About the song
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Kurt Cobain and Nirvana is often hailed as the anthem that defined a generation. Released on September 10, 1991, as the lead single from their second album, “Nevermind”, this track catapulted Nirvana into the limelight and played a pivotal role in bringing the grunge movement into the mainstream.
Kurt Cobain penned “Smells Like Teen Spirit” as an attempt to write a song in the style of The Pixies, whom he greatly admired. He described the song as a call to arms, albeit an ironic one, filled with angst and rebellion. The title was inspired by a graffiti phrase that his friend Kathleen Hanna, lead singer of Bikini Kill, wrote on his wall: “Kurt smells like Teen Spirit.” Cobain initially didn’t know that Teen Spirit was a brand of deodorant and interpreted the phrase as having a deeper meaning.
The song’s raw energy and disillusioned lyrics struck a chord with the youth of the early ’90s. Lines like “Here we are now, entertain us” became a rallying cry for the Generation X youth, who felt misunderstood and disaffected. The song’s chorus, coupled with Cobain’s gritty vocals, Krist Novoselic’s thumping bassline, and Dave Grohl’s pounding drums, created an anthemic quality that resonated deeply.
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” not only became Nirvana’s biggest hit but also marked a significant cultural shift. Its success on MTV and the charts – peaking at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 – demonstrated the public’s appetite for alternative rock, effectively ending the dominance of hair metal bands that had ruled the airwaves in the ’80s. The song’s music video, featuring a high school pep rally gone awry, became iconic, symbolizing the chaotic and rebellious spirit of the youth.
Beyond its commercial success, the song had a profound social impact. It gave a voice to the disenfranchised youth and cemented Cobain’s status as an unlikely spokesperson for a generation. The song’s success also paved the way for other alternative bands to enter the mainstream, altering the musical landscape for years to come.
In essence, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural milestone. Its release heralded the arrival of grunge as a dominant genre and encapsulated the spirit of the era. Kurt Cobain’s creation remains a testament to the power of music to capture and express the complexities of youth and rebellion, ensuring its place in the annals of rock history.
Video
Lyrics
Load up on guns, bring your friendsIt’s fun to lose and to pretendShe’s over-bored and self assuredOh no, I know a dirty wordHello, hello, hello, how lowHello, hello, hello, how lowHello, hello, hello, how lowHello, hello, helloWith the lights out, it’s less dangerousHere we are now, entertain usI feel stupid and contagiousHere we are now, entertain usA mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libidoYeah, hey, yayI’m worse at what I do bestAnd for this gift I feel blessedOur little group has always beenAnd always will until the endHello, hello, hello, how lowHello, hello, hello, how lowHello, hello, hello, how lowHello, hello, helloWith the lights out, it’s less dangerousHere we are now, entertain usI feel stupid and contagiousHere we are now, entertain usA mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libidoYeah, hey, yayAnd I forget just why I tasteOh yeah, I guess it makes me smileI found it hard, it’s hard to findOh well, whatever, never mindHello, hello, hello, how lowHello, hello, hello, how lowHello, hello, hello, how lowHello, hello, helloWith the lights out, it’s less dangerousHere we are now, entertain usI feel stupid and contagiousHere we are now, entertain usA mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libidoA denial, a denial, a denial, a denial, a denialA denial, a denial, a denial, a denial