20 Best Nirvana Songs About Love

Nina Hampson

Nirvana is one of the most iconic and influential grunge bands of all time. Though they’re best known for their dark and angsty songs about pain, loss and anger, Nirvana also wrote some beautiful love songs. Here are 20 of the best Nirvana love songs that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

By the way, if you’re interested in nirvana songs about love, you may also be interested in songs about hug.

Love Buzz – Nirvana

Nirvana - Love Buzz (Live At The Paramount, Seattle / 1991)

Nirvana’s “Love Buzz” is a song full of energy and raw emotion. The opening guitar riff is catchy and memorable, and the drums drive the song forward with a relentless beat. The lyrics are full of passion and longing, and the overall feeling is one of yearning for something that may never be attainable. The song builds to a powerful climax, with the guitars and drums reaching a fever pitch before suddenly stopping. This abrupt ending leaves the listener wanting more, and it is this sense of longing that makes “Love Buzz” such a timeless classic.

Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana

Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit (Official Music Video)

Smells Like Teen Spirit is a song by Nirvana that was released in 1991. The song became an instant hit, reaching the top of the Billboard charts and becoming one of the most iconic songs of the 1990s. The song is noted for its catchy melody and heavy-handed guitars, as well as its potent lyrics, which speak to the frustration and angst of teenage life. In the years since its release, the song has been covered by numerous artists and has been used in a variety of movies and television shows.

Heart-Shaped Box – Nirvana

Nirvana - Heart-Shaped Box (Official Music Video)

Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box” is a song about the dark side of love and relationships. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is addicted to a woman who is constantly abusing him. Despite the fact that she is clearly bad for him, he can’t help but be drawn to her. The song portrays the cycle of abuse in a relationship, and how it can be difficult to break free from it. The title refers to the idea that love can be like a prison, trapping you in a cycle of pain and suffering. Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box” is a powerful song that sheds light on the dark side of love.

About A Girl – Nirvana

Nirvana - About A Girl (MTV Unplugged)

Nirvana was one of the most iconic grunge bands of the early 1990s, and their song “About a Girl” is one of their most essential tracks. The song is relatively straightforward, with singer/songwriter Kurt Cobain crooning over simple guitar chords. However, its relatable lyrics and catchy melodies helped to make it one of Nirvana’s most popular songs. “About a Girl” is thought to be about Cobain’s then-girlfriend Tracy Marander, and it perfectly captures the trials and tribulations of young love. The song helped to propel Nirvana to the top of the charts, and its enduring popularity is a testament to the band’s skill as songwriters and performers.

Drain You – Nirvana

Nirvana - Drain You (Audio)

Nirvana’s Drain You is a grunge classic, with its distinctive opening guitar riff and Cobain’s wailing vocals. The lyrics are typical of Nirvana’s style, with their mix of the personal and the political. In the first verse, Cobain sings about an ex-girlfriend, with lines like “I’m ahead, I’m a man / I’m the one who’s lost”. But in the second verse, he turns his attention to the media, lambasting them for their coverage of the Gulf War. It’s this juxtaposition of the personal and the political that made Nirvana so unique, and Drain You is a perfect example of their approach.

Do You Love Me? – Nirvana

Nirvana - Do You Love Me (Official CD Rip)

Do You Love Me? is a song by American rock band Nirvana, released as the ninth and final track on their 1993 album In Utero. The song was written by Kurt Cobain and features a heavy, distorted guitar sound with elements of punk rock. The lyrics are dark and introspective, with Cobain contemplating suicide and asking whether his girlfriend truly loves him. The song is one of Nirvana’s most popular, and its message of nihilism and hopelessness has resonated with listeners for years.

Dumb – Nirvana

“Dumb” is a song by American rock band Nirvana, released as the seventh and final single from their third album In Utero in 1994. Written by frontman Kurt Cobain, the song is a brief, pop-influenced track which contrasts heavily with the album’s other singles “Heart-Shaped Box” and “All Apologies”. Despite its poppy sound, the lyrics of “Dumb” are dark and angst-ridden, with Cobain expressing frustration at his inability to communicate effectively. Although it was not as successful as Nirvana’s other singles, “Dumb” remains a fan favorite and has been covered by a number of artists.

Where Did You Sleep Last Night? – Nirvana

Nirvana - Where Did You Sleep Last Night (Live On MTV Unplugged Unedited)

Nirvana was one of the most popular bands of the early 1990s, and their song “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” was one of their most iconic. The song is actually a cover of an old folk song, and it became popular after Nirvana’s lead singer, Kurt Cobain, performed it on MTV Unplugged in 1993. The original folk song is thought to date back to the late 1800s, and it has been covered by many different artists over the years. Nirvana’s version is unique in that it features heavy electric guitar and drums, as well as Cobain’s signature growling vocals. 

The Man Who Sold The World – Nirvana

Nirvana - The Man Who Sold The World (MTV Unplugged)

Released in late November of 1970, The Man Who Sold the World is the title track and third single from Nirvana’s album of the same name. The song was written by Kurt Cobain, who was inspired by a British television show he had watched as a child called TheTomorrow People. The song is about a man who has sold his soul to the devil in exchange for power and wealth. The lyrics are metaphorical and hint at Cobain’s own struggles with addiction and mental health. The song was not a commercial success when it was first released, but it has since become one of Nirvana’s most popular songs. It was covered by David Bowie in 1996, and it has been featured in several films and television shows.

