I don't blame the average seventeen-year-old punk-rock kid for calling me a sellout. I understand that. And maybe when they grow up a little bit, they'll realize there's more things to life than living out your rock & roll identity so righteously.
With the lights out, It's less dangerous. Here we are now, Entertain us. I feel stupid, And contagious. Here we are now. Entertain us.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a sense of irony about entertainment and the feelings of disconnection in modern life.
Kurt Cobain's lyrics capture a feeling of disillusionment and irony, exploring themes of boredom and the superficiality of fame. The repetition of 'Entertain us' indicates a demand for engagement, while feelings of being 'stupid' and 'contagious' suggest deeper concerns about identity and societal expectations. The phrase 'with the lights out, it's less dangerous' implies a longing for escape from the harsh realities of life, highlighting the paradox of seeking entertainment in times of distress.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a modern art exhibition discussing themes of irony in capitalist culture.
More from Kurt Cobain
All quotes βRape is one of the most terrible crimes on earth and it happens every few minutes. The problem with groups who deal with rape is that they try to educate women about how to defend themselves. What really needs to be done is teaching men not to rape. Go to the source and start there.
Thank you for the tragedy. I need it for my art.
I get a thrill meeting kids who are into alternative music.
The future of rock belongs to women.
I don't need to be inspired any longer, just supported.
Similar quotes
Everyone talks about rock these days; the problem is they forget about the roll.
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There is a lot to say about what Bikini Kill and other 'riot grrrl' bands were able to achieve when they first set out. They were not some momentary, convulsive, creative spasm of independent music. There was a very real, relevant point of view being expressed.
One thing I can say about our band is this. If you got something good to lay on us, enlighten us, but if you got something bad to lay on us, you can get your teeth knocked clean down your throat man. Dangerous people. Lovely people.
There are people these days who can do things on the guitar which are beyond my reach. There's one guy who plays with Queen who can do things I would dream of doing. I sincerely mean that.
Anybody with money can put on a KISS show, but they can't be KISS.