Smells Like Teen Spirit
The Wounded Lyrics


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I′m worse at what I do best
And for this gift I feel blessed
Our little group has always been
And always will until the end
Hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello.

With the lights out, it's less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now, entertain us
A mullato
An Albino
A mosquito
My Libido
Yay

*Solo*

And I forget just why I taste
Oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile
I found it hard, it′s hard to find
Oh well, whatever, nevermind

Hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello.
With the lights out, it's less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now, entertain us
A mullato
An albino
A mosquito
My libido





A denial

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by The Wounded might be interpreted as a nod to the struggles of youth and the angst that comes with it. The first few lines suggest that the singer is not great at what they do best, suggesting a general feeling of inadequacy. However, they seem to feel blessed anyway, perhaps suggesting a sense of appreciation for simply being alive.


The song then turns to an acknowledgment of the singer's social group, which seems to be a source of strength for them. Despite any personal insecurities, the group remains tight-knit and will continue to be so until the end.


The chorus of "Hello, hello, hello, how low?" might be interpreted in a number of ways but could be seen as an expression of the singer's mood - a low point, perhaps. This is exacerbated by the following lines, which equate feeling "stupid and contagious" with being entertained.


The rest of the song is a sort of surreal mixture of seemingly unrelated images, from a "mullato" and an "albino" to a "mosquito" and the singer's "libido." The song's final lines, "A denial/Oh yeah, oh yeah," suggest that perhaps the singer is willfully ignoring something or is in a state of denial about something.


Line by Line Meaning

I′m worse at what I do best
I am not very good at the things I excel in.


And for this gift I feel blessed
Despite my shortcomings, I am still grateful for my abilities.


Our little group has always been
Our tight-knit community has existed for a long time.


And always will until the end
Our bond is unbreakable and will last forever.


Hello, hello, hello, how low?
A rhetorical question indicating a feeling of sadness or despair.


With the lights out, it's less dangerous
In the darkness, there are fewer distractions and potential dangers.


Here we are now, entertain us
We are seeking entertainment or some form of distraction.


I feel stupid and contagious
I am aware of my own foolishness and how I may be affecting others.


A mullato
A person of mixed race.


An Albino
A person with a congenital absence of pigmentation in the skin, hair, and eyes.


A mosquito
A small, blood-sucking insect known for its irritating bite.


My Libido
My sexual desire or drive.


Yay
An expression of excitement or happiness.


*Solo*
An instrumental section where the guitar solo plays.


And I forget just why I taste
I cannot remember why I have these feelings or emotions.


Oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile
The cause of my happiness is somewhat unknown or uncertain.


I found it hard, it′s hard to find
I struggled to find what I was looking for.


Oh well, whatever, nevermind
A dismissive attitude towards something that is not worth worrying about.




Contributed by Lily R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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