Violet

Hole

About Violet

"Violet" is a song by American alternative rock band Hole, written by vocalist and guitarist Courtney Love and guitarist Eric Erlandson. The song was written in mid-1991, and was performed live between 1991 and 1992 during Hole's earlier tours, eventually appearing as the opening track on the band's second studio album Live Through This (1994). The song was released as the group's seventh single and the third from that album in early 1995. Love has stated several times that the song was written about her relationship with Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan in 1990, and the lyrics speak from the point of view of an angry narrator who has abandoned a romance. Several critics and scholars have noted parallels in the lyrics between Corgan as well as Love's late husband, Kurt Cobain, alongside themes of sexual exploitation and violence, self-abasement, and resentment. "Violet" peaked at number 29 on the Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks after the album's release in 1994, and is considered one of Hole's most well-known and critically recognized songs. It charted at number 116 on The 500 Greatest Songs Since You Were Born list by Blender magazine in 2005. The cover artwork for the single features a Victorian mourning portrait of a deceased young girl which was taken from the historical archives of Stanley B. Burns. A music video, released in 1995, features Love among numerous strippers performing in an early-20th century dance hall, contrasted with ballerinas and young girls dancing on a stage. 


3:24
190 

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And the sky was made of amethyst
And all the stars were just like little fish
You should learn when to go
You should learn how to say no

Might last a day, yeah
Mine is forever
Might last a day, yeah
Mine is forever
Well they get what they want, and they never want it again
Well they get what they want, and they never want it again
Go on, take everything, take everything, I want you to
Go on, take everything, take everything, I want you to

And the sky was all violet
I want to give the violent more violets
And I'm the one with no soul
One above and one below

Might last a day, yeah
Mine is forever
Might last a day, yeah
Mine is forever

When they get what they want, and they never want it again
And they get what they want, and they never want it again
Go on, take everything, take everything, I want you to
Go on, take everything, take everything, I dare you to

I told you from the start just how this would end
When I get what I want, then I never want it again
Go on take everything, take everything, I want you to
Go on take everything, take everything I want you to
If I don't mind you don't mind

Go on take everything, take everything, I want you to
Go on take everything, take everything I want you to
Go on take everything, take everything, I want you to
Go on take everything, take everything, take everything, take everything

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Hole

Hole is an American alternative rock band that originally formed in Los Angeles in 1989. The band is fronted by singer-songwriter Courtney Love (vocals, rhythm guitar), who co-founded Hole with lead guitarist Eric Erlandson. Hole achieved considerable commercial and critical success throughout the 1990s, initially releasing singles through independent labels in L.A. and debuting with their caustic noise rock-influenced Pretty on the Inside (1991), and later gaining critical acclaim with their 1994 album Live Through This. more »

2 fans

Written by: Courtney M Love, Eric T. Erlandson

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Music Background
"Violet" is a song by American alternative rock band Hole from their second studio album, "Live Through This".
Release Date
The song was officially released in 1994, although it had been performed as early as 1991.
Track Position
"Violet" is the opening track on the album.
Song Duration
The song is about 3 minutes and 24 seconds long.
Genre
The song falls under the genres of alternative rock, grunge and punk rock.
Lyrics
The lyrics of "Violet" tackle themes of abusive relationships, self-hate, and emotional distress, reflecting the personal tumult of lead singer, Courtney Love.
Reception
The song was critically acclaimed for its explosive instrumental structure and intense vocal performance from Courtney Love.
Music Video
There was also a music video for "Violet" which was directed by Mark Seliger and Fred Woodward. It features an interpretation of a voodoo retribution ritual which implies a parallel to the themes of abuse present in the song's lyrics.
Chart Performance
"Violet" peaked at number 29 on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart in the US.
Live Performances
"Violet" is notable for being one of Hole's most frequently performed songs during their live concerts.
Songwriting Credits
Although it's performed by Hole, Courtney Love is specifically credited for writing "Violet."
Inspiration
The title "Violet" was supposedly inspired by a man Courtney Love dated, with whom she associated the color violet.
Impact
"Violet" is often considered a definitive song of the grunge-era along with Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit", contributing significantly to the resurgence of the punk-influenced grunge rock movement during the 1990s.
Recent Use
The song continues to be popular and influential, and was featured in the 2019 film "Captain Marvel".
Recognition
In 2014, Rolling Stone magazine listed "Violet" among the 50 greatest grunge songs.

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    "Violet Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/19497562/Hole/Violet>.

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