Agree, the texts of most of the compositions of the American rock band Nirvana are unambiguous to such an extent that it is almost impossible to understand them without the author’s explanations (although they also do not always help). The main idea of the song In Bloom can also be interpreted in different ways, which many fans of Kurt Cobain willingly do. Let’s look at the main versions of the interpretation of its meaning.
The story of creation and the meaning of the song In Bloom by Nirvana
The most common opinion is that it is dedicated to music lovers who do not understand what the group’s songs are about, but, nevertheless, listen to them and even sing. Indeed, the content of the chorus suggests just such an idea.
On the other hand, in some interview (source unknown), Kurt allegedly said:
“Obviously I don’t like dorks, I don’t like machos. In other words, I don’t like aggressive people. I think that’s what the song is about, it’s an attack on them.”
In the first lines of the text, some see hints of Cobain’s mother and his early years. And Kurt’s biographer Charles Cross said that In Bloom is dedicated to Kurt’s friend Dylan Carlson.
As you can see, everything is rather confusing, and it is unlikely that anyone will be able to offer a version that will convince all Nirvana fans.
Release and achievements
The band recorded In Bloom back in 1990, but did not release it until the release of their second album. Krist Novoselic recalled that “it originally sounded like a Bad Brains song, and then Kurt turned it into a pop song.” The details of studio work are described in the English-language Wikipedia.
In November 1992, it was released as the fourth single from Nevermind. The song peaked at number five on the US Mainstream Rock and peaked at number 28 on the UK Singles Chart.
Rolling Stone ranked In Bloom number 407 (later number 415) on their list of the 500 Greatest Tracks of All Time.
Video of In Bloom by Nirvana
There are four music videos for the song. The first video appeared in 1990. Three others were presented to the public at the same time as the release of the single. They are assembled from the same material and are parodies of old TV shows. They were directed by Kevin Kerslake, who also worked on videos for Lithium and Come As You Are.
Interesting Facts
- Producer Butch Vig persuaded Kurt to resort to duplicating vocals, telling him that John Lennon did this.
- At first, Cobain wanted to make a video about a girl from the Ku Klux Klan who once realized that she was in an organization that did evil.
- According to Kurt, they made a joke video because he was tired of being taken too seriously.
In Bloom Lyrics by Nirvana
Sell the kids for food
weather mood changes
Spring is here again
reproductive glands
chorus:
He’s the one
Who likes all the pretty songs
And he likes to sing along
And he likes to shoot his gun
But he knows not what it means
Knows not what it means
And I say
He’s the one
Who likes all the pretty songs
And he likes to sing along
And he likes to shoot his gun
But he knows not what it means
Knows not what it means
And I say yeah
We can have some more
nature is girl
Bruises on the fruit
Tender age in bloom
Lyrics of In Bloom by Nirvana Alternate
Trade children for food
Mood changes with the weather
Spring again
Reproductive organs
Chorus:
He’s the one
Who likes all the cute songs
And he loves to sing along
And he loves to shoot
But doesn’t understand the meaning
Doesn’t understand the meaning
And I say that
He’s the one
Who likes all the cute songs
And he loves to sing along
And he loves to shoot
But doesn’t understand the meaning
Doesn’t understand the meaning
And I say yes…
We can get more
Nature is a girl
mashed fruit
A tender age in its prime
