Serve The Servants

Nirvana's 'Serve The Servants' opens with a line that encapsulates the essence of the grunge movement: 'Teenage angst has paid off well, now I'm bored and old.' This line reflects the disillusionment and apathy that were hallmarks of the youth culture in the early 1990s. The song, written by Kurt Cobain, is a raw and candid reflection on his personal experiences, including his rise to fame and the complexities of his family life.

The lyrics 'Self-appointed judges judge more than they have sold' suggest a critique of those who pass judgment without having contributed anything of value themselves. This could be interpreted as a jab at critics or the music industry. The reference to the Salem witch trials ('If she floats, then she is not a witch like we've thought') serves as a metaphor for the persecution Cobain felt from the media and public scrutiny. The repeated chorus 'Serve the servants' can be seen as an ironic statement on the role reversal where the once-served (the servants) are now in a position of power, demanding service from those who were previously in charge.

The song also delves into Cobain's troubled relationship with his father ('I tried hard to have a father, but instead I had a dad'). The distinction between 'father' and 'dad' suggests a lack of emotional connection and support. The line 'That legendary divorce is such a bore' likely refers to his parents' divorce, which had a profound impact on him. Despite the pain, Cobain expresses a sense of resolution or acceptance, indicating that he no longer harbors hatred towards his father. 'Serve The Servants' is a complex song that weaves together themes of fame, personal struggle, and societal expectations, all delivered with Nirvana's signature sound and Cobain's piercing lyrical honesty.