"Come as You Are" is one of Nirvana’s most iconic songs, featured on their breakthrough 1991 album Nevermind. Written by Kurt Cobain, the track was released as the album’s second single on March 3, 1992. Alongside "Smells Like Teen Spirit," it played a pivotal role in popularizing Nirvana and the grunge movement in the early 1990s1.
Chart Performance & Legacy
- Reached No. 32 on the US Billboard Hot 100
- Climbed to No. 9 in the UK, becoming one of the band’s most successful international singles
- Ranked in Rolling Stone’s "500 Greatest Songs of All Time"
- Remains one of the most streamed and played rock songs from the 1990s
Musical Style & Composition
- Genre: Grunge, alternative rock
- Distinctive Features: The song is recognized for its memorable, watery guitar riff, steady tempo, and Cobain’s haunting vocal delivery.
- Band Members on the Track:
- Kurt Cobain – vocals, guitar
- Krist Novoselic – bass
- Dave Grohl – drums
Lyrics & Themes
The lyrics of "Come as You Are" invite the listener to approach with authenticity and openness:
Come as you are, as you were
As I want you to be
As a friend, as a friend
As an old enemy2
The song explores themes of acceptance, ambiguity, and contradiction. The repeated line, "I swear that I don't have a gun," has been widely discussed, especially after Cobain’s death, though it was written years prior and is generally seen as a metaphor for trust and vulnerability1.
Cultural Impact
- The song’s message of acceptance and its catchy, melancholic sound have made it a staple of alternative rock radio.
- "Come as You Are" was featured in the film Captain Marvel (2019), introducing it to a new generation.
- Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged performance of the song is particularly celebrated for its raw, acoustic intensity.
Notable Facts
- The phrase "Come as you are" is often interpreted as an invitation to authenticity, but the lyrics also contain an undercurrent of suspicion and contradiction.
- The line "Come doused in mud, soaked in bleach" references both the band’s debut album (Bleach) and a Seattle public health campaign encouraging drug users to sterilize needles.
- The song’s riff and mood are emblematic of Nirvana’s ability to blend pop sensibility with grunge’s raw edge.
"Come as You Are" remains a defining track of the 1990s, encapsulating Nirvana’s unique blend of vulnerability, melody, and angst12.
