I Don't Blame You

Album: You Are Free (2003)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was the last song written by Chan Marshall (aka Cat Power) for her You Are Free album. She recalled to Pitchfork: "I remember when I was at the piano and we were mixing and I kept playing it over and over and over while no one was there. They were playing ping-pong and stuff. So I just asked, 'Can I record this song real quick?'"
  • The song tells the story of a singer destroyed by fame. Some have speculated that Marshall, who has a history of alcohol and mental health problems, is singing about herself. However, she finally revealed in August 2012 the subject of the song, during an interview with UK newspaper The Guardian. "I've never told anybody this," she said, "but that is about Kurt Cobain. It's about him blowing his head off."
  • During a 2006 interview with Salon, Cat Power cited "I Don't Blame You" as her favorite song to perform live.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.

Harry Wayne Casey of KC and The Sunshine Band

Harry Wayne Casey of KC and The Sunshine BandSongwriter Interviews

Harry Wayne Casey tells the stories behind KC and The Sunshine Band hits like "Get Down Tonight," "That's The Way (I Like It)," and "Give It Up."

Grammar In Lyrics

Grammar In LyricsMusic Quiz

Lyrics don't always follow the rules of grammar. Can you spot the ones that don't?

Donny Osmond

Donny OsmondSongwriter Interviews

Donny Osmond talks about his biggest hits, his Vegas show, and the fan who taught him to take "Puppy Love" seriously.

Tom Waits Lyrics Quiz

Tom Waits Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

Pool balls, magpies and thorns without roses - how well do you know your Tom Waits lyrics?

Vince Clarke

Vince ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

An original member of Depeche Mode, Vince went on to form Erasure and Yaz.