Song Lyrics

Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’: Lyrics & Similar Tracks

Nirvana was one of those bands that changed everything in music.

Started by Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic in Washington, they created this raw, powerful sound that spoke to millions.

With Dave Grohl joining them on drums, they took their garage band sound and made it the sound that defined the 1990s.

What made them special was their ability to combine heavy guitar riffs with personal, emotional lyrics that resonated with people.

About the Song ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is Nirvana’s breakout hit and the anthem of Generation X.

With its quiet-loud dynamics and powerful guitar riffs, it took over radio and MTV in late 1991.

Kurt Cobain initially tried to write a Pixies-style song.

It eventually became one of rock music’s most influential tracks, helping bring alternative rock into the mainstream.

Song Detail	Information
Song Title	Smells Like Teen Spirit
Release Date	September 10, 1991
Album	Nevermind
Writers	Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl
Producers	Butch Vig, Nirvana
Length	5:01 (album version), 4:38 (single version)
Genre	Grunge, Alternative Rock
Record Label	DGC Records
Key Features	Opens with the iconic four-chord guitar riff, features a quiet verse/loud chorus dynamic, and reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100
Notable Achievement	Certified Diamond by RIAA (10+ million copies sold), named one of Rolling Stone’s greatest songs of all time

‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ Lyrics 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, yeah

Post-Chorus

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, yeah

Post-Chorus

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

Live Performances Of The Song ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ By Nirvana

Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit (Live at Reading 1992)

Similar songs Like ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ By Nirvana

Here are similar Nirvana songs that share elements with “Smells Like Teen Spirit”:

Lithium – Uses the same quiet-loud dynamic contrast and deals with themes of alienation. The song follows a similar structure with mellow verses that explode into powerful choruses.

In Bloom – Another track from Nevermind that captures that raw energy and features heavy guitar riffs. Like Teen Spirit, it has catchy hooks mixed with distorted guitars and speaks to feeling like an outsider.

Heart-Shaped Box – Features the band’s signature loud-quiet-loud pattern. The song shares that intense emotional delivery and complex song structure, though with a darker tone.

Breed – Has that same aggressive energy and fast pace. The guitar work is similarly heavy, capturing the youthful frustration that made Teen Spirit so powerful.

Come As You Are—While more melodic, Come As You Are shares Teen Spirit’s themes of confusion and identity. The song also became one of their biggest hits, mixing accessible melodies and an alternative rock edge.

Drain You – Written in the same period as Teen Spirit, it has comparable song structure and energy. Features similar guitar tones and that characteristic mix of pop hooks with punk rock attitude.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Nirvana’s Most Successful Song?

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is Nirvana’s biggest hit.

Selling over 10 million copies in the US alone and earning Diamond certification from RIAA.

What Did Nirvana Say About “Smells Like Teen Spirit”?

Cobain described it as an attempt to write the ultimate pop song by copying the Pixies’ style.

Later, he felt uncomfortable with its success.

What Makes The Song Important?

It marked the moment alternative rock entered mainstream music.

Changing the sound of 90s rock and expressing Generation X’s feelings of alienation.

Were There Any Lyrics That Didn’t Make The Cut?

Early drafts included the line “Who will be the King & Queen of the outcasted teens.”

Which was later removed from the final version.

Blake Emerson

Blake Emerson grew up surrounded by music. His dad played in a local rock band, and his mom ran a small record store. This early exposure to bands and the music scene shaped Blake's future. Now, Blake writes about bands and musical groups. He's been doing this for 5 years, but his knowledge goes back much further. Blake's articles often dig into how bands work together, their creative process, and the ups and downs of group dynamics in music.

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