Meaning and Lyrics of Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana

Song Lyrics meaning ofΒ Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana

About Nirvana

Nirvana
Formed in 1987 in Washington, Nirvana was an American rock band known for their influential role in the grunge music movement of the early 1990s. The band consisted of Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl. Nirvana’s music often explored themes of angst, disillusionment, and social issues. One of their most famous songs is β€œSmells Like Teen Spirit,” released as the lead single from their second studio album β€œNevermind” in 1991. The song became an anthem for the Generation X and is regarded as one of the greatest rock songs of all time. Its raw energy, catchy chorus, and rebellious lyrics captured the spirit of the 90s alternative music scene and helped propel Nirvana to international fame.

Meaning of Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana

β€œSmells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana is a seminal song that encapsulates the spirit of the grunge movement in the early 1990s. The lyrics appear to reflect a sense of teenage angst and disillusionment, embracing a feeling of apathy and disconnection from the world.

The opening verse sets the tone with lines like β€œLoad up on guns, bring your friends” suggesting a rebellious and confrontational attitude typical of youth. The reference to β€œIt’s fun to lose and to pretend” could be interpreted as a nod to the idea of rejecting societal norms and expectations.

The pre-chorus repeating β€œHello, hello, hello, how low” could signify a sense of boredom or a lack of fulfillment, possibly hinting at the feelings of emptiness or dissatisfaction that many individuals experience.

The chorus with the lines β€œWith the lights out, it’s less dangerous, Here we are now, entertain us” may reflect a desire for stimulation or distraction from the mundane realities of life. The mention of feeling β€œstupid and contagious” could suggest a sense of alienation or inadequacy felt by the singer.

The recurring post-chorus β€œYeah, hey, yay” could represent a sense of resignation or indifference to the circumstances expressed in the preceding lines. It could also serve as a cathartic release of pent-up emotions.

The second verse delves into a feeling of inadequacy with lines like β€œI’m worse at what I do best, And for this gift, I feel blessed”, possibly touching on the contradictions and complexities of personal struggles and successes.

The guitar solo in the song adds to the raw and gritty sound, enhancing the overall sense of urgency and intensity present in the track.

The third verse seems to express a sense of resignation and acceptance towards life’s challenges, as shown by lines such as β€œOh well, whatever, never mind”. This attitude of detachment and nonchalance is a recurring theme in the song.

The outro with repetitions of β€œA denial, a denial” could symbolize a refusal to conform or accept the status quo, embodying the rebellious spirit often associated with the grunge movement.

Overall, β€œSmells Like Teen Spirit” could be seen as a powerful anthem of disaffected youth, capturing the disillusionment and frustration of a generation seeking to break free from societal constraints and expectations.

Lyrics of Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana

Verse 1
Load up on guns, bring your friends
It's fun to lose and to pretend
She's over-bored and self-assured
Oh no, I know a dirty word

Pre-Chorus
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello

Chorus
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 mulatto, an albino
A mosquito, my libido

Post-Chorus
Yeah, hey, yay

Verse 2
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

Pre-Chorus
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello

Chorus
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 mulatto, an albino
A mosquito, my libido

Post-Chorus
Yeah, hey, yay

Guitar Solo

Verse 3
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, never mind

Pre-Chorus
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello

Chorus
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 mulatto, an albino
A mosquito, my libido

Outro
A denial, a denial
A denial, a denial
A denial, a denial
A denial, a denial
A denial

Discography Nirvana

In Utero (30th Anniversary Super Deluxe)

