Nirvana Bass Player Krist Novoselic Remembers Kurt Cobain's Lyrics, Artwork

Nirvana Bass Player Krist Novoselic Remembers Kurt Cobain’s Lyrics, Artwork

2013-10-07

Story by Anne Erickson

Nirvana bass player Krist Novoselic says late frontman Kurt Cobain’s lyrics were open to interpretation

Some people have described Nirvana’s lyrics as being a bit nonsensical. While that description is perhaps going a bit far, bass player Krist Novoselic says the band’s late frontman Kurt Cobain was a master at leaving his lyrics open to be interpreted in many different ways. Moreover, Cobain never revealed his personal interpretation.

“There is imagery on [Nirvana’s third and final album, ‘In Utero’] that I would never express to people,” Novoselic told Rolling Stone. “We’re each entitled to our own interpretations. But none of them are the definitive one. He’s the only one who can give that — and he’s gone. And he never gave one while he was alive.”

Cobain was famous not just for his music but also for his dramatic, sometimes disturbing art, and Novoselic remembers the times the singer would create such mystifying artwork. “He would cut out pictures of meat from grocery-store fliers, then paste these orchids on them,” Novoselic said. “And all this stuff on [‘In Utero’] about the body — there was something about anatomy. You look at his art — there are these people, and they’re all weird, like mutants…and dolls — creepy dolls.”

Nirvana’s 20th anniversary reissue of their “In Utero” album is currently in stores.

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Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based reporter and radio host. She has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne at anne@audioinkradio.com.