have expressed a desire for something.
He's there in case I want it all
This person is still here, ready to give me everything I might desire.
He's scared 'cause I want
The person is still afraid because I have expressed a desire for something.
All in all the clock is slow
Time is still passing slowly for me.
Six color pictures all in a row
The same six colored pictures are still lined up in a row before me.
Of a marigold
These pictures are still all of the same flower, a marigold.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: David Grohl
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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