Unraveling Nirvana’s “Come As You Are”: The Anthem of Gen X and the Story Behind the Lyrics

Delving into Nirvana’s Timeless Classic

For any enthusiast of 90s music, Nirvana is undeniably one of the most iconic bands of the era. Embodying the grunge movement and catapulting it into mainstream culture, this legendary trio, consisting of Kurt Cobain (vocals, guitar), Krist Novoselic (bass), and Dave Grohl (drums), played a key role in shaping an entire generation’s taste in music. With their raw sound, introspective lyrics, and Cobain’s often anguished vocals, Nirvana created masterpieces that still resonate today.

One such masterpiece is “Come As You Are,” the second single from the band’s groundbreaking 1991 album, “Nevermind.” The song was written by Cobain and showcases his unique songwriting style, blending relentless guitar riffs and introspective lyrics. The song invites listeners to explore the theme of acceptance, with a chorus that repeats, “Come as you are, as you were, as I want you to be.” The track’s dark and moody tone resonates like a mantra, a call for people to be themselves, even amidst the chaos of the world.

Perhaps one critique of Nirvana, which by no means overshadows their legendary stature, is the band’s short-lived career. Although they were undeniably an influential force, their time in the spotlight was tragically cut short due to the untimely passing of Cobain in 1994. This left fans longing for more of the band’s exceptional creativity and musical prowess.

Despite their abbreviated time together, Nirvana’s achievements are nothing short of remarkable. They have received numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album for “MTV Unplugged in New York” in 1996 and an American Music Award for Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist in 1994. Furthermore, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, solidifying their place as one of the most influential acts in rock history.

In the end, Nirvana’s “Come As You Are” remains a timeless classic, a testament to the band’s ability to create music that transcends boundaries and continues to captivate audiences decades later. With their remarkable talent and authentic sound, Nirvana will always hold a special place in the hearts of music lovers everywhere.

Charting the Journey of a Grunge Anthem

“Come As You Are” by Nirvana hit the music scene on March 2, 1992, as the second single from their iconic album “Nevermind.” The song made its mark on various music charts around the world, showcasing the band’s growing popularity and solidifying their place in the annals of rock history.

In the United States, “Come As You Are” debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at a modest No. 82. Over the course of its time on the chart, it eventually peaked at No. 32, which was quite an impressive feat for a grunge rock song in an era predominantly ruled by pop tunes. On the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, the single performed even better, reaching No. 3 and staying there for 20 weeks.

Internationally, “Come As You Are” fared well too. In Canada, the song peaked at No. 12 on the RPM Top Singles chart. Over in the United Kingdom, it reached No. 9 on the Official Charts Company Top 100 Singles chart, while in Ireland, it climbed to No. 7 on the Irish Singles chart. In Australia and New Zealand, the track achieved a respectable No. 25 and No. 19 respectively on the ARIA Singles chart and the Official New Zealand Music chart.

“Come As You Are” also made waves in various European nations, such as Spain, where it peaked at No. 1 on the Spanish Singles chart. Other notable chart positions include No. 5 in Norway, No. 10 in Sweden, and No. 18 in the Netherlands.

The song’s chart performance is a testament to the power of Nirvana’s music and its ability to resonate with fans across the globe. Despite being released nearly three decades ago, “Come As You Are” continues to be celebrated as one of the quintessential tracks of the grunge era and beyond.

A Deeper Dive into the Lyrics

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

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
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, no, I don’t have a gun

Nirvana’s “Come As You Are” is one of the band’s most iconic tracks that resonated with fans both for its catchy melody and its thought-provoking lyrics. The meaning behind the lyrics, like many of Nirvana’s songs, is open to interpretation. However, it is widely believed that the song explores themes of acceptance, identity, and the duality of human nature.

The lyrics can be seen as an invitation to come as you are, whether it be as a friend or an enemy, doused in mud or soaked in bleach – essentially, accepting someone for who they are without any pretenses. This is further emphasized by the line “As I want you to be,” which suggests a desire for authenticity in relationships.

During the early 1990s, when the song was written, the world was going through a period of significant change. The Cold War had just ended, and society was grappling with a new sense of identity and purpose. Furthermore, the grunge movement, spearheaded by bands like Nirvana, was challenging the status quo and pushing for greater acceptance of diversity and individuality. The song can be seen as a reflection of this spirit of the time.

Another aspect worth noting is the repeated line “I don’t have a gun.” Some interpret this as a statement of non-violence and a call for peaceful resolution of conflicts. However, considering the tragic events of Kurt Cobain’s life, others see it as an eerie foreshadowing of his untimely death. Ultimately, the meaning of the lyrics is left up to the listener to decipher, allowing for a wide range of interpretations that add to the song’s enduring appeal.

The Enigmatic Imagery of ‘Come As You Are’

The music video for Nirvana’s iconic song “Come As You Are” is a visual masterpiece that is as enigmatic as the song itself. The video was directed by Kevin Kerslake, a visionary artist who has collaborated with various bands and musicians like Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots, and Sonic Youth. The production details of the music video showcase a keen sense of artistic approach and elevates the viewing experience for the audience.

