About the song
“On A Plain” by Kurt Cobain is a remarkable track from the era-defining grunge movement of the early 1990s. Released on September 24, 1991, this song is a standout track from Nirvana’s groundbreaking album, “Nevermind.”This album, which marked a pivotal moment in rock history, propelled the band and Cobain into the limelight and transformed the landscape of popular music.
“On A Plain” reflects Cobain’s introspective and often cryptic lyrical style. The song explores themes of disillusionment and existential questioning, which were recurring motifs in Cobain’s work. The lyrics convey a sense of internal conflict and a yearning for clarity amidst chaos. Cobain’s distinctive voice, characterized by its raw and emotive quality, enhances the song’s reflective nature. The repetitive and somewhat ambiguous lines highlight his struggle with personal and artistic identity.
Musically, “On A Plain” embodies the quintessential sound of Nirvana, featuring powerful guitar riffs, a driving rhythm, and a blend of melancholy and aggression. The production, helmed by Butch Vig, complements the band’s raw energy and Cobain’s often introspective lyrics. The song’s arrangement, with its dynamic shifts between verses and chorus, underscores the intensity and emotional depth of the track.
The impact of “On A Plain” is significant within the context of both Nirvana’s career and the broader music industry. As part of “Nevermind,” it contributed to the album’s massive success and its role in popularizing grunge music. The album itself is credited with bringing alternative rock into the mainstream, and “On A Plain” stands as a testament to Cobain’s songwriting prowess and the band’s innovative sound.
Socially, the song reflects the angst and disillusionment of a generation. The early 1990s were marked by a sense of cultural and economic uncertainty, and Nirvana’s music resonated deeply with young people grappling with these issues. “On A Plain” and its parent album helped articulate the feelings of frustration and disenchantment that were pervasive at the time, further solidifying Nirvana’s place as the voice of a generation.
In summary, “On A Plain” is a key track in Kurt Cobain’s career and in the broader grunge movement. As part of the influential “Nevermind” album, it captures the essence of Nirvana’s sound and Cobain’s introspective lyrical approach. Its impact on the music industry and its cultural significance make it a lasting piece of rock history, resonating with listeners both then and now.
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Lyrics
I’ll start this offWithout any wordsI got so highI scratched ’till I bledI love myselfBetter than youI know it’s wrongSo what should I do?The finest dayThat I’ve ever hadWas when I learnedTo cry on commandI love myselfBetter than youI know it’s wrongSo what should I do?I’m on a plainI can’t complainI’m on a plainMy mother diedEvery nightIt’s safe to sayQuote me on thatI love myselfBetter than youI know it’s wrongSo what should I do?The black sheep gotBlackmailed againForgot to putOn the zip codeI love myselfBetter than youI know it’s wrongSo what should I do?I’m on a plainI can’t complainI’m on a plainSomewhere I have heard this beforeIn a dream my memory has storedAs a defense I’m neutered and spayedWhat the hell am I trying to say?It is now timeTo make it unclearTo write off linesThat don’t make senseI love myselfBetter than youI know it’s wrongSo what should I do?And one more specialMessage to goAnd then I’m doneAnd I can go homeI love myselfBetter than youI know it’s wrongSo what should I do?I’m on a plainI can’t complainI’m on a plainI can’t complainI’m on a plainI can’t complainI’m on a plainI can’t complainI’m on a plain