Decoding Kurt Cobain‘s ”Everyone is Gay”
nirvana, emerging from the grunge scene, captivated a generation much like metal had for its predecessors, building a global fanbase over three albums. Frontman Kurt Cobain utilized his platform to address social injustices, consistently supporting women’s rights, the LGBTQ+ community, and racial equality – frequently enough through pointedly ridiculing opposing viewpoints. However, his lyrics sometimes proved ambiguous, leading to misinterpretations and accusations of offense despite his intentions.
Perhaps the most well-known example is the song ‘Rape Me’, released as a double A-side with ‘All Apologies’. It’s the latter track, specifically the line “What else can I say? / Everyone is gay,” that has sparked debate for years. What did Cobain intend with this statement, and is the song’s message as simple as it appears?
Several interpretations exist beyond a deliberate attempt to provoke. Cobain was a vocal opponent of homophobia, and the line may have been a deliberate tactic to unsettle prejudiced individuals by suggesting global homosexual tendencies. This was also aimed at challenging the church, which at the time actively fueled moral panic against LGBTQ+ people.
However, the line’s meaning is further elaborate by the dual definition of “gay.” Beyond its association with sexual orientation, “gay” can also signify happiness or lightheartedness. In this context, the line could suggest a cheerful atmosphere surrounding Cobain, contrasting sharply with the song’s underlying themes of anguish and discomfort.
This internal contradiction – upbeat delivery juxtaposed with inner turmoil – is highly likely central to the song’s intent. During the creation of In Utero, Cobain was battling depression, and the contrast between the music’s cheerful sound and his personal struggles may have been deliberate.
Interestingly, the line didn’t exist in the original 1990 lyrics. It replaced the line “all my words are gray,” which conveyed a sense of meaninglessness and self-deprecation. The shift from expressing the insignificance of his own words to observing the joyful state of others – “thriving, jovial, and revelling in gaiety” – adds another layer of complexity.
Ultimately, Cobain’s true meaning remains elusive. Known for employing double entendres and obscuring his lyrics, he may have intended multiple interpretations together, a theory embraced by many dedicated fans attempting to decipher the song’s message.
