Token Eastern Song
Nirvana Lyrics


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I'm not gonna make it through
Something else, something new
I'm not gonna make you dream
Something sad, something mean
I'm not gonna make you through
Something else, something new
I'm not gonna make it through
Something else, something new

Hold it in your gut (x8)

I'm not gonna make it croon
Someday sad, someday blue
I'm not gonna make you scream
Someday sad, someday mean
I'm not gonna make it through
Something else, something new
I'm not gonna make you dream
In this hour, something mean

Hold it in your gut (x8)

Hold it in your gut (x8)





Gut! (x14)

Overall Meaning

The song "Token Eastern Song" by Nirvana is a reflective piece with cryptic and ambiguous lyrics. The song is open to individual interpretation, but themes of sadness, change, and loss can be perceived. The repetitiveness of the lyrics creates a cyclical, trance-like feeling, as if the singer is stuck in a cycle they cannot escape. The line "I'm not gonna make it through something else, something new" suggests a sense of resignation or even defeat, while the repetition of the line "Hold it in your gut" may be a reference to internalizing pain or discomfort.


Overall, the lyrics of "Token Eastern Song" evoke a sense of melancholy and uncertainty. The song's ambiguous lyrics provide listeners with a space to interpret and relate to the message in their own way.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm not gonna make it through
I can't survive this. I am incapable of continuing on as I am.


Something else, something new
I need a change or an alternative in order to endure.


I'm not gonna make you dream
I wouldn't give you hope or some kind of inspiration.


Something sad, something mean
I would only provide sorrow and malice.


I'm not gonna make you through
I cannot help you endure or overcome anything.


Hold it in your gut (x8)
Suppress your emotions, hold them inside to avoid expressing or sharing them.


I'm not gonna make it croon
I can't create a smooth or soothing sound.


Someday sad, someday blue
Sometimes I feel depressed and despondent.


I'm not gonna make you scream
I won't cause you to yell or shout in any way.


Someday sad, someday mean
Occasionally I will be unhappy and spiteful.


I'm not gonna make it through
I won't be able to live through what lies ahead.


Something else, something new
I need a fresh start, something different, or unique.


I'm not gonna make you dream
I don't inspire you or help you achieve your aspirations.


In this hour, something mean
At this very moment, something cruel or malicious.


Hold it in your gut (x8)
Do not convey your emotions or mention how you feel.


Hold it in your gut (x8)
Suppress your emotions, hold them inside to avoid expressing or sharing them.


Hold it in your gut (x8)
Suppress your emotions, hold them inside to avoid expressing or sharing them.


Gut! (x14)
Your instincts, feelings, or inner voice.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Kurt Cobain

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@warren3298

I'm not gonna make it through
Something else is something new
I'm not gonna make it dream
Suicide is something mean
I'm not gonna make it through
It's something else, it's something new
I'm not gonna make it through
It's something else, it's something new
Hold it in your gut
I'm not gonna make it through
Something else is something new
I'm not gonna make it scream
Suicide is something mean
I'm not gonna make it through
Something else, it's something new
I'm not gonna make it dream
In this house it's something mean
Hold it in your gut



All comments from YouTube:

@olliegoria

The best thing about Cobain’s singing is he’d slur his words so much you could make up your own lyrics to half his songs.

@lukeperry6903

OliCoon lyrics finder were invented because of kurt slurring.lol

@randomhiphop5055

that's what's cool about nirvana. what he's doing is he's finding words to fit the tune that he is looking for. he doesn't care what they mean only what they sound like. Kurt was out here making melodies.

@danielharrington5690

@@randomhiphop5055 thats a really interesting point, and I agree now that you point that out. Definitely depends on the song though, cause I know he drove himself crazy writing and had certain songs where he downplayed the meaning when in reality it was very thoughtful.

@waynesaunders1151

I've listened to Nirvana for the last 28 years since first hearing them aged 7..... And I still don't know the lyrics to the majority of their tracks lol.....I once watched a documentary on them years ago and the guy on there some producer said " you could listen to Nirvana all your life and wouldn't know all their lyrics".... It's very true lol. But thanks Mr Cobain and co for inspiring me to play guitar 🤘

@kayleighdewa5811

yeah sometimes when i sing their songs, i just change the lyrics to something else cuz it's fun that way

13 More Replies...

@johnnymckracken2237

Kurt sounds like a character from the video game 'Street Fighter' when he sings the chorus.

@wesleyalan9179

Lol, yeah

@mantra6333

Oh ne ne yenkyaaahh

@josemiranda9497

The Best part of the song

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