Here She Comes Now

Key and Pitch

The song “Here She Comes Now” by Nirvana is in the key of D major.

Instruments and Effects

This track prominently features electric guitars, bass, and drums. Reverb and slight distortion are applied to the guitars.

Main Instrument and Style

The main instrument is the electric guitar. It adopts a grunge style, characterized by heavy distortion and rawness. What’s unique is the balance between minimalism and intensity in the guitar arrangements.

Unique Usage

The guitar bridges simplicity with rich texture, creating a haunting atmosphere.

Prevalent Notes

Notes B, E, and F# are frequent. Played with a grungy strum, echoing both clarity and chaos.

Visceral Description

The guitar resonates with a gritty, buzzing sound, akin to a chainsaw through overgrown weeds.

Phonetic Onomatopoeia Break-Down of Chords

• Vrrrumm – Heavy sustain with a grungy edge
• Kraang – Crashing distortion
• Chzhh – Fuzzy, with a hint of reverb

Vocals

The vocals are subdued, almost a whispered chant, fragile yet intense.

Metaphor

The vocals are like a ghost weaving echoing whispers through the ruins of sound.

Phonetic Break-Down of Vocals

• “Here She Comes…” – Heeeer, Sheeee Cuhhms…
• “Now” – Nowwwww

Instrument and Vocals Harmonizing Example

During the chorus, the guitar’s growl and the ethereal vocals collide, creating an eerie harmony, like two worlds coalescing.

Keys to Playing or Singing

• Embrace a lo-fi approach
• Focus on raw emotion rather than technical precision
• Use heavy distortion for the guitar
• Maintain a slight whisper quality in vocals

The dim neon sign flickered in the half-light of the alley, casting erratic shadows over damp pavement. Alex leaned against the brick wall, hands buried deep in jacket pockets, eyes flicking to the entrance every few seconds.

There she was. Effortlessly sauntering into view, the softest murmur of a song—a half-remembered melody—trailing in her wake. Her presence was magnetic, pulling focus in a world that seemed to spin just a bit slower for everyone else. His heart synced to the rhythm of her steps, an involuntary beat that played like the punch of a bass drum.

She paused at the entrance, a moment’s hesitation capturing eternity. Then, with a nod of recognition, she stepped inside, the door swinging shut behind her with an air of finality that hung in the chilled air.

It was a fleeting moment, seen but impossible to forget, like a lyric hummed soft in the ear and suddenly silenced.

Song Analysis: “Here She Comes Now”

The song “Here She Comes Now” was originally by The Velvet Underground from their 1968 album White Light/White Heat.

Composition Breakdown

• Chord Progression: Simple, repetitive. Uses basic guitar chords.
• Vocals: Distinctive, laid-back style. Lou Reed’s delivery is minimalistic.
• Instrumentation: Basic rock setup: guitar, bass, and drums.

Tune Originality

The tune’s originality lies in its simplicity and raw execution. The Velvet Underground pioneered a sound that was minimalist but impactful.

Distinct Tracks or Loops

• Guitar Loop: Repetitive riff, maintains a driving rhythm throughout.
• Bass Line: Simple, supports the guitar, not overly elaborate.
• Drum Beat: Consistent, no major fills or changes. Keeps rhythm steady.

Lyrical Structure and Subject

The lyrics of “Here She Comes Now” follow a straightforward, repetitive structure. The subject revolves around a woman who causes a strong reaction in the narrator.

AABB Rhyme Pattern

The rhyme scheme can be classified as AABB, where each couplet has lines that rhyme, creating a simple and catchy sound.

Key of the Lyrics

The song is typically sung in the key of E major, which gives it a bright and uplifting feel.

Singing Rhythmic Patterns

The rhythmic pattern is consistent and repetitive, making it easy to follow. It has a moderate tempo that contributes to its infectious quality.

Storytelling in the Lyrics

Yes, the lyrics tell a story. The narrative revolves around a powerful attraction the narrator feels towards the woman.

Simple Explanation of the Story

The story describes the excitement and anticipation of seeing this woman. The narrator is drawn to her and expresses a mix of admiration and longing.

“Here She Comes Now” by Nirvana (1991)

Note: This song is a cover of the original by The Velvet Underground, interpreted in Nirvana’s distinctive grunge style for the tribute album “Heaven & Hell.”

Verse 1

Now, if she ever comes now, now
If she ever comes now, now
If she ever comes now

Introduction, setting a repetitive and anticipating tone for the subject’s arrival.

