Kurt Cobain Quotes
page 3
158 Quotes to Inspire and Challenge with Profound Words

Discover the profound and thought-provoking words of Kurt Cobain, the iconic musician and songwriter. From his insights on individuality to his reflections on the human condition, these quotes will inspire and challenge you in equal measure.

Kurt Donald Cobain was a highly influential American musician and songwriter, best known as the co-founder and lead vocalist of the rock band Nirvana. With his angsty songwriting style and rebellious image, he expanded the thematic boundaries of mainstream rock. Often regarded as a spokesperson for Generation X, Cobain's impact on alternative rock is widely recognized.

Forming Nirvana in 1987 alongside Krist Novoselic and Aaron Burckhard, Cobain played a significant role in establishing the band as part of the flourishing Seattle music scene, later known as grunge. Their commercial breakthrough came with the release of their critically acclaimed second album, Nevermind, which featured their hit single "Smells Like Teen Spirit". Despite being celebrated as the voice of his generation after this sudden success, Cobain felt misunderstood and resented this label. He penned numerous other popular songs for Nirvana, including "Come as You Are," "Lithium," and "Heart-Shaped Box".

Cobain faced personal struggles throughout his life, battling heroin addiction, chronic health issues like depression, and dealing with pressures arising from fame. His turbulent relationship with fellow musician Courtney Love added to his challenges. Tragically, Cobain passed away in 1994 at the age of 27 from a self-inflicted shotgun wound. Despite his untimely demise, Cobain's impact remains strong. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside his bandmates in 2014 and is consistently ranked among the greatest songwriters, guitarists, and singers of all time by publications such as Rolling Stone and MTV.

✵ 20. February 1967 – 5. April 1994
Kurt Cobain photo
Kurt Cobain: 158   quotes 690   likes

Kurt Cobain Quotes

“What are they tuning, a harp? I thought we were a big rich rock band. We should have a whole bunch of extra guitars.”

1993-11-18 at Sony Music Studios, New York City, New York (MTV Unplugged).
Stage banter

“Something in her eyes
Must be the smoke in my lungs.”

Clean Up Before She Comes.
Song lyrics, Posthumously released (post-1994)

“OK, you trained monkeys, everybody jump up and down. Let's bring back the good old pogo!”

1993-12-31 at Oakland Coliseum Arena, Oakland, California, in between "About a Girl" and "Lithium".
Stage banter

“Zits are beauty marks.”

As quoted in Sassy (1992-04).
Interviews (1989-1994), Print

“Friends are nothing but a known enemy”

Variant: A friend is nothing but a known enemy.

“The sun is gone
But I have a light”

Dumb.
Song lyrics, In Utero (1993)

“There is plenty of Hühnerfleisch in the Kühlschrank. (There is plenty of chicken in the fridge.)”

1991-08-27 at Bremen, Germany
Stage banter

“Give me a Leonard Cohen afterworld
So I can sigh eternally.”

Pennyroyal Tea.
Song lyrics, In Utero (1993)

“Things have never been so swell
and I have never felt this well! I have never failed to feel… Pain!”

You Know You're Right.
Song lyrics, Posthumously released (post-1994)

“I can't play [guitar] like Pete Townshend. The flip side of that is that Pete Townshend could probably never have played like me.”

As quoted in Fender Frontline Magazine (Fall 1994).
Interviews (1989-1994), Print

“Yes I eat cow I am not proud.”

Mr Moustache.
Song lyrics, Bleach (1989)

“Throw down your umbilical noose so I can climb right back.”

Heart-Shaped Box.
Song lyrics, In Utero (1993)

“Hate your enemies
Save your friends
Find your place
Speak the truth.”

Radio Friendly Unit Shifter.
Song lyrics, In Utero (1993)

“I love myself better than you
I know it's wrong, but what should I do?”

On A Plain.
Song lyrics, Nevermind (1991)

“Hate me
Do it and do it again
Waste me
Rape me, my friend.”

Rape Me.
Song lyrics, In Utero (1993)

“Cut myself on angel hair and baby's breath.”

Song lyrics, In Utero (1993)