Steeped in Deceit | Pennyroyal Tea | Nirvana

Pennyroyal Tea is a song by Nirvana, released in 1993 on their second album In Utero. The track features Kurt Cobain's distinctive vocals and guitar work, with Krist Novoselic's prominent bass line and Dave Grohl's driving drums.

The lyrics of Pennyroyal Tea are somewhat abstract and open to interpretation. However, they appear to be a reflection on the state of the music industry and the superficiality of the fame that comes with it. The title itself refers to a type of tea made from pennyroyal, a herb often associated with herbal remedies and folk medicine.

One possible reading of the lyrics is that Cobain is lamenting the commercialization of music and the way in which artists are reduced to mere commodities. He sings about feeling like a "slave" to the industry and how it's taken a toll on his mental health. The line "Here comes your mama, wakin' up the neighborhood / Tellin' everybody this ain't what all the fuss is about" could be seen as a commentary on the way in which the music industry often prioritizes image over substance.

Musically, Pennyroyal Tea features a distinctive guitar riff and a driving beat. The song builds to a frenetic climax before dropping back into a more subdued pace. Overall, it's a high-energy track that showcases Nirvana's ability to blend melody with intensity.

Despite being one of the album's standout tracks, Pennyroyal Tea was not released as a single at the time. However, it has since become a fan favorite and is often included in lists of the band's best songs. Its themes of disillusionment and frustration with the music industry continue to resonate with listeners today.