Very Ape by Nirvana Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling the Complexity of Human Contradictions
Lyrics
Contradictionary lies
I take pride as the kind of illiterature
I’m very ape and very nice
If you ever need anything, please don’t
Hesitate to ask someone else first
I’m too busy acting like I’m not naive
I’ve seen it all, I was here first
Out of the ground
Into the sky
Out of the sky
Into the dirt
If you ever need anything, please don’t
Hesitate to ask someone else first
I’m too busy acting like I’m not naive
I’ve seen it all, I was here first
Out of the ground
Into the sky
Out of the sky
Into the ground
Out of the ground
Into the sky
Out of the sky
Into the dirt
When the gritty, unapologetic chords of ‘Very Ape’ blast through the speakers, listeners are immediately drawn into the raucous world of Nirvana. A deep dive into the lyrics reveals a powerful commentary wrapped in the habitual enigma of the late Kurt Cobain’s writing. The song, a potent track from the band’s final studio album ‘In Utero,’ serves as a rebellion against society’s expectations and a mirror to the contradictions ingrained in the human condition.
As the song curtain jerks with a driving riff, Cobain’s words cut through the distortion, carrying an ironic pride in one’s own conflicted identity. The ethos of the grunge movement is encapsulated in this track, rebelling against the notion of a manicured self-image and societal norms.
The Irony of Self-Aware Insincerity
‘Very Ape’ kicks off with a powerful declaration of self-awareness. The protagonist acknowledges their entrapment in ‘Contradictionary lies,’ an admittance of the inherent contradictions within oneself. Yet, this awareness doesn’t prompt change; instead, it fuels a sense of pride. This irony lays the foundation for a song that delves into the complexities of embracing our multifaceted natures.
Not only does Cobain’s character possess a self-deprecating understanding of these contradictions, but there is also a self-assigned label of ‘illiterature.’ It’s a rugged denial of literary polish and a recognition of raw, unfiltered expression. The claim of being ‘very ape and very nice’ serves as a powerful juxtaposition, highlighting our primal instincts juxtaposed with our capacity for kindness.
Navigating the Carousel of Cynicism
A caustic commentary on the reluctance to aid others is framed within the clever quip ‘If you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask someone else first.’ This is Cobain at his sarcastic best, all while poking holes in the facade of altruism. It raises the question: are we all too absorbed in our pretenses of wisdom and experience to extend a hand to others in need?
This line also showcases a striking self-awareness about the pretentiousness of claiming precedence and wisdom — ‘I’ve seen it all, I was here first.’ It is a satirical nod to the absurdity of social prioritization and the jaded persona many adopt with age and exposure.
The Cyclical Journey from Dust to Dust
‘Out of the ground, into the sky, out of the sky, into the dirt.’ This recurring stanza locks the listener in a hypnotic rhythm that reflects the cyclicality of existence. There is a beautiful simplicity in these lines that belies a dark reminder of our mortality and the inevitable return to earth, no matter how high we soar.
By repeating these lines, Cobain forces us to confront the universal pattern of life and death, growth and decay – a loop that holds all beings, no matter how grand or insignificant, in its unchanging embrace.
Decoding the Hidden Meaning Behind the Ape
To understand ‘Very Ape’ at its core, one must delve into the symbolism of the ‘ape.’ Apes, in literature and culture, often represent our unrestrained animalistic nature, a certain raw and unedited element of human personality. By declaring himself ‘very ape,’ Cobain acknowledges this untamed, instinctual side—an aspect often suppressed or glossed over in society.
This acknowledgment of the ape within is not meant to be derogatory but serves as an acceptance of the honest and unrefined self. The ape symbolizes authentic living, devoid of societal polish, where the value lies in raw, emotional truth rather than polished facades.
Memorable Lines Leave Lasting Echoes in the Mind
Each word in ‘Very Ape’ is chosen with deliberate care, ensuring that the lyrics echo in the mind long after the song ends. ‘I take pride as the kind of illiterature’; this provocative phrasing not only reflects the essence of grunge but also celebrates the intellectual rebellion against formality and established norms.
The bind of contradiction–’I’m very ape and very nice’–illustrates the multifaceted personalities that we all harbor, with layers that can be confrontational and harmonious simultaneously. In its brevity and stark directness, the line is profoundly relatable and deeply human, encouraging listeners to embrace the full spectrum of their complexities.
