Scoff
Nirvana Lyrics


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In my eyes, I'm not lazy
In my face, it's not over
In your room, I'm not older
In your eyes, I'm not worth it

Gimmie back my alcohol, gimmie back my alcohol
Gimmie back my alcohol, gimmie back my alcohol
Gimmie back my alcohol, gimmie back my alcohol
Gimmie back my, gimmie back my, gimme back

Heal a million, kill a million
Heal a million, kill a million
Heal a million, kill a million

In my eyes, I'm not lazy
In my face, it's not over
In your room, I'm not older
In your eyes, I'm not worth it

Gimmie back my alcohol, gimmie back my alcohol
Gimmie back my alcohol, gimmie back my alcohol
Gimmie back my alcohol, gimmie back my alcohol
Gimmie back my, gimmie back my, gimme back

Heal a million, kill a million
Heal a million, kill a million
Heal a million, kill a million, yeah

In my eyes, I'm not lazy
In my face, it's not over
In your room, I'm not older
In your eyes, I'm not worth it

Gimmie back my alcohol, gimmie back my alcohol
Gimmie back my alcohol, gimmie back my alcohol
Gimmie back my alcohol, gimmie back my alcohol
Gimmie back my, gimmie back my, gimme back

Heal a million, kill a million




Heal a million, kill a million
Heal a million, kill a million, ahh

Overall Meaning

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.


Line by Line Meaning

In my eyes, I'm not lazy
I do not see myself as lazy, even if others do


In my face, it's not over
Despite external pressure, I am not giving up


In your room, I'm not older
When I'm with you, I feel younger and carefree


In your eyes, I'm not worth it
I feel small and insignificant when you look at me


Gimmie back my alcohol, gimmie back my alcohol
Alcohol is my escape, and I want it back


Heal a million, kill a million
I am capable of love and destruction in equal measure


Gimmie back my, gimmie back my, gimme back
I am desperate for what I've lost and will do whatever it takes to get it back


Heal a million, kill a million, yeah
My actions and emotions affect everyone around me




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Kurt Cobain

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Paul McFly (Radium)

Kurt was such a beast in the early days, really really had a different fire going... never lost it , just got lost in it eventually

Escape The Mirror World

bruh 😂

Bigvana

@Paul McFly (Radium) bruh😂

Made in America Love

@Paul McFly (Radium) bruh 😂

Paul McFly (Radium)

@the mashugana or being a pisces. Which im one as well, my past life i was kurt

the mashugana

it was the heroin that did it to him. courtney love didn't help either.

10 More Replies...

Brandon Kingsbury

there isnt many singers I liked when it came to yelling or screaming... But Kurt was awesome ! His voice sounded like I felt on the inside. Thats the best way I can describe it.

Nathan Baker

This song is so simple. Any band could have come up with it. But only Nirvana could make it sound great.

brownhairedbassist

Interviewer: ”How would you describe the music of Nirvana?”
The lads:

ATwistOfLemon 666

And with a little bit of me! Hahah

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