About the song
“Very Ape” by Kurt Cobain is a powerful, high-energy track that exemplifies the raw, gritty spirit of Nirvana‘s 1993 album In Utero. Released as part of the band’s third and final studio album before Cobain’s tragic death in 1994, “Very Ape” is a short, fast-paced song that cuts to the heart of Cobain’s feelings of alienation and frustration, themes that ran through much of Nirvana’s music. Written by Kurt Cobain himself, “Very Ape” stands as a reflection of his increasingly complex emotional state during the final years of his life and career.
The song’s title, “Very Ape,” evokes a sense of primal energy, a theme that is mirrored both in the song’s aggressive sound and in its lyrics. As with much of In Utero, the track feels raw and unpolished, perhaps even more so than the band’s earlier work. The production, courtesy of Steve Albini, is stark and stripped-down, allowing the music to carry a sense of urgency and tension that Cobain often sought to express. The track is short, clocking in at just over two minutes, but it is filled with intensity. It features distorted guitar riffs, a pounding rhythm section, and Cobain’s signature anguished vocals, which serve as both a release and a reflection of the inner turmoil he was experiencing.
Lyrically, “Very Ape” deals with themes of dehumanization and frustration. The song’s lyrics are cryptic, but they suggest Cobain’s feelings of being trapped in a world that felt increasingly alien and detached. The repeated refrain “I don’t care / I don’t care / I don’t care” echoes Cobain’s disillusionment and detachment from both his personal relationships and the expectations placed on him by the public. The lyrics of “Very Ape” resonate with listeners as a commentary on the pressures of fame, identity, and the struggle to maintain individuality in a world that feels increasingly oppressive. It’s clear that Cobain was grappling with a sense of alienation, and “Very Ape” encapsulates his desire to break free from these societal pressures.
“Very Ape” also holds a significant place within the context of Nirvana’s overall impact on music and culture. The band, and Cobain in particular, were the voices of a generation of disillusioned youth who found themselves caught between the idealism of the 1960s and the grim realities of the 1990s. This song, with its dissonant guitars and nihilistic lyrics, embodies the feeling of rebellion and disenchantment that permeated the era’s alternative rock scene. By the time “Very Ape” was released, Nirvana had already become a cultural phenomenon, and their music, especially In Utero, was a reflection of the band’s internal struggles and the dark side of fame.
While “Very Ape” wasn’t one of the most commercially successful singles from In Utero, it plays a vital role in the album’s narrative, contributing to the overall feeling of anguish, introspection, and rebellion that runs throughout the record. Its relatively brief but intense delivery encapsulates much of what made Nirvana’s music so compelling: raw emotion, sharp critique, and an honesty that was both haunting and cathartic.
In many ways, “Very Ape” is an anthem for those who feel out of place, disconnected from the world around them. The song’s brevity and force make it one of the more visceral tracks on In Utero, and it continues to resonate with fans and newcomers alike. The song reflects the internal struggles of Kurt Cobain, whose battle with fame, mental health, and addiction ultimately contributed to his untimely death. Even now, years after Cobain’s passing, “Very Ape” remains a testament to his ability to capture the complexities of human emotion in a way that is both unapologetically raw and universally relatable.
In conclusion, “Very Ape” is a quintessential Nirvana track — brief, intense, and emotionally charged. It highlights Kurt Cobain‘s ability to distill complex feelings into simple, powerful statements that resonate deeply with listeners. As part of In Utero, “Very Ape” showcases the band at its most honest and vulnerable, delivering a stark reflection on the chaos and alienation of the human experience. Even today, it remains a vital piece of Cobain’s legacy and a key part of Nirvana’s cultural influence.
Video
Lyrics
I am buried up to my neck inContradictionary liesI take pride as the kind of illiteratureI’m very ape and very niceIf you ever need anything, please don’tHesitate to ask someone else firstI’m too busy acting like I’m not naiveI’ve seen it all, I was here firstOut of the groundInto the skyOut of the skyInto the dirtIf you ever need anything, please don’tHesitate to ask someone else firstI’m too busy acting like I’m not naiveI’ve seen it all, I was here firstOut of the groundInto the skyOut of the skyInto the groundOut of the groundInto the skyOut of the skyInto the dirt