Nirvana

"Aneurysm" is a driving, emotionally charged grunge song by Nirvana, written by Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl. Though never appearing on a primary studio album, the song is a fan favorite and recognized for its raw energy and deeply personal lyrics.

Key Details

• First Release: September 1991 (B-side of the "Smells Like Teen Spirit" single)123
• Other Releases: Featured on the rarities compilation Incesticide (1992), the live album From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah (1996), and several other collections23
• Writers: Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl21
• Genre: Grunge
• Length: About 4:35 (varies slightly by version)2
• First Live Performance: November 25, 1990, at the Off Ramp Café in Seattle2
• Notable Chart Performance: Peaked at #11 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Tracks when the live version was released as a single3

Musical Style & Structure

• Characterized by distorted guitars, intense vocals, and dynamic shifts typical of early ’90s grunge4.
• Written in B minor, the song features a pounding, repetitive main riff, a fast tempo (about 132 BPM), and aggressive mood punctuated by sudden slowdowns and build-ups24.
• Noted for Cobain’s shouted, parodic lyrics and a rousing, chant-heavy chorus24.

Lyrics & Interpretation

• The lyrics are open to multiple readings:
  • Commonly interpreted as referencing Kurt Cobain’s relationship with Tobi Vail of Bikini Kill, especially the line “Love you so much it makes me sick,” linking to their turbulent breakup254.
  • Heavily laced with drug references, using phrases (“shoot the shit,” “beat me out of me,” “she keeps it pumpin’ straight to my heart”) that evoke both addiction and dependency. Some interpret the imagery as referencing heroin use and the overwhelming nature of infatuation or withdrawal2657.
  • The lyrics play with pop clichés (“come on over and do the twist”) while twisting them into something darker and decidedly ironic, turning emotional statements into physical symptoms (love making one sick, a heart “kept pumping”)7.
  • The use of simple, repetitive lyrics adds to the song’s direct emotional impact4.

Reception & Legacy

• "Aneurysm" is celebrated for its viscera and energy, often considered one of Cobain's finest moments in songwriting and performance7.
• The song became a staple of Nirvana’s live shows in the early ’90s, showcasing their punk roots and ability to veer between chaos and melody28.
• Despite never appearing on a main studio album, "Aneurysm" has remained a cult favorite, covered by numerous artists and featured on several Nirvana compilations1.

Summary Table

Reflection

"Aneurysm" stands out as an explosive, emotionally fraught entry in Nirvana’s songbook, fusing punk energy, personal turmoil, and biting lyrical wit into a uniquely intense musical experience247.

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