About the song
“Come as You Are” is one of the defining tracks from Nirvana, the band that reshaped the landscape of rock music in the early 1990s. Released in 1991 as the second single from their groundbreaking album “Nevermind”, the song became an anthem for a generation grappling with issues of identity, disillusionment, and the pressures of conformity. With its simple yet powerful message and memorable melody, “Come as You Are” remains one of Kurt Cobain’s most iconic songs and a crucial part of Nirvana‘s musical legacy.
The song was released at a pivotal time in both Nirvana‘s career and in the broader cultural context of the 1990s. By the time “Come as You Are” hit the airwaves, Nevermind had already begun to create waves in the music world, and “Come as You Are” was a testament to the band’s ability to blend melody with deeply introspective and often contradictory lyrics. The track’s release in 1991 perfectly captured the ethos of grunge, a movement that rejected the excesses of the 1980s in favor of raw, unfiltered emotion and a do-it-yourself mentality.
Musically, “Come as You Are” stands out for its laid-back yet hauntingly introspective vibe. The iconic riff, played by Cobain, is deceptively simple but loaded with emotion, setting the tone for the rest of the song. The verses are marked by a clean, almost melancholy guitar tone that contrasts with the powerful chorus, where Cobain’s voice shifts from a soft, vulnerable whisper to a defiant, almost abrasive shout. This dynamic mirrors the lyrical content, which explores the complexity of self-acceptance and the contradictions inherent in being human.
Lyrically, “Come as You Are” is both a plea and an invitation. The phrase “Come as you are, as you were, as I want you to be” suggests a rejection of societal pressure to conform or present a false image of oneself. It’s an anthem of authenticity and acceptance, offering solace to those who feel alienated or misunderstood. In a way, it embodies Cobain‘s own struggles with fame, mental health, and the expectations placed upon him, as well as the broader disillusionment felt by the Generation X audience.
The impact of “Come as You Are” goes far beyond its commercial success. The song was a centerpiece in the rise of grunge as a cultural movement, alongside other Seattle-based bands like Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. It represented the voice of a generation that was fed up with the polished, overly commercialized pop culture of the 1980s. The raw, honest approach of “Come as You Are” resonated deeply with listeners who sought authenticity and a way to express their own inner turmoil and dissatisfaction with mainstream norms.
In the broader social context, the song captured the disenfranchisement and alienation that was pervasive in the early 90s. For young people, particularly in the U.S., “Come as You Are” served as a declaration of individuality, while also subtly addressing the universal struggles of self-worth and belonging. The track’s message was one of reassurance: that it’s okay to be flawed, to be confused, and to be real. This sense of solidarity and acceptance, paired with Cobain‘s emotional delivery, made the song a rallying cry for people seeking to escape the pressure to conform to societal expectations.
On a musical level, “Come as You Are” has had a lasting influence. Its simple structure, melodic guitar lines, and dynamic vocal shifts became a model for other grunge bands, and it helped to redefine rock music for the 1990s. The song’s success, along with the success of Nevermind as an album, propelled Nirvana into global stardom, influencing not just the grunge genre, but alternative rock as a whole. It introduced millions to the raw power of alternative music, and its influence can still be heard in rock and indie bands today.
In conclusion, “Come as You Are” is a song that transcends its era. Released in 1991, it became a defining anthem of the grunge movement and remains one of Nirvana‘s most beloved tracks. Its themes of self-acceptance, authenticity, and rejection of societal expectations continue to resonate with listeners today. The song’s impact on both the music industry and social culture is undeniable, and Kurt Cobain‘s powerful, heartfelt performance has solidified “Come as You Are” as a timeless anthem for those who have ever felt out of place in a world that often demands conformity.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Come as you are, as you were
As I want you to be
As a friend, as a friend
As an old enemy
Take your time, hurry up
Choice is yours, don’t be late
Take a rest as a friend
As an old memoria[Refrain]
Memoria
Memoria
Memoria[Verse 2]
Come doused in mud, soaked in bleach
As I want you to be
As a trend, as a friend
As an old memoria[Refrain]
Memoria
Memoria
Memoria[Chorus]
And I swear that I don’t have a gun
No, I don’t have a gun
No, I don’t have a gun[Guitar Solo]
[Refrain]
‘Ria
Memoria
Memoria
Memoria (No, I don’t have a gun)[Chorus]
Well, I swear that I don’t have a gun
No, I don’t have a gun
No, I don’t have a gun
No, I don’t have a gun
No, I don’t have a gun[Outro]
(Memoria)
(Memoria)