Shot in Los Angeles, the video features a surreal underwater theme with the band performing submerged in water. This artistic decision was inspired by the album cover of “Nevermind,” which features an underwater photograph of a baby. The water and the murky, eerie atmosphere of the video serve as a metaphor for the turbulence and chaos in life, a recurring theme in Nirvana’s work.

The video also features several symbolic images that are open to interpretation, such as a chandelier swinging ominously over a lake, a woman swimming in the water, and a dog tied to a leash. These images create a sense of dark mystery, inviting viewers to decipher their meanings. Interestingly, the chandelier used in the video was later revealed by Krist Novoselic, the bass player for Nirvana, to be a reference to the one in the film “Gone with the Wind.”

Regarding the budget, it is reported that the band invested a modest amount for this project, with the majority of the expenses going towards the underwater set production. The decision to keep the budget low is consistent with Nirvana’s ethos of focusing on the music and artistic expression rather than spending extravagantly on visual effects.

Throughout the years, the “Come As You Are” music video has inspired numerous fan-made tributes and YouTube videos, further highlighting the impact of Nirvana’s music on the world. The music video remains a testament to the band’s unique approach and commitment to creating imagery that resonates with their audience’s emotions and experiences.

The Mastermind Behind “Come As You Are”

Kurt Cobain, the frontman and principal songwriter of Nirvana, deserves all the praise for crafting the timeless hit “Come As You Are.” As the enigmatic genius behind the band, Cobain penned a plethora of iconic songs during his short yet prolific career. Among his most notable works, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” revolutionized the rock scene and catapulted Nirvana to stardom, while “Heart-Shaped Box” showcased Cobain’s artistic depth and penchant for unconventional melodies. Other tracks like “Lithium,” “All Apologies,” and “Polly” further emphasized Cobain’s remarkable ability to blend raw emotion with memorable hooks, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry and creating a loyal legion of fans.

A Legacy of Accolades and Influences

Over the years, “Come As You Are” has cemented its status as a classic rock anthem and has earned numerous awards and accolades along the way. One of its most significant achievements was being ranked #445 on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” in 2004. The song also received a nomination for “Best Rock Song” at the 35th Annual Grammy Awards in 1993.

In addition to its critical acclaim, “Come As You Are” has also been featured in various forms of media. It was included in the soundtrack for the 2001 film “Zoolander,” adding a touch of grunge nostalgia to the comedy. Moreover, the song was featured in an episode of the popular teen drama “The O.C.” in 2005. Gamers will also recognize the track from the video game “Rock Band 4,” where it was included as a playable option for players to rock out to.

Given its timeless appeal and musical influence, it’s no surprise that the song has inspired numerous cover versions over the years. Noteworthy renditions include a haunting cover by the American duo The Civil Wars, Yuna’s stripped-down acoustic version, and a unique interpretation by jazz pianist Brad Mehldau, showcasing the song’s versatility across different genres. Even alternative rock band Evanescence has paid tribute to the iconic track with their live performances.

Perhaps one of the most touching tributes to “Come As You Are” came in the form of a posthumous collaboration between Nirvana and late Beatles member Paul McCartney at the 12-12-12 Concert for Sandy Relief in 2012. McCartney, Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear performed “Cut Me Some Slack,” a song with a distinct “Come As You Are” vibe, further solidifying the track’s lasting legacy in the world of rock music.

Breaking Down the Musical Elements

“Come As You Are” is a perfect example of the grunge sound that defined the early 1990s, showcasing Nirvana’s signature blend of raw energy and melodic sensibility. Penned by frontman Kurt Cobain, the song is written in the key of E-flat minor, with a time signature of 4/4. The rhythm is driven by a hypnotic, arpeggiated guitar riff, which weaves through the verse sections and creates a sense of tension that’s released in the chorus.

The melody is built around a syncopated, two-bar guitar riff, which is played throughout the verses and serves as the song’s main hook. This riff is based on a simple I-IV-V progression (E♭m-A♭m-B♭m), with the addition of a G♭ note, which adds a touch of dissonance and contributes to the song’s unsettling atmosphere. The accompanying bass line follows the root notes of the chords while adding some melodic embellishments that complement the guitar riff.

The tempo of “Come As You Are” is roughly 120 beats per minute, giving the song a moderate, steady pace that allows the listener to become fully immersed in the music. The drums play a crucial role in maintaining this pace, with drummer Dave Grohl employing a laid-back, yet powerful, groove that features a heavy use of the hi-hat and snare during the verses and a more open, crashing cymbal sound during the choruses.

In the chorus, the chords shift to a more straightforward power chord progression (E♭5-G♭5-A♭5), with Cobain’s vocals soaring over the top in a catchy, anthemic melody. His voice has a raw, emotive quality that lends a sense of vulnerability to the lyrics, which explore themes of acceptance, identity, and the pressures of fame. The chorus is followed by a brief instrumental bridge, which serves as a moment of respite before diving back into the mesmerizing verse riff.

One of the standout features of “Come As You Are” is the use of guitar effects, particularly the chorus pedal, which gives the guitar a swirling, watery sound that contributes to the song’s dreamy, otherworldly atmosphere. This effect, combined with Cobain’s distinctive vocals and the tight, dynamic rhythm section, creates a sonic landscape that is both haunting and inviting, making “Come As You Are” a timeless classic in the annals of rock history.