Lord Up Above – Nirvana

The song “Lord Up Above” by Nirvana is a haunting ballad that tells the story of a man who has lost his way in life. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who is struggling to find his place in the world, and who is haunted by his own personal demons. The song reflects the feelings of despair and hopelessness that can come from feeling lost and alone in the world. However, despite the darkness of the lyrics, there is also a sense of hope and resilience. The song suggests that even when things seem darkest, there is always the possibility of finding your way back to the light. In this way, “Lord Up Above” is a deeply moving and inspirational song that speaks to the human experience.

I Need Your Love Tonight – Nirvana

I Need Your Love Tonight

Nirvana was one of the most influential bands of the 1990s, and their song “I Need Your Love Tonight” is a perfect example of their unique style. The song starts with a simple guitar riff, which is soon joined by the rest of the band. The drums are particularly driving, giving the song a sense of urgency. The lyrics are anguished and personal, reflecting the pain and confusion of adolescence. The song builds to a powerful crescendo, with the instruments coming together to create a wall of sound. It’s a perfect example of Nirvana’s ability to combine raw emotion with catchy melodies, and it’s no wonder that it’s still one of their most popular songs.

Pentecost Hotel – Nirvana

Nirvana was an American rock band that was formed in 1987. The band achieved commercial success with their album Nevermind, which was released in 1991. The album includes the song “Pentecost Hotel,” which is about a hotel that is located in Seattle. The song is named after the street where the hotel is located, and it includes the lyrics “I need a place to stay/I’m checkin’ into the Pentecost Hotel.” The song is written in a first-person perspective, and it provides a glimpse into the life of a person who is struggling with addiction.

On A Plain – Nirvana

Nirvana - On A Plain (Audio)

On a Plain is a song by the American rock band Nirvana, released in 1991 on their second album, Nevermind. The song was written by Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain and features a simple, catchy guitar riff. Although it was not released as a single, it quickly became a fan favorite and is one of the most well-known Nirvana songs. On a Plain is an ode to the simple things in life and features Cobain’s trademark lyrics about teenage angst and alienation. The song has been praised for its catchy melody and memorable lyrics, and it remains one of Nirvana’s most popular songs.

Come As You Are – Nirvana

Nirvana - Come As You Are (Official Music Video)

Come As You Are is a song by American rock band Nirvana, released as the second single from their second album Nevermind in March 1992. The song was written by Kurt Cobain and features one of his most famous guitar riffs. The lyrics were inspired by an experience Cobain had where he met a girl at a party who did not know who he was. Come As You Are earned Nirvana critical acclaim and is often considered one of their best songs.

You Know You’re Right – Nirvana

Nirvana - You Know You're Right (LP Version)

Written shortly before Kurt Cobain’s untimely death, “You Know You’re Right” is widely considered to be one of Nirvana’s finest songs. Clocking in at just over three minutes, it is a raw and powerful expression of the pain and frustration that Cobain was feeling at the time. The song opens with a searing guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the track. Cobain’s vocals are anguished and unrestrained, conveying the deep sense of turmoil that he was experiencing.

Negative Creep – Nirvana

Negative Creep (Remastered)

Negative Creep is a song by American rock band Nirvana, released as the second single from their 1994 album In Utero. The song was written by Kurt Cobain and features a heavy guitar riff. The lyrics deal with feelings of alienation and loneliness. The song was released to positive reviews from critics, who praised its aggressive sound and Cobain’s vocals. Negative Creep peaked at number 39 on the US Billboard Alternative Songs chart.

Hairspray Queen – Nirvana

Hairspray Queen is a song by American rock band Nirvana, released as the fourth and final single from their acclaimed 1992 album Nevermind. The song was written by Kurt Cobain and features a distinctive guitar riff. The lyrics deal with the insecurity and anxiety that Cobain felt during his teenage years. The song references several pop culture icons, including David Bowie and Candy Darling. Hairspray Queen was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart in early 1993.

Rainbow Chaser – Nirvana

Nirvana - Rainbow Chaser (1968)

Rainbow Chaser is a song by Nirvana, released in 1991 on their album Bleach. The song is an example of the band’s early grunge sound, with its heavy guitar riffs and aggressive vocals. The lyrics of the song are believed to be about the pursuit of happiness, and the chorus features the repeated line “I’m chasing rainbows”. The song was a moderate success upon its release, reaching number 45 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. However, it has since become a fan favorite, and is often considered to be one of the best tracks on Bleach.

Please Believe Me – Nirvana

The song “Please Believe Me” by Nirvana is a plea for understanding from the singer. The lyrics express a deep need for communication and connection, as well as a fear of being misunderstood. The song has a simple, melodic structure that belies the intensity of the singer’s emotions. The lyrics are strikingly personal and honest, and they offer a glimpse into the mind of someone who is struggling to be understood. The song is a reminder that we all have a need to be heard and to be loved, and that we should never give up on trying to connect with others.

She’s Lost It – Nirvana

“She’s Lost It” is a song by the American rock band Nirvana, released as the fourth and final single from their debut album Bleach. The song was written by Kurt Cobain, who also sang lead vocals and played guitar. The song is about a girl who has lost her mind, and Cobain’s frustration with her. The lyrics are vague and open to interpretation, but they seem to be about a relationship that has ended badly. The song was never officially released as a single, but it did receive some airplay on alternative rock radio stations. “She’s Lost It” is one of Nirvana’s most popular early songs, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.