It was 24 years ago today that Kurt Cobain said goodbye. I do not celebrate a person’s death, typically; I prefer to celebrate one’s life. However, local radio is playing a bunch of Nirvana songs today, and interview clips, and assorted things.
Lots of really good songs that I like to listen to.
It makes me a little nostalgic. I am a little sheepish to say this, but I always felt like I related to him, a sort of kinship. Sheepish because I tire of people that say somebody else speaks for them. Enough gushing; speak for yourself. It’s not Kurt’s great lyrics that I think about when I suggest that I relate to him.
I grew up in a similar place, little lumber town in Southwest Washington. I understood a flannel shirt as a practical shirt; cold and wet until you start working, then tie it around your waste; not a fashion statement. Dressing in layers. And it was cultural – dad wore one, granddad wore one. I can’t remember ever not having one.
After I moved away, I realized that a lot of my friends and people I grew up with were stupid assholes. Hateful. Homophobic. Chauvinistic. I was like that. I knew people unaware of the vast world out there ready for you, if only you had an open mind. It was Kurt’s interviews and whining that I always related too. When he talked about where he grew up, I knew exactly that life.
When I think of Kurt now, I have a certain sorrow. And glee. His music is delightful; funny and loud, tender and angry. I miss you, Kurt, and thanks for all the great stuff.
Here are some favorites.
I always loved the childish terror in this song. Some people worry about me for that.
indeed, it is “I need an easy friend”, not “I need a lizard friend”. When in doubt, it’s almost always a lyric that makes sense. (I dunno know if that’s a valid rule. It is art.)
It’s not Kurt’s song, but he owns it.
