Soundgarden are associated with grunge, a style of alternative rock that developed in Seattle. After releasing two EPs on the Seattle-based label Sub-Pop in 1987 and 1988, their debut album, Ultramega OK was released on the California-based independent label SST Records in 1989. While the album did not sell well nationally, it gained critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy award in 1990. They recorded their second album, Louder Than Love, independently but had signed with major label A&M Records in the interim, and released the album as their major label debut. Unlike their debut, which had failed to chart, Louder Than Love peaked at number 108 on the Billboard 200 album chart. Released the same day as fellow Seattle grunge act Nirvana's album Nevermind, their third album Badmotorfinger would bring Soundgarden to national acclaim for the first time, buoyed by the popularity of the singles "Jesus Christ Pose", "Outshined", and "Rusty Cage", the album would reach number 39 on the Billboard 200 and has been certified double-platinum by the RIAA. Soundgarden was one of the seminal creators of grunge, a style of alternative rock that developed in Seattle, and was the first of a number of grunge bands to sign to the record label Sub Pop. Soundgarden was also one of the first grunge bands to sign to a major label (A&M Records in 1989), though they did not achieve commercial success until they popularized the genre in the early 1990s with Seattle contemporaries Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, and Nirvana.
Soundgarden achieved its biggest success with the 1994 album Superunknown, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and yielded the Grammy Award-winning singles "Spoonman" and "Black Hole Sun". In 1996, the band experimented with new sonic textures on their follow-up album Down on the Upside, which debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 and spawned several hit singles of its own, including "Burden in My Hand" and "Blow Up the Outside World". In 1997, the band broke up due to internal strife over its creative direction and exhaustion from touring. After more than a decade of working on projects and other bands, Soundgarden reunited in 2010, and Republic Records released their sixth and final studio album, King Animal, two years later.
As of 2019, Soundgarden sold more than 14 million records in the United States, and an estimated 30 million worldwide. VH1 ranked Soundgarden at number 14 in their special 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soundgarden
Studio albums
Ultramega OK (1988)
Louder Than Love (1989)
Badmotorfinger (1991)
Superunknown (1994)
Down on the Upside (1996)
King Animal (2012)
No Attention
Soundgarden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And love on my head
So open your hands open your mouth
Let it be said
You know I've got it made in my mind
Don't waste my time it's not going to change
So say what you want spit it out loud
They're gonna tell you where to walk
When to smile and just what to say
They say have your own flu
Make your own mind
And don't make waves
But if you got a handful of change
Don't throw it away it's gonna come
So say what you want, suck all my
Suck on my brain
The lyrics of Soundgarden's song No Attention are introspective and edgy, exploring themes of war, blood, love, and the politics of conformity. The opening lines, "I've got war on my mind, blood on my hands, and love on my head," set a bleak and ominous tone that speaks to a sense of internal conflict and struggle.
Throughout the song, the lyrics suggest a rejection of the status quo, urging listeners to "have your own flu, make your own mind, and don't make waves." This is a call to action to those who feel boxed in by societal norms and expectations, urging them to break free and forge their own path.
The chorus, "Say what you want, spit it out loud, and I'll pay no attention," emphasizes the importance of expressing oneself honestly, regardless of how it may be received or judged by others. It's a statement of defiance against those who try to silence or control us, and a reminder that our thoughts and feelings are valid and deserving of respect.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got war on my mind blood on my hands
I am conflicted and carry the weight of my actions.
And love on my head
I am consumed by emotions that cloud my judgement.
So open your hands open your mouth
Express yourself and speak up.
Let it be said
Share your thoughts openly and honestly.
You know I've got it made in my mind
I am confident in my decisions.
Don't waste my time it's not going to change
Don't try to persuade me, I am set in my ways.
So say what you want spit it out loud
Don't hold back, speak your truth.
And I'll pay no attention
I will not be swayed or influenced by others.
They're gonna tell you where to walk
Society will try to control and dictate your actions.
When to smile and just what to say
You will be expected to conform and suppress your individuality.
They say have your own flu
They encourage you to be unique, but only within certain acceptable boundaries.
Make your own mind
Think for yourself and don't let others make decisions for you.
And don't make waves
Don't challenge the status quo, go with the flow.
But if you got a handful of change
If you have the opportunity to make a difference.
Don't throw it away it's gonna come
Don't waste your chance, it may not come again.
So say what you want, suck all my
Speak up and challenge me if you disagree.
Suck on my brain
My ideas are strong, but they are not invincible.
Lyrics © HIPGNOSIS SONGS GROUP
Written by: CORNELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
drlepper72
The back end breakdown/slowdown drips beautifully of sabbath influence. Perfectly executed
FuzzyBuzzBoy
Soundgarden is the love child of Zeppelin and Sabbath.
Jason Andes
This was Chris' favorite album. He said band was at there best during this album(Down on the upside). :) Great album indeed!
skip towne
mowatt bigsly, that is so cool. Have you shared this with your neighbors in the trailer park?
mowatt bigsly
This gem came out at the same time as Tool’s Aenima in 96 during my senior year of tripping all day at high school. LSD during the days and mushrooms on the weekends. Pure Magic!! Still is….😁✌️
Game Of Eden
Each album has moments I connect with at different times.
Jan Poelkamp
That change at 2:36 is just absolutely killer!!!
Adelia Hogarth
Their post punk roots are so apparent in this amazing song.
Ilyas Elouchihi
Post what?? You mean punk rock
dAvrilthebear
their hard core punk roots are also apparent here :)