11 Songs About Kurt Cobain: A Musical Tribute

Hey there, music lovers and DJs alike! It’s TBone here, from Level Tunes, your go-to buddy for all things beats and melodies.

Today, I’ve decided to dive deep into the legacy of an icon who’s left an indelible mark on the music world – Kurt Cobain.

Why, you ask? Well, Kurt’s raw emotion, groundbreaking music with Nirvana, and his tragically short life have inspired countless artists across genres to pay tribute through their songs.

So, I’ve curated a list of 11 songs about Kurt Cobain, each capturing a different facet of his influence.

Whether you’re a die-hard Nirvana fan or just a music enthusiast curious about Kurt’s impact, this list promises to offer some insightful tunes that echo his spirit. Let’s explore these musical homages together, and remember, it’s all about sharing the good vibes and great music.

Here are the songs about Kurt Cobain that you can check out:

List Of Songs About Kurt Cobain

Songs about Kurt Cobain in a list format:

“About a Boy” by Patti Smith

Patti Smith, the punk poet laureate, has always had a way with words, and “About a Boy” from her 1996 album “Gone Again” is no exception. Released under Arista Records, this song is a haunting tribute to Kurt Cobain. Smith’s ethereal vocals and the song’s atmospheric arrangement capture the pain and beauty of Cobain’s life and untimely death. The choice of Patti Smith for this list is significant because she represents the bridging of two generations of punk and alternative music, embodying the spirit of rebellion and artistic integrity that Cobain himself was known for. “About a Boy” stands out as a powerful eulogy, not just for Cobain, but for the loss of innocence in the music industry.

“Kurt Cobain” by Wesley Willis

Wesley Willis, a cult figure in the alternative music scene, known for his bizarre and humorous songs, took a more solemn tone with “Kurt Cobain” from his 1996 album “Feel the Power.” Released by American Recordings, this song is a straightforward tribute, with Willis’s signature keyboard-driven sound and candid lyrics that speak directly to Cobain’s tragedy. Choosing this song highlights the wide range of artists Cobain influenced; from punk poets to outsider musicians, Cobain’s legacy transcends genre boundaries, and Willis’s tribute is a reminder of Cobain’s universal appeal.

“Let Me In” by R.E.M.

“Let Me In” from R.E.M.’s 1994 album “Monster,” released under Warner Bros. Records, stands as a poignant homage to Kurt Cobain. Michael Stipe, the band’s lead vocalist, had a close friendship with Cobain, and this track channels his grief and confusion over Cobain’s death. The song’s raw, distorted guitar mirrors the emotional turmoil Cobain’s passing elicited, making it a deeply personal and moving tribute. R.E.M., being contemporaries of Nirvana in the 90s alternative rock scene, provides a unique perspective on Cobain’s impact, showcasing how his artistry and personal struggles resonated with fellow musicians.

“Tears Stupid Tears” by Daniel Johnston

Daniel Johnston, a lo-fi music hero and a significant influence on Cobain himself, penned “Tears Stupid Tears,” which, while not directly about Cobain, is included in this list for its thematic resonance. Found on Johnston’s 1990 album “1990,” released by Shimmy Disc, the song’s raw emotional vulnerability and simple, heartfelt lyrics capture the kind of sincere, unpolished expression that Cobain aspired to in his music. Including Johnston’s work here pays homage to the mutual admiration between the two artists and highlights how Cobain’s appreciation for outsider art contributed to his own creative process.

“JC Auto” by Sugar

Bob Mould’s band Sugar released “JC Auto” on their 1994 album “Beaster,” through Rykodisc. While not explicitly about Cobain, this ferocious track encapsulates the angst and raw energy of the era Cobain defined. Mould, a pioneer of the alternative rock scene with his earlier band Hüsker Dü, channels a similar sense of disillusionment and rage that Cobain often expressed. This song is chosen for its embodiment of the spirit of the early ’90s, a period marked by a collective grappling with themes of authenticity, alienation, and rebellion, all central to Cobain’s legacy.

“The Day Seattle Died” by Cold

Cold’s tribute, “The Day Seattle Died,” from their 2003 album “Year of the Spider,” released on Geffen Records (ironically, Nirvana’s label), directly references Cobain’s death and its impact on the music world. This post-grunge band’s song captures the sense of loss and mourning felt by the generation that grew up idolizing Cobain. The choice of this song for the list reflects the long-lasting impact of Cobain’s death on the music community and how it marked the end of an era, with Seattle being the epicenter of the grunge movement Cobain helped pioneer.

“A Small Victory” by Faith No More

While “A Small Victory,” from Faith No More’s 1992 album “Angel Dust” (released by Slash Records), might not directly mention Cobain, it’s included in this list for its reflection of the era’s musical innovation and the overlapping circles of the alternative rock scene. Faith No More, with their genre-blending sound, represented the same adventurous spirit in music that Cobain was known for. This song, with its mix of heavy riffs and melodic

harmonies, exemplifies the kind of boundary-pushing that defined the early ’90s. The inclusion of Faith No More in this tribute list underscores the broader musical landscape Cobain was a part of, showcasing the diversity and creativity that flourished in the period Cobain helped define.