Release: 2023-10-27
Label: Geffen
Popularity: πŸ‘πŸ‘
1. Serve The Servants – 2023 Remaster
2. Scentless Apprentice – 2023 Remaster
3. Heart-Shaped Box – 2023 Remaster
4. Rape Me – 2023 Remaster
5. Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle – 2023 Remaster
6. Dumb – 2023 Remaster
7. Very Ape – 2023 Remaster
8. Milk It – 2023 Remaster
9. Pennyroyal Tea – 2023 Remaster
10. Radio Friendly Unit Shifter – 2023 Remaster
11. tourette’s – 2023 Remaster
12. All Apologies – 2023 Remaster
13. Gallons Of Rubbing Alcohol Flow Through The Strip – 2023 Remaster
14. Marigold – 2023 Remaster
15. Sappy – 2023 Remaster
16. Moist Vagina – 2023 Remaster
17. I Hate Myself And Want To Die – 2023 Remaster
18. Radio Friendly Unit Shifter – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
19. Drain You – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
20. Breed – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
21. Serve The Servants – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
22. Come As You Are – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
23. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
24. Sliver – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
25. Dumb – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
26. In Bloom – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
27. About A Girl – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
28. Lithium – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
29. Pennyroyal Tea – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
30. School – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
31. Polly – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
32. Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
33. Rape Me – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
34. Territorial Pissings – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
35. Jesus Doesn’t Want Me For A Sunbeam – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
36. The Man Who Sold The World – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
37. All Apologies – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
38. On A Plain – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
39. Heart-Shaped Box – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
40. Blew – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
41. Feedback Jam – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
42. Radio Friendly Unit Shifter – Live In Seattle, Seattle Center Arena – January 7, 1994
43. Drain You – Live In Seattle, Seattle Center Arena – January 7, 1994
44. Breed – Live In Seattle, Seattle Center Arena – January 7, 1994
45. Serve The Servants – Live In Seattle, Seattle Center Arena – January 7, 1994
46. Come As You Are – Live In Seattle, Seattle Center Arena – January 7, 1994
47. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Live In Seattle, Seattle Center Arena – January 7, 1994
48. Sliver – Live In Seattle, Seattle Center Arena – January 7, 1994
49. Dumb – Live In Seattle, Seattle Center Arena – January 7, 1994
50. In Bloom – Live In Seattle, Seattle Center Arena – January 7, 1994
Tracklist Collapse

Nevermind (30th Anniversary Super Deluxe)

Release: 2021-11-12
Label: Geffen
Popularity: πŸ‘πŸ‘
1. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Remastered 2021
2. In Bloom – Remastered 2021
3. Come As You Are – Remastered 2021
4. Breed – Remastered 2021
5. Lithium – Remastered 2021
6. Polly – Remastered 2021
7. Territorial Pissings – Remastered 2021
8. Drain You – Remastered 2021
9. Lounge Act – Remastered 2021
10. Stay Away – Remastered 2021
11. On A Plain – Remastered 2021
12. Something In The Way – Remastered 2021
13. Endless, Nameless – Remastered 2021
14. Drain You – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
15. Aneurysm – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
16. School – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
17. Floyd The Barber – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
18. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
19. About A Girl – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
20. Polly – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
21. Lithium – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
22. Sliver – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
23. Breed – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
24. Come As You Are – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
25. Been A Son – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
26. Negative Creep – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
27. On A Plain – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
28. Blew – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
29. Love Buzz – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
30. Territorial Pissings – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
31. Drain You – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
32. Aneurysm – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
33. School – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
34. Floyd The Barber – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
35. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
36. About A Girl – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
37. Polly – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
38. Sliver – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
39. Breed – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
40. Come As You Are – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
41. Lithium – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
42. Territorial Pissings – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
43. Aneurysm – Live In Melbourne, Australia For Triple J/1992
44. Drain You – Live In Melbourne, Australia For Triple J/1992
45. School – Live In Melbourne, Australia For Triple J/1992
46. Sliver – Live In Melbourne, Australia For Triple J/1992
47. About A Girl – Live In Melbourne, Australia For Triple J/1992
48. Come As You Are – Live In Melbourne, Australia For Triple J/1992
49. Lithium – Live In Melbourne, Australia For Triple J/1992
50. Breed – Live In Melbourne, Australia For Triple J/1992
Tracklist Collapse

Live And Loud

Release: 2019-07-26
Label: Geffen
Popularity: πŸ‘πŸ‘
1. Radio Friendly Unit Shifter – Live & Loud
2. Drain You – Live & Loud
3. Breed – Live & Loud
4. Serve The Servants – Live & Loud
5. Rape Me – Live & Loud
6. Sliver – Live & Loud
7. Pennyroyal Tea – Live & Loud
8. Scentless Apprentice – Live & Loud
9. All Apologies – Live & Loud
10. Heart Shaped Box – Live & Loud
11. Blew – Live & Loud
12. The Man Who Sold The World – Live & Loud
13. School – Live & Loud
14. Come As You Are – Live & Loud
15. Lithium – Live & Loud
16. About A Girl – Live & Loud
17. Endless, Nameless – Live & Loud
Tracklist Collapse
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In Utero (30th Anniversary Super Deluxe)

