More than just a B-side, “Aneurysm” is one of the few Nirvana songs credited to all three members – Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl. It was first performed live on November 25, 1990, at the Off Ramp Café in Seattle. Interestingly, Kurt Cobain considered it one of Nirvana’s best live performances at some point.
It debuted in September 1991, gracing the flip side of the band’s breakthrough single, “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” One year later, in 1992, it received a second life in the band’s rarities collection, “Incesticide.”
I fell in love with this song years later when I got my hands on the original album “From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah,” where “Aneurysm” was captured live on December 28, 1991, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, California. Although it reached number 11 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and number 13 on its Modern Rock Tracks chart, it is still one of Nirvana’s most underrated songs!
“Aneurysm” Lyrics
Come on over and do the twist, aha
Overdo it and have a fit, aha
Love you so much, it makes me sick, aha
Come on over and shoot the shit, aha
Beat me out of me (beat it, beat it)
Beat me out of me (beat it, beat it)
Beat me out of me (beat it, beat it)
Beat me out of me (beat it, beat it)
Beat me out of me (beat it, beat it)
Beat me out of me (beat it, beat it)
Beat me out of me (beat it, beat it)
Beat me out of me
Nirvana “Aneurysm”: The Lyrics Meaning
According to Charles Cross’s 2002 biography of Kurt Cobain, “Heavier Than Heaven,” “Aneurysm” was the first of several songs written by Kurt Cobain following a four-month relationship with musician Tobi Vail in 1990. Though brief, the relationship left a deep mark on Nirvana’s frontman.
Kurt Cobain poured his emotions into “Aneurysm” in an attempt to win Tobi Vail back, unlike later songs like “Drain You,” which expressed deeper pain. The song features Kurt’s signature snarl and lyrics like “love you so much it makes me sick,” hinting at the intense feelings he had for Tobi Vail. Kurt Cobain admitted to a friend that this particular line stemmed from his nervousness around Tobi Vail, which even made him throw up.
“Aneurysm” retains Nirvana’s signature rebellious spirit despite the unresolved romantic emotions. Cobain mocks pop conventions and drug use with lyrics like “shoot the shit” and “beat me out of me.”
The song ends with a lingering question. The unidentified woman Kurt praises with the line “She keeps it pumpin’ straight to my heart” could be another reference to Tobi Vail.
The Story of Kurt Cobain and Tobi Vail’s Relationship
Tobi Vail is best known as the drummer who co-founded the punk band Bikini Kill and played an active role in the Riot Grrrl movement. She is also recognized for her relationship with Kurt Cobain following his breakup with Tracy Marander.
Kurt Cobain and Tobi Vail crossed paths approximately three years prior while hanging out with the Melvins. A shared passion for music and rebellion against societal norms characterized their relationship. Kurt found inspiration in Tobi’s fierce energy and uncompromising approach to music and activism, influencing his songwriting and ideological perspectives.
Despite the brief romance, Tobi Vail’s influence on Kurt Cobain’s music remained profound. From all accounts, Kurt Cobain was deeply in love with Tobi Vail and wanted a stable relationship similar to what he had with Tracy Marander. However, the drummer of Bikini Kill was very different from Kurt in that regard, and this may have been one of the main reasons for such a short-lived relationship.