Come as you are, as you were/
As I want you to be.

Nirvana’s “Come As Your Are” expresses a simple idea: the author is hoping you will be authentic with him. There is nothing to fear about just being yourself. Whether you are friend or foe, early or late, he doesn’t care, just be as you are and as you were. Be authentic. Around the time this was written one of the worst things you could call someone was a “poser”. This song had a lot to do with the emphasis on authenticity that was so big in the music scene in Seattle in the 90s.

The bass guitar riff that the song opens with is one of the more recognizable ones in rock music. It sounds awesome. It establishes the tone for the song. It also acts kind of like lead guitar, in that we don’t hear much other guitar until the solo. It is such an interesting bass-line that it creates a great sound. Like all Nirvana songs, the vibe is depressing, but the message is actually light-hearted. However, Cobain may be fretting about the fact that it is difficult to find people who will be genuine with him.

Lyrics Come As You Are

Come as you are, as you were
As I want you to be
As a friend, as a friend
As an old enemy

Take your time, hurry up
Choice is yours, don’t be late
Take a rest as a friend
As an old

Memoria, memoria
Memoria, memoria

Come doused in mud, soaked in bleach
As I want you to be
As a trend, as a friend
As an old

Memoria, memoria
Memoria, memoria

And I swear that I don’t have a gun
No, I don’t have a gun
No, I don’t have a gun

Memoria, memoria
Memoria, memoria
(No I don’t have a gun)

And I swear that I don’t have a gun
No I don’t have a gun
No I don’t have a gun
No I don’t have a gun
No I don’t have a gun

Songwriters: Kurt Cobain