Release: 2023-10-27
Label: Geffen
Popularity: πŸ‘πŸ‘
1. Serve The Servants – 2023 Remaster
2. Scentless Apprentice – 2023 Remaster
3. Heart-Shaped Box – 2023 Remaster
4. Rape Me – 2023 Remaster
5. Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle – 2023 Remaster
6. Dumb – 2023 Remaster
7. Very Ape – 2023 Remaster
8. Milk It – 2023 Remaster
9. Pennyroyal Tea – 2023 Remaster
10. Radio Friendly Unit Shifter – 2023 Remaster
11. tourette’s – 2023 Remaster
12. All Apologies – 2023 Remaster
13. Gallons Of Rubbing Alcohol Flow Through The Strip – 2023 Remaster
14. Marigold – 2023 Remaster
15. Sappy – 2023 Remaster
16. Moist Vagina – 2023 Remaster
17. I Hate Myself And Want To Die – 2023 Remaster
18. Radio Friendly Unit Shifter – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
19. Drain You – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
20. Breed – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
21. Serve The Servants – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
22. Come As You Are – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
23. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
24. Sliver – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
25. Dumb – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
26. In Bloom – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
27. About A Girl – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
28. Lithium – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
29. Pennyroyal Tea – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
30. School – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
31. Polly – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
32. Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
33. Rape Me – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
34. Territorial Pissings – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
35. Jesus Doesn’t Want Me For A Sunbeam – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
36. The Man Who Sold The World – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
37. All Apologies – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
38. On A Plain – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
39. Heart-Shaped Box – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
40. Blew – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
41. Feedback Jam – Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum – December 30, 1993
42. Radio Friendly Unit Shifter – Live In Seattle, Seattle Center Arena – January 7, 1994
43. Drain You – Live In Seattle, Seattle Center Arena – January 7, 1994
44. Breed – Live In Seattle, Seattle Center Arena – January 7, 1994
45. Serve The Servants – Live In Seattle, Seattle Center Arena – January 7, 1994
46. Come As You Are – Live In Seattle, Seattle Center Arena – January 7, 1994
47. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Live In Seattle, Seattle Center Arena – January 7, 1994
48. Sliver – Live In Seattle, Seattle Center Arena – January 7, 1994
49. Dumb – Live In Seattle, Seattle Center Arena – January 7, 1994
50. In Bloom – Live In Seattle, Seattle Center Arena – January 7, 1994
Tracklist Collapse

Nevermind (30th Anniversary Super Deluxe)

Release: 2021-11-12
Label: Geffen
Popularity: πŸ‘πŸ‘
1. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Remastered 2021
2. In Bloom – Remastered 2021
3. Come As You Are – Remastered 2021
4. Breed – Remastered 2021
5. Lithium – Remastered 2021
6. Polly – Remastered 2021
7. Territorial Pissings – Remastered 2021
8. Drain You – Remastered 2021
9. Lounge Act – Remastered 2021
10. Stay Away – Remastered 2021
11. On A Plain – Remastered 2021
12. Something In The Way – Remastered 2021
13. Endless, Nameless – Remastered 2021
14. Drain You – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
15. Aneurysm – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
16. School – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
17. Floyd The Barber – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
18. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
19. About A Girl – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
20. Polly – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
21. Lithium – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
22. Sliver – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
23. Breed – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
24. Come As You Are – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
25. Been A Son – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
26. Negative Creep – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
27. On A Plain – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
28. Blew – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
29. Love Buzz – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
30. Territorial Pissings – Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands/1991
31. Drain You – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
32. Aneurysm – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
33. School – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
34. Floyd The Barber – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
35. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
36. About A Girl – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
37. Polly – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
38. Sliver – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
39. Breed – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
40. Come As You Are – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
41. Lithium – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
42. Territorial Pissings – Live In Del Mar, California/1991
43. Aneurysm – Live In Melbourne, Australia For Triple J/1992
44. Drain You – Live In Melbourne, Australia For Triple J/1992
45. School – Live In Melbourne, Australia For Triple J/1992
46. Sliver – Live In Melbourne, Australia For Triple J/1992
47. About A Girl – Live In Melbourne, Australia For Triple J/1992
48. Come As You Are – Live In Melbourne, Australia For Triple J/1992
49. Lithium – Live In Melbourne, Australia For Triple J/1992
50. Breed – Live In Melbourne, Australia For Triple J/1992
Tracklist Collapse

Live And Loud

Release: 2019-07-26
Label: Geffen
Popularity: πŸ‘πŸ‘
1. Radio Friendly Unit Shifter – Live & Loud
2. Drain You – Live & Loud
3. Breed – Live & Loud
4. Serve The Servants – Live & Loud
5. Rape Me – Live & Loud
6. Sliver – Live & Loud
7. Pennyroyal Tea – Live & Loud
8. Scentless Apprentice – Live & Loud
9. All Apologies – Live & Loud
10. Heart Shaped Box – Live & Loud
11. Blew – Live & Loud
12. The Man Who Sold The World – Live & Loud
13. School – Live & Loud
14. Come As You Are – Live & Loud
15. Lithium – Live & Loud
16. About A Girl – Live & Loud
17. Endless, Nameless – Live & Loud
Tracklist Collapse
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