Video Essay Does Deep Dive on Nirvana's Song POLLY, it's Dark Backstory, and Kurt Cobain's Work to Help Rape Victims
We have an interesting video for you to check out today from Evan Puschak, who takes a deep look at the Nirvana song Polly, and its meaning, structure, and story. I never knew that the song was based upon a real-life event that brings an even more haunting and upsetting element to the song. The event that inspired the song was the brutal abduction, rape, and torture of a 14 year old girl who was taken from a concert by a man who had been released from prison for similar crimes. The video tells that even the choice of guitar by Cobain was strategic, as the cheap instrument, that barely stayed in tune, drew the listener closer to the storyteller in the dark and intimate song.
Cobain was a champion for women and trying to eradicate sexual assault. He donated time and money to the cause, and was quoted in 1991, saying:
Rape is one of the most terrible crimes on earth and it happens every few minutes. The problem with groups who deal with rape is that they try to educate women about how to defend themselves. What really needs to be done is teaching men not to rape. Go to the source and start there.
He also said in the video that men who have committed rape should not buy his albums or attend his concerts. That’s the true sign of putting your money where your mouth is. He was a true activist, and it’s a shame his life was cut short. I’m sure he would have done so much more wonderful work for women. I respect him so much more now, and it makes the loss of his life even just a bit more bitter. Check out the video below, and let us know your favorite Nirvana song in the comments.
via: laughingsquid