Stay Away
Nirvana
The Rebellious Anthem of Nirvana's 'Stay Away'
Nirvana's 'Stay Away' is a song that encapsulates the grunge movement's spirit of rebellion and disdain for conformity. The lyrics, penned by the band's iconic frontman Kurt Cobain, reflect a sense of frustration with societal norms and the pressure to adhere to certain behaviors or styles. The repeated phrase 'Monkey see, monkey do' suggests a critique of mindless imitation and the lack of originality in society. Cobain's declaration 'Rather be dead than cool' is a powerful statement against the pursuit of popularity or trendiness at the expense of authenticity.
The song's chorus, consisting simply of the words 'Stay away,' serves as a defiant command or plea to maintain distance from the superficiality and insincerity Cobain perceives in the world around him. The repeated interjection 'I don't know why' throughout the song could indicate a sense of confusion or disillusionment with the reasons behind societal expectations and the actions of others. The line 'Less is more, love is blind' might be interpreted as a commentary on the emptiness of materialism and the blindness of infatuation or superficial attraction.
The closing line 'God is gay' is a provocative and controversial statement that can be seen as a challenge to religious and social norms. It's a reflection of Cobain's tendency to push boundaries and provoke thought, which was a hallmark of Nirvana's music. 'Stay Away' is a raw expression of the desire to resist external pressures and maintain one's individuality in a world that often values conformity over personal expression.