With the lights out, it’s less dangerous/
Here we are now, entertain us.

Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was extremely revolutionary at the time of release-both the song and video. It came to be an anthem for Gen X angst, 90s fashion, the Seattle music scene, alt-rock and it was the breakout song that launched the careers of perhaps the two most iconic figures of rock in the 90s: Kurt Cobain and Dave Grohl. The lyrics are obscure, and to be honest, in the Nirvana version, you could only tell what half of them were at the time. Teenage angst, ambivalence and anarchy are key themes.

One of my favorite parts about “Smells like Teen Spirit” is the way the song weaves between hard and softer sounds. In the intro we have stripped down guitar sound, to the full band coming in then back to the stripped-down guitar sound as we enter the first verse. That is roller-coaster of emotion before any words are sung. The softer verses contrast great with the hardcore chorus. The production is amazing: there are a lot of guitar effects that could distract but they enhance the song. Of course, the vocal stylings of Cobain are iconic.

I also want to point out the Tori Amos cover of “Smells Like Teen Spirit”. This is the most radically different cover version of any song that I think I have heard. It is amazing. One thing that is great is that it focuses on the exact opposite aspects of the song that the Nirvana song does, and still captures the essence of the song.

Amos focuses on enunciating the lyrics, and it is exciting to understand them. Her delicate piano playing allows us to focus on how the song is structured well and see it is actually well-written. And her voice enhances the melody. Had the Nirvana version never been released, Amos’ version would be on this list by itself.

Smells Like Teen Spirit Lyrics

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.

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.

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.