Verse 2

Ah oh, it looks so good
Ah oh, she’s made out of wood

Contrast is immediately introduced; visually appealing yet seemingly emotionless or hollow.

Chorus

She says she does, I know she does
She says she does, I know she does

Confirmation and persuasion, a blend of assurance and conviction about her actions or intentions.

Verse Repeat

• Verse elements are repeated, intensifying the song’s themes and melodic hooks.

Concluding Notes

The stanzas cycle through, creating a minimalist narrative. Nirvana’s rendition emphasizes raw energy and emotional undercurrents often associated with their grunge aesthetic, diverging from The Velvet Underground’s more subdued delivery.

Chord Progression

The main chords for Here She Comes Now by Nirvana are:

• D
• A
• G

Repeat this progression throughout the song.

Chords for Piano and Guitar

Piano:

• D Major: D, F#, A
• A Major: A, C#, E
• G Major: G, B, D

Guitar:

• D Major:
  EADGBE
  0 0 0 2 3 2
• A Major:
  EADGBE
  0 0 2 2 2 0
• G Major:
  EADGBE
  3 2 0 0 0 3

Playing Instructions

Play these chords in a steady rhythm. You can use a simple strumming pattern for guitar or a soft arpeggio for piano.

Finger Placement:

For guitar:

• D Major: Place index on 2nd fret of G, middle on 2nd fret of e, ring on 3rd fret of B.
• A Major: Place index on 2nd fret of D, middle on 2nd fret of G, ring on 2nd fret of B.
• G Major: Place middle on 3rd fret of E, index on 2nd fret of A, ring on 3rd fret of B, pinky on 3rd fret of e.

For piano:

• D Major: Use thumb for D, middle finger for F#, pinky for A.
• A Major: Use thumb for A, middle finger for C#, pinky for E.
• G Major: Use thumb for G, middle finger for B, pinky for D.

Expert Advice

Keep your hand relaxed to avoid tension. Use light strumming for guitar; emphasize the bass note for a fuller sound. For piano, aim for a smooth transition between chords. Practice switching between chords until it’s fluid. Don’t rush; maintain a steady pace.

Genre Overview

Here She Comes Now by Nirvana is primarily categorized as grunge, a subgenre of alternative rock that emerged in the mid-1980s in Seattle. Grunge blends elements of punk rock and heavy metal, focusing on themes of disillusionment and apathy.

Founding of Grunge

Grunge developed alongside the independent music scene in Seattle, influenced by bands like Soundgarden, Mother Love Bone, and Mudhoney. It gained mainstream popularity in the early ’90s, powered by the success of Nirvana’s Nevermind.

Nirvana’s Impact

Nirvana, led by Kurt Cobain, played a crucial role in popularizing grunge. Their sound, characterized by raw emotion and heavy guitar riffs, shook the music landscape, bringing alternative rock into the mainstream.

Contemporaries

Compared to contemporaries like Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots, Nirvana’s approach was more abrasive and focused on authenticity rather than polished production. While Pearl Jam leaned towards classic rock influences, Nirvana maintained a punk edge.

Similar Songs

• “Would?” by Alice In Chains: Similar in its somber tone and heavy instrumentation, but with a more harmonic vocal style.
• “Plush” by Stone Temple Pilots: Both share a melancholic mood and grunge roots, but “Plush” features more melody and lyrical ambiguity.

Genre Comparison

Grunge stands apart from punk, which emphasizes speed and rebellion, and heavy metal, which is heavier and more technical. Grunge fuses these elements but often hits harder emotionally.

Contrast with Unrelated Genre

Comparing Here She Comes Now to a pop song like “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift, the former is introspective and raw, while the latter is upbeat and commercial. Grunge reflects inner turmoil, whereas pop often promotes escapism.

Mystic musings from the chronicled hourglass, where echoes dance in the fleeting shadows of ephemeral whispers; unravel the enigma:

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Analysis of “Here She Comes Now” by Nirvana

Tone

The tone of “Here She Comes Now” is relaxed but carries a sense of urgency beneath the surface. There’s a mix of excitement and melancholy. The lyrics feel straightforward, but they evoke deeper feelings. The repetitive nature of the lyrics adds to a trance-like state, which can feel both inviting and unsettling. This duality creates a unique emotional experience for the listener.

Tempo

The tempo of the song is moderately slow. It feels easygoing, but there’s a driving force behind it. This tempo allows the listener to absorb the lyrics while still feeling the energy of the music. It supports the laid-back but intense feel of the song, making it catchy yet contemplative.

