"Smells Like Teen Spirit" was Nirvana's biggest hit in most countries, charting high on music industry charts around the world in 1991 and 1992, including topping the charts of Belgium, France, New Zealand and Spain. The song garnered widespread critical acclaim, including topping the Village Voice Pazz & Jop critics' poll. The song was dubbed an "anthem for apathetic kids" of Generation X, but Nirvana grew uncomfortable with the attention it brought them. In the years since Kurt Cobain's death, listeners and critics have continued to praise "Smells Like Teen Spirit" as one of the greatest songs of all time.
The music video for the song is based on the concept of a high school pep rally which ends in chaos and riot, inspired by Jonathan Kaplan's 1979 film Over the Edge and the Ramones' film Rock 'n' Roll High School. It won two MTV Video Music Awards, and was in heavy rotation on music television. In subsequent years Amy Finnerty, formerly of MTV's programming department, claimed the video "changed the entire look of MTV" by giving the channel "a whole new generation to sell to". In 2000, the Guinness World Records named "Smells Like Teen Spirit" the "Most Played Video" on MTV Europe.
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's list of The Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll. In 2001, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) ranked the song at #80 on their Songs of the Century list. In 2002, NME ranked the song the #2 on its list of "100 Greatest Singles of All Time", while Kerrang! ranked it at #1 on its list of the "100 Greatest Singles of All Time". In 2021, Rolling Stone ranked "Smells Like Teen Spirit" #5 on its list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In 2017, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" was one of several songs written following Nirvana's first recording sessions with producer Butch Vig in 1990. Singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain began writing it a few weeks before recording their second album "Nevermind" in 1991. He said it was an attempt to write a song in the style of the Pixies, a band he admired:
"I was trying to write the ultimate pop song. I was basically trying to rip off the Pixies. I have to admit it. When I heard the Pixies for the first time, I connected with that band so heavily that I should have been in that band—or at least a Pixies cover band. We used their sense of dynamics, being soft and quiet and then loud and hard."
When Cobain presented the song to his bandmates, it comprised just the main guitar riff and the chorus vocal melody. Cobain said the riff was "clichéd", similar to a riff by Boston or the Richard Berry song "Louie Louie". Bassist Krist Novoselic dismissed it as "ridiculous"; in response, Cobain made the band play it for an hour and a half. Eventually, Novoselic began playing it more slowly, inspiring drummer Dave Grohl to create the drum beat, which drew from disco artists like The Gap Band. As a result, it is the only song on "Nevermind" to credit all three band members as writers.
The title derives from a phrase written on Cobain's wall by his friend Kathleen Hanna, singer of the riot grrrl band Bikini Kill: "Kurt smells like Teen Spirit." Hanna meant that Cobain smelled like the deodorant Teen Spirit, which she and Tobi Vail, his then-girlfriend, had discovered during a trip to the grocery store. Cobain said he was unaware of the deodorant until months after the single was released, and had interpreted it as a revolutionary slogan, as they had been discussing anarchism and punk rock.
Nirvana
Nirvana Lyrics
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El sol se ha ido pero tengo una luz
El dia se acabó pero me estoy divirtiendo
Creo que soy un tonto
O tal vez solo feliz creo que solo soy feliz
Creo que solo soy feliz
Creo que solo soy feliz
Mi corazón está roto
Pero tengo algo de pegamento
Ayúdame a inhalar y a remendarlo contigo
Flotaremos alrededor
Y pasar el rato en las nubes
Entoncеs bajaremos
Y tendremos una rеsaca tendremos una resaca
Tendremos una resaca tendremos una resaca
Piel al sol, duérmete
Desea, el alma es barata
Lección aprendida, deséame suerte
Quemadura calmante, despiértame
No soy como ellos pero puedo fingir
El sol se ha ido pero tengo una luz
El dia se acabó pero me estoy divirtiendo
Creo que soy un tonto
O tal vez solo feliz creo que solo soy feliz
Creo que solo soy feliz
Creo que solo soy feliz
Creo que soy un tonto creo que soy un tontoCreo que soy un tonto creo que soy un tonto
Creo que soy un tonto creo que soy un tonto
Creo que soy un tonto creo que soy un tonto
Creo que soy un tonto creo que soy un tonto
Creo que soy un tonto creo que soy un tonto
The lyrics to Nirvana's song "Nirvana" contain a list of influential and seminal albums in the punk, rock, and alternative genres, showcasing the band's musical inspirations. Each line mentions a different album, creating a homage to these artists who shaped the music landscape. The song explores the diversity and eclectic tastes of Nirvana's members, as well as their appreciation for underground and countercultural music.