“Sleeps with Angels” by Neil Young

Neil Young, often hailed as the “Godfather of Grunge,” dedicated the title track of his 1994 album “Sleeps with Angels,” released by Reprise Records, to Kurt Cobain. The song’s haunting ambiance and somber lyrics directly respond to Cobain’s death, reflecting on the tragedy with a depth of empathy and understanding. Young’s influence on Cobain and the grunge movement at large makes this tribute particularly poignant. The song serves as a bridge between generations, highlighting the mutual respect between Cobain and one of his musical heroes. “Sleeps with Angels” is a testament to the lasting impact Cobain had, not just on his peers, but also on the legends who inspired him.

“In the Sun” by Joseph Arthur

Joseph Arthur’s “In the Sun,” from his 1999 album “Come to Where I’m From,” released on Real World Records, though not explicitly about Cobain, captures the sense of loss and yearning that followed his passing. Arthur’s evocative lyrics and the song’s lush, layered production evoke a feeling of searching for solace in the aftermath of tragedy. This song is chosen for its emotional resonance and its ability to convey the complex feelings surrounding Cobain’s death, showcasing how his influence extended beyond rock into more introspective, singer-songwriter circles.

“Shotgun Wedding” by Lydia Lunch

Lydia Lunch, a no-wave icon and spoken word artist, tackled the Cobain legacy with “Shotgun Wedding,” from her album of the same name released in 1991 by Triple X Records. While not directly about Cobain, the song’s raw intensity and confrontational energy echo the tumultuousness of Cobain’s life. Lunch’s work, known for its uncompromising artistic vision, mirrors Cobain’s disdain for the mainstream and his struggle with fame. Including Lydia Lunch in this list highlights the broader cultural impact Cobain had, influencing not just music but the wider alternative art scene.

“Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide” by David Bowie

David Bowie’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide,” from his 1972 album “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars,” released by RCA Records, is not about Cobain but is included for its thematic connection to the feelings of isolation and despair that Cobain expressed through his music. Bowie was a significant influence on Cobain, who covered Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold the World.” This song, with its themes of existential angst and the quest for connection, encapsulates the struggles Cobain faced, making it a fitting addition to this list. Bowie’s ability to articulate the darker facets of fame and the artist’s psyche makes “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide” resonate with Cobain’s story, bridging the gap between two iconic figures who challenged the boundaries of rock music.

Fun Facts: Songs About Kurt Cobain

“About a Boy” by Patti Smith

• Fun Fact: Patti Smith’s “About a Boy” is not just a tribute to Kurt Cobain but also showcases Smith’s poetic ability to weave grief and admiration into her music. The song’s recording was influenced by Smith’s own experiences with loss, particularly the deaths of her husband and brother a year prior, adding a layer of personal grief to the tribute.

“Let Me In” by R.E.M.

• Fun Fact: The guitar sound in “Let Me In” is achieved through the use of Kurt Cobain’s own Fender Jaguar guitar, which was lent to R.E.M.’s Peter Buck by Courtney Love as a gesture of friendship and in memory of Cobain. This personal artifact adds a tangible connection to Cobain, making the song’s emotional weight even more profound.

“Tears Stupid Tears” by Daniel Johnston

• Fun Fact: Daniel Johnston and Kurt Cobain shared a moment of indirect connection when Cobain famously wore a t-shirt featuring Johnston’s “Hi, How Are You” album artwork to the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards. This gesture by Cobain significantly boosted Johnston’s visibility in the music world and highlighted Cobain’s appreciation for outsider artists.

“The Day Seattle Died” by Cold

• Fun Fact: “The Day Seattle Died” also contains references to Alice in Chains’ lead singer Layne Staley, who, like Cobain, was a figurehead of the Seattle grunge scene and also tragically passed away. The song serves as a dual tribute to these two iconic musicians, encapsulating the end of an era in music history.

“Sleeps with Angels” by Neil Young

• Fun Fact: Neil Young’s album “Sleeps with Angels” was being recorded when news of Cobain’s death broke. The title track, though not originally intended as a tribute, took on new meaning as Young and his bandmates processed their grief. Cobain had quoted Young’s lyrics in his suicide note, making the connection between the two artists poignantly reciprocal.

“In the Sun” by Joseph Arthur

• Fun Fact: Michael Stipe of R.E.M., a close friend of Cobain’s, covered “In the Sun” for a Hurricane Katrina benefit EP, bringing further attention to the song. Stipe’s version adds another layer of tribute to Cobain, connecting his legacy with efforts to aid in recovery from tragedy.

“Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide” by David Bowie

• Fun Fact: Cobain’s admiration for David Bowie was well-documented, and his choice to cover “The Man Who Sold the World” on Nirvana’s “MTV Unplugged” session was a significant nod to Bowie’s influence on him. “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide,” while not a direct connection to Cobain, encapsulates themes of isolation and the search for identity, mirroring Cobain’s own struggles and artistic journey.

Diving into these songs reveals not just the depth of Kurt Cobain’s impact on music but also the universal themes of struggle, inspiration, and legacy he left behind. From poetic tributes to personal reflections, Cobain’s spirit echoes through genres, reminding us of the power of music to connect and heal.

Thanks for reading.

TBone