Nirvana - Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle
Nirvana's "Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle" is one of those deep-cut tracks from their 1993 album In Utero. It's a haunting and intense song, with a driving, grunge-heavy sound that captures Kurt Cobain’s raw emotions and frustration. The track was written as a reflection on the personal struggles of actress Frances Farmer, who faced a turbulent life marked by mental illness, media exploitation, and institutionalization. She was an actress from Seattle working the early 1930’s and 1940’s making movies known for her wild antics and erratic behavior publicly. After several arrests, she was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Her family had her committed to an institution, of which she wouldn’t leave until 1950. Kurt had been fascinated by Farmer's life since high school following reading the controversial 1978 Farmer biograph, Shadowland. Cobain, in particular, related to her story and saw parallels with his own experiences of being misunderstood and scrutinized.
Musically, the song is marked by heavy, distorted guitars, a brooding atmosphere, and a sense of chaos that’s typical of In Utero’s abrasive production, handled by Steve Albini. The song also stands out for its shifts between quieter, more reflective sections and explosive, loud moments. It’s a pretty powerful track that reflects the darker themes Cobain explored on the album.
Nirvana - Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle Lyrics
It's so relieving
To know that you're leaving
As soon as you get paid
It's so relaxing
To hear that you're asking
Whenever you get your way
It's so soothing
To know that you'll sue me
Starting to sound the same
I miss the comfort in being sad
I miss the comfort in being sad
I miss the comfort in being sad
In her false witness
I hope you're still with us
To see if they float or drown
Our favorite patient
Display of patience
Disease-covered Puget Sound
She'll come back as fire
To burn all the liars
Leave a blanket of ash on the ground
I miss the comfort in being sad
I miss the comfort in being sad
I miss the comfort in being sad
It's so relieving
To know that you're leaving
As soon as you get paid
It's so relaxing
To know that you're asking
Wherever you get your way
It's so soothing
To know that you'll sue me
Starting to sound the same
I miss the comfort in being sad
I miss the comfort in being sad
I miss the comfort in being sad