Scoff
Nirvana Lyrics

The lyrics of Nirvana's song "Scoff" may seem disjointed or even nonsensical at first glance, but upon closer inspection, they reveal a lot about the complicated emotions and mindset of the singer. The lyrics seem to revolve around two main themes: the singer's feelings of inadequacy or lack of worth, and their desire for escapism through alcohol.

The first verse presents a common psychological tug-of-war, as the singer simultaneously views themselves as hardworking and ambitious (“In my eyes, I’m not lazy”) while also dealing with feelings of stagnation or hopelessness (“In my face, it’s not over”). The second half of the verse appears to be directed at a romantic partner or potential lover, with the singer feeling insecure about their age and worth in the eyes of the other person (“In your room, I’m not older / In your eyes, I’m not worth it”).

The chorus of the song, with its repeated plea to “gimme back my alcohol,” reinforces the idea that the singer is seeking some sort of escape or numbness to deal with their emotional pain. The following verse again paints a picture of inner turmoil, with the singer expressing both a desire to help people and a desire to act destructively (“Heal a million, kill a million”). The final refrain of the chorus brings the song full circle, as the singer continues to plead for their emotional crutch of alcohol while alternately affirming their sense of self (“In my eyes, I’m not lazy”).

Overall, “Scoff” seems to encapsulate the mixed and often conflicting emotions that can accompany depression, addictive tendencies, and relationship issues. The singer struggles with their sense of self-worth, both in the context of their own ambitions and in their interactions with others, and turns to alcohol as a way of numbing their pain.