Melody

The melody is simple and effective. It features a repetitive pattern that makes it memorable. There’s a blend of major and minor notes that create a sense of contrast, reflecting the mixed emotions in the lyrics. The melody doesn’t get complicated, sticking to its roots while effectively conveying the song’s message.

Rhythm

The rhythm is steady and consistent. It keeps the listener engaged without overwhelming them. The beat has a laid-back rock vibe, which fits well with the overall feel of the song. The use of pauses in between phrases enhances its hypnotic quality, giving space for the lyrics to resonate.

Harmony

The harmony is straightforward, using a few basic chords. This simplicity works well to support the melody. There’s an underlying tension created by the choice of chords that complements the lyrics. The harmonies often blend into a full sound, which adds richness without complicating the structure.

Conclusion

“Here She Comes Now” is a song that thrives on its simplicity. The tone, tempo, melody, rhythm, and harmony all work together to create a unique listening experience. While it may seem basic on the surface, the layers of emotion and musicality invite deeper engagement.

Recording Quality/Production

Nirvana’s “Here She Comes Now” was recorded at Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin, leveraging the studio’s analog capabilities. The production is rooted in a raw, unpolished aesthetic, characteristic of early ’90s grunge. The engineers prioritized capturing the band’s live energy rather than overproducing the track.

Technical Details

Using a 16-track tape, the band recorded with a relatively simple setup. The choice of analog tape contributes warmth and depth, avoiding the starkness of digital recording. This choice of medium also instigated a bit of compression that added to the song’s inherent punch.

Techniques Used in Recording

Layering was minimal; instead, the raw nature of the performance was favored. Vocals were often tracked live alongside instruments, creating an organic blend. Kurt Cobain’s vocal takes were likely not heavily edited, lending an authentic vibe.

Mixing

The mix emphasized Cobain’s vocals upfront, utilizing subtle panning to create space. Guitars were blended in a way that allowed for distinct sonic differentiation without overpowering the drums.

Mastering

Mastering followed a philosophy of maintaining dynamics. The final product retains the nuanced peaks and valleys that convey emotion rather than imposing brick-wall limiting, preserving the song’s energy.

Effects Processing

Reverb was used judiciously, predominantly on vocals to add depth, while retaining clarity. A slight delay was likely applied to create a sense of space without muddying the mix. Compression was strategically used to keep dynamics in line, particularly on the drums to provide punch. Modulation effects were minimal, keeping the focus on lyrical delivery and guitar tone.

Special Equipment

• Microphones: Dynamic mics were favored for vocals and instruments. Shure SM57s and SM58s were likely used for their reliability and resistance to feedback.
• Preamps: Basic yet robust preamps from the console were sufficient for the clean, direct sound Nirvana sought.
• Recording Medium: 2-inch 16-track tape played a crucial role in maintaining warmth and analog saturation.
• Effects Pedals: Cobain was known to use Boss DS-1 Distortion and Electro-Harmonix Big Muff pedals, which likely contributed to the guitar tones.
• Processors: Basic effects units for reverb and delay were employed, avoiding complex routing that could overshadow the simplicity of the arrangement.

Introduction: The Arrival

“Here She Comes Now” encapsulates a moment, an arrival, a shift. It’s not just about the woman entering the space; it’s about the disruptions she brings. In her coming, there’s a challenge to norms, a rippling effect that stirs emotions buried deep in the listener.

Contrast of Light and Dark

In the song, there’s a juxtaposition between the simple melody and the underlying chaos. On the surface, it feels breezy, almost anthemic, but the deeper message reveals a tension. It’s as if Cobain is saying that beauty and discomfort can coexist. Those harmonies are a façade, masking something more complex lurking underneath.

The Myth of Idealization

This song plays with the idealization of women, using her arrival as a portal into a messy emotional landscape. The repetitive refrains suggest obsession, an almost entrapping quality. She’s not just a figure; she’s both liberating and confining—a muse that brings forth both inspiration and turmoil.

Emotional Resonance

Cobain’s delivery is key. His raw, half-shouted vocals evoke vulnerability while also suggesting a simmering anger. This contrast creates an emotional dissonance: Is it love? Frustration? Hope? Or a combination? The listener is left in an uncomfortable space, questioning their own feelings.

Societal Commentary

At its core, “Here She Comes Now” reflects a larger rhetoric about gender roles. The woman’s entry symbolizes a challenge to patriarchal structures; she’s an agent of change, but also a reflection of society’s obsession with idolization