The song starts with references to influential albums in the punk and alternative rock genres, such as the Stooges' "Raw Power" and the Pixies' "Surfer Rosa." These albums played a crucial role in shaping the aggressive and raw sound that Nirvana would later adopt. The inclusion of artists like the Butthole Surfers, Black Flag, and Bad Brains further emphasizes Nirvana's punk influences.
As the lyrics continue, the song moves into references to other alternative and post-punk albums, including David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World," Public Enemy's "Takes a Nation of Millions," and Mazzy Star's "She Hangs Brightly." These albums demonstrate Nirvana's wide-ranging tastes and their incorporation of diverse musical styles into their own sound.
Overall, the lyrics to "Nirvana" serve as a musical manifesto, paying tribute to the bands and albums that inspired Nirvana and showcasing their own musical journey from punk to alternative rock.
Line by Line Meaning
Raw Power - Stooges surfer Rosa - Pixies
The raw power of the Stooges' music is comparable to the rebellious energy of the Pixies' album Surfer Rosa.
Pod - Breeders pink EP - Vaselines
The Breeders' album Pod shares a hypnotic quality with Vaselines' pink EP.
Philosophy of the World - Shaggs
The Shaggs' Philosophy of the World album delves into profound philosophical themes and ideas.
Landshark - Fang millions of Dead Cops - MDC
Fang's Landshark and MDC's Millions of Dead Cops albums provide a scathing critique of society and its flaws.
1st EP - Scratch Acid
Scratch Acid's 1st EP sets the tone for their unique sound and musical approach.
1st EP - Saccharine Trust
Saccharine Trust's 1st EP showcases their experimental and boundary-pushing musical style.
Pee Pee the Sailor - Butthole Surfers
Butthole Surfers' album Pee Pee the Sailor explores dark and twisted themes with their signature psychedelic sound.
My War - Black Flag
Black Flag's My War album delves into personal struggles and conflicts, creating a powerful and introspective musical experience.
Rock for Light - Bad Brains
Bad Brains' Rock for Light album combines the raw energy of rock with spiritual and philosophical themes.
Entertainment - Gang of Four
Gang of Four's Entertainment album offers a thought-provoking critique of consumerism and societal structures.
Nevermind the Bollocks - Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols' album Nevermind the Bollocks challenges societal norms and conventions with their rebellious punk attitude.
It's Only Right and Natural - Frogs
The Frogs' album It's Only Right and Natural explores themes of sexuality and love in a unique and provocative manner.
Dry - PJ Harvey
PJ Harvey's album Dry showcases her raw talent and introspective songwriting style.
Daydream Nation - Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth's album Daydream Nation is a masterpiece that merges dreamlike melodies with experimental guitar work.
Get the Knack - The Knack
The Knack's album Get the Knack bursts with infectious energy and catchy hooks that define their pop-rock sound.
Know Your Product - The Saints
The Saints' album Know Your Product explores the influence of consumerism and materialism on society.
Anything by: Kleenex
Kleenex's discography is filled with innovative and influential music, showcasing their unique artistic vision.
Raincoats LP - Raincoats
The Raincoats' self-titled album is a groundbreaking work of feminist punk that challenges gender norms.
Collosal Youth - Young Marble Giants
Young Marble Giants' album Collosal Youth presents minimalistic and hauntingly beautiful songs that leave a lasting impact.
Rocks - Aerosmith
Aerosmith's album Rocks is a hard-hitting and energetic rock masterpiece that solidifies their status as rock legends.
What is This? - Punk Comp California
The Punk Comp California album What is This? showcases a variety of punk bands from California, representing the diverse punk scene of the region.
Green - REM
REM's album Green dives into environmental and political themes, offering a thought-provoking musical experience.
Burning Farm cassette - Shonen Knife
Shonen Knife's Burning Farm cassette combines catchy melodies and playful lyrics to create an infectiously delightful musical experience.
Typical Girls - Slit's
The Slits' album Typical Girls challenges gender stereotypes and embraces a rebellious and empowering attitude.
Combat Rock - The Clash void
The Clash's album Combat Rock delves into political and social issues, creating an anthemic punk sound that resonates.
Faith EP - Void faith
Void's Faith EP is a raw and intense exploration of faith and existentialism.
Rites of Spring - Rites of Spring
Rites of Spring's self-titled album is a landmark in the emo genre, exploring deep emotions and personal struggles.
Jamboree - Beat Happening
Beat Happening's album Jamboree captures the essence of lo-fi indie pop, radiating warmth and charm.
Tales of Terror - Tales of Terror
Tales of Terror's self-titled album delves into themes of horror and darkness, creating an intense musical experience.
Last Sessions Vol 1 - Lead Belly
Lead Belly's Last Sessions Vol 1 showcases the raw talent and soulful storytelling of this legendary folk musician.
Superfuzz Bigmuff - Mudhoney
Mudhoney's album Superfuzz Bigmuff is a masterpiece of grunge rock, blending heavy distortion with catchy melodies.
Yip Jump Music - Daniel Johnston
Daniel Johnston's Yip Jump Music album is a window into the intimate and introspective world of this talented singer-songwriter.
Generic Flipper - Flipper
The album Generic Flipper by Flipper challenges musical conventions with its heavy, sludgy sound and unconventional song structures.
Meet the Beatles - Beatles
The Beatles' album Meet the Beatles introduces the world to the iconic sound and songwriting of this legendary band.
We Are They Who Ache with
Amorous Love - Half Japanese
Half Japanese's album We Are They Who Ache with Amorous Love explores the intense and often chaotic nature of romantic love.
Locust Abortion Technician - Butthole Surfers
Butthole Surfers' album Locust Abortion Technician delves into dark and surreal themes, creating a mind-bending musical experience.
Damaged - Black Flag the Record - Fear
Both Black Flag's Damaged and Fear's The Record offer intense and aggressive punk music that captures the spirit of rebellion.
Flowers of Romance - PIL
PIL's album Flowers of Romance pushes the boundaries of post-punk, incorporating experimental elements into their distinctive sound.
Takes a Nation of Millions - Public Enemy
Public Enemy's album Takes a Nation of Millions provides a powerful and politically charged commentary on society and racial issues.
Beach Party - Marine Girls
Marine Girls' album Beach Party captures the carefree and nostalgic atmosphere of a summer beach party with their unique indie-pop sound.
The Man Who Sold the World - David Bowie
David Bowie's album The Man Who Sold the World explores existential themes and identity through his iconic glam rock sound.
Is This Real? - Wipers
Wipers' album Is This Real? presents a raw and introspective take on punk music, showcasing their unique blend of punk and post-punk elements.
Youth of America - Wipers
Wipers' album Youth of America blends atmospheric and haunting melodies with thought-provoking lyrics, creating an immersive musical journey.
Over the Edge - Wipers
Wipers' album Over the Edge pushes the boundaries of punk rock, incorporating experimental and atmospheric elements into their sound.
She Hangs Brightly - Mazzy Star
Mazzy Star's album She Hangs Brightly enchants with its dreamy and melancholic sound, captivating the listener with its ethereal beauty.
Raping A Slave - Swans
Swans' song Raping A Slave shocks and provokes with its dark and disturbing lyrics, challenging societal norms and expectations.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@roberttorricelli3805
The only problem with this song is that it’s never loud enough
@goldersgreen2177
How low...
@goldersgreen2177
Yes, How low...
@staceywatson6883
Couldn't agree more! And it's not fkn played enough
@aestheticaltwat
It’s their most played song ever and it’s still not played enough.
@PhillipSenn
Turn it up to 11. That's 1 higher than 10.
@gabe3282
1 billion for a guy that died before youtube existed
@Emilyokcool
Ah nevermind
@Reubenator27
@@Emilyokcool Kurt Cobain, he died 29 years ago.
@dusanvasiljevic1916
Legends never die