About This Song
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is often regarded as one of the greatest and most iconic songs in the history of rock music. It played a pivotal role in bringing grunge music and the Seattle music scene to mainstream attention in the early 1990s. The song’s powerful and energetic sound, along with its catchy guitar riff and unforgettable chorus, struck a chord with a generation of music listeners.
The lyrics of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” are somewhat cryptic and open to interpretation. Kurt Cobain himself explained that the song was inspired by feelings of apathy, disconnection, and the youth culture of the time. The phrase “Smells Like Teen Spirit” came from a piece of graffiti written by Kathleen Hanna, a friend of Cobain’s and the lead singer of the band Bikini Kill. At the time, Cobain didn’t realize it was a deodorant brand, and he thought it had a revolutionary and rebellious connotation, which fit the song’s theme.
Upon its release, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” became an instant hit and significantly contributed to the mainstream success of Nirvana and the grunge movement. The music video for the song, featuring a high school pep rally and chaotic performance scenes, further solidified its impact and popularity.
Video
Lyric
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
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 mulatto, an albino A mosquito, my libido
Yeah, hey, yay
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 mulatto, an albino A mosquito, my libido
Yeah, hey, yay
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
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 mulatto, an albino A mosquito, my libido
A denial, a denial A denial, a denial A denial, a denial A denial, a denial A denial