Polly

Nirvana

About Polly

"Polly" is a song by the American alternative rock band Nirvana, written by vocalist and guitarist Kurt Cobain. It is the sixth song on their second album Nevermind, released in September 1991.


Year:
1991
2:56
1,138 
#7

 Struggling with Polly? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!

Polly wants a cracker
I think I should get off her first
I think she wants some water
To put out the blow torch

It isn't me
We have some seed
Let me clip
Your dirty wings
Let me take a ride
Don't cut yourself
I want some help
To please myself
I've got some rope
You have been told
I promise you
I have been true
Let me take a ride
Don't cut yourself
I want some help
To please myself

Polly wants a cracker
Maybe she would like some food
She asks me to untie her
A chase would be nice for a few

It isn't me
We have some seed
Let me clip
Your dirty wings
Let me take a ride
Don't cut yourself
I want some help
To please myself
I've got some rope
You have been told
I promise you
I have been true
Let me take a ride
Don't cut yourself
I want some help
To please myself

Polly said

Polly says her back hurts
And she's just as bored as me
She caught me off my guard
It amazes me, the will of instinct

It isn't me
We have some seed
Let me clip
Your dirty wings
Let me take a ride
Don't cut yourself
I want some help
To please myself
I've got some rope
You have been told
I promise you
I have been true
Let me take a ride
Don't cut yourself
I want some help
To please myself

 Struggling with Polly? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!


Nirvana

Nirvana was an American rock band that was formed by singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987. more »

24 fans

Written by: Kurt Cobain

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Polly" is a song by the prominent American rock band, Nirvana. The song is featured on their second studio album, "Nevermind," released in 1991.
Inspiration
It's inspired by a real-life incident. Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of Nirvana, wrote it after reading a newspaper article about the abduction and torture of a 14-year-old girl.
Acoustic Composition
Unlike other tracks on the "Nevermind" album that are loud with heavy distortion, "Polly" is an acoustic number. Cobain used a 20-dollar, second-hand, acoustic guitar which was half strung.
Early Versions
An early version of "Polly" initially titled "Hitchhiker" and later as "Cracker," was first performed in concert in 1989.
Lyrics and Theme
The lyrics of the song are disturbing because it reflects the perspective of the perpetrator of the crime. Despite this, it's not an endorsement of the act, but an unsettling narrative told through the eyes of the antagonist.
Recording Technique
"Polly" was notably recorded in one take and the original recording was what made it onto the "Nevermind" album.
B-Side Single
The song was never released as a single, but it was included as a B-side for the UK 7" single "Smells Like Teen Spirit."
Rare Breed
Because of its acoustic nature and intense lyrical content, "Polly" stands out as a significant departure from the more mainstream grunge music at the time.
Live Performances
Despite its sensitive topic, "Polly" became a staple of Nirvana’s live sets. It's often played as part of the band's unplugged performances.
Legacy
Nearly 30 years after its release, "Polly" continues to be recognized as an iconic song that reflects the darker, more serious side of Nirvana’s songwriting capabilities. It is regularly covered by numerous artists spanning across different musical genres.

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