Breed
Nirvana
The Rebellious Apathy of Nirvana's 'Breed'
Nirvana's 'Breed' is a song that encapsulates the grunge movement's spirit of disaffection and rebellion against societal norms. The repetitive lyrics, 'I don't care, I don't care,' serve as a mantra of apathy, a common theme in Nirvana's music and the grunge genre as a whole. The song's title, 'Breed,' can be interpreted as a reference to societal expectations to conform and reproduce, which the narrator seems to reject outright.
The lyrics 'We could plant a house, we could build a tree' suggest a nonsensical approach to life, deliberately inverting common phrases to challenge the status quo and traditional life paths. This line, along with 'I don't even care, we could have all three,' reflects a sense of indifference towards the choices that are typically valued by society, such as homeownership and family life. The song's structure, with its loud-quiet-loud dynamics, mirrors the emotional intensity and the push-pull of societal expectations versus personal desires.
The repeated lines 'She said' followed by silence or the word 'good' at the end of the song imply a conversation or an external opinion that is ultimately dismissed or left unresolved. This could represent the voice of society or a specific person whose views are being ignored by the narrator. The song's raw energy and defiant lyrics resonate with listeners who feel alienated or pressured by societal norms, making it an anthem for those who choose to define their own values and reject the prescribed life script.