Nirvana was an American rock band formed by singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987. The band went through a number of drummers before settling on Dave Grohl in 1990. Nirvana became one of the most influential and successful bands of the 1990s, and their second album, Nevermind, was a major commercial success.
The Man Who Sold The World
“The Man Who Sold The World” is a song written and originally recorded by David Bowie in 1970. The song was covered by Nirvana for their MTV Unplugged in New York album, which was released in 1994, seven months after Kurt Cobain’s death.
The Nirvana version of “The Man Who Sold The World” features Cobain’s haunting vocals and acoustic guitar, with Grohl on drums and Novoselic on bass. The song’s lyrics are enigmatic and surreal, with references to mirrors, death, and identity.
Lyrics
The lyrics to Nirvana’s version of “The Man Who Sold The World” are as follows:
We passed upon the stair
We spoke of was and when
Although I wasn’t there
He said I was his friend
Which came as some surprise
I spoke into his eyes
I thought you died alone
A long long time ago
Oh no, not me
I never lost control
You’re face to face
With the man who sold the world
The song’s chorus features the repeated line: “We must have died alone, a long long time ago.”
Meaning
The meaning of “The Man Who Sold The World” has been the subject of much speculation and interpretation. Some have suggested that the song is about Bowie’s own struggles with identity and fame, while others have seen it as a commentary on the nature of reality and perception.
The Nirvana version of the song has been interpreted as a reflection of Cobain’s own struggles with fame and the pressures of the music industry. The haunting quality of his vocals and the stripped-down arrangement of the song create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that speaks to the emotional turmoil that Cobain was experiencing at the time.
Legacy
Nirvana’s version of “The Man Who Sold The World” has become one of their most iconic and enduring songs. The performance on MTV Unplugged in New York is widely regarded as one of the greatest live performances in the history of rock music.
The song has been covered by a number of other artists, including Lulu, Midge Ure, and Simple Minds. It has also been used in a variety of films and television shows, including The Social Network, Memento, and Westworld.
Conclusion
“The Man Who Sold The World” is a haunting and enigmatic song that has captivated audiences for over 50 years. Nirvana’s stripped-down version of the song is a testament to the power of Cobain’s songwriting and his ability to convey complex emotions through his music.
The song’s lyrics and meaning continue to inspire debate and interpretation, and its legacy as one of the greatest songs in the history of rock music is secure.
