Downer

Album: Bleach (1989)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was Kurt Cobain's attempt at a political song. In the song, Cobain laments on nuclear war, radicals who believe the world is going to end, and other issues. Said Kurt: "I was trying to be Mr. Black Flag punk-rock guy... I didn't know what I was talking about." >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Matt - Millbrae, CA
  • "Downer" was part of Nirvana's debut album, Bleach, released in 1989 before Dave Grohl joined the band (Chad Channing was their drummer). It was later included on Nirvana's 1992 compilation Incesticide because Nirvana rarely played it live and Kurt Cobain wanted people to hear it. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jared - North Smithfield, RI

Comments: 10

  • Stavros A. from Houston Txi love this song, but yeah the lyrics are mid
  • Max from Bc, Candaits an OK song, it used to be m favourite
  • Zabadak from LondonVery much a bass-driven thing
  • Zero from The Abyss, NjI don't think the melodies are THAT great or that it is really "genius" in any way, like Kurt said, he didn't know what he was talking about. It's a good hardcore punk-style song though, sounds like something Black Flag would've recorded during the "Damaged" era.
  • Jeff from Denton, TxThis is one of the most grunge songs i've ever heard and also one of the most genius songs i've ever heard. The musical switches and vocal melodies
    are unreal if you actually listen to it. I wish it would have got more attention.
  • Tyler from Toronto, CanadaAlso INCESTICIDE was just a filler album it was to fill in the 2 year gap between Nevermind, and In Utero.
  • Tyler from Toronto, CanadaThe reason they also put it on Incesticide is because they expect more people to hear Incesticide than Bleach because Incesticide came after NIRVANA was "BIG". Kurt wanted his not so famous songs to be heard.
  • Matt from Millbrae, CaSome pressings of Bleach did not include Downer, so for the people that had copies missing the song, they put the song on Incesticide.
  • Ed from Chodania, Flanyone know why they also put this on Incesticide?
  • Marc from Niagara Falls, Canadathis song is amazing,its fast and a true punk rocker and it also has alot of meolody,that was kurt and nirvanas thing.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Little Richard

Little RichardFact or Fiction

Was Long Tall Sally a cross-dresser? Did he really set his piano on fire? See if you know the real stories about one of rock's greatest innovators.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Lip-Synch Rebels

Lip-Synch RebelsSong Writing

What happens when Kurt Cobain, Iron Maiden and Johnny Lydon are told to lip-synch? Some hilarious "performances."

Commercials

CommercialsFact or Fiction

Was "Ring Of Fire" really used to sell hemorrhoid cream?

Julian Lennon

Julian LennonSongwriter Interviews

Julian tells the stories behind his hits "Valotte" and "Too Late for Goodbyes," and fills us in on his many non-musical pursuits. Also: what MTV meant to his career.

Weezer

WeezerFact or Fiction

Did Rivers Cuomo grow up on a commune? Why did they name their albums after colors? See how well you know your Weezer in this Fact or Fiction.