The first draft of Nirvana’s 90s hit “Smells Like Teen Spirit” had much different lyrics than the version included on the Nevermind album. This was revealed by Courtney Love, the widow of Nirvana’s frontman Kurt Cobain, in a recent appearance on The Ringer’s podcast 60 Songs That Explain the ‘90s.
Love explained that some of the early lyrics for “Smells Like Teen Spirit” can be found in Cobain’s published journals, while others were never made available to the public before. She then went on to recite the first verse and chorus:
“Come out and play / make up the rules / I know I hope / to buy the truth / who will be the king and queen / of all the outcasted teens.”
“We’re so lazy / and so stupid / blame our parents / and the cupids / a deposit, for a bottle / stick it inside / no role model”
Love also revealed several other alternative lyrics, including:
“Come out and play/ Make up the rules/ I know I hope to buy the truth/ Who will be the king and queen of all the outcasted teens?”
“We’re so lazy and so stupid/ Blame our parents and the cupids/ A deposit for a bottle/ Stick it inside, no role model.”
During her chat with host Rob Harvilla, Love shared other stories about Cobain, including the origins of his “beef” with Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder and how he wrote Nevermind track “Dumb” in 20 minutes during a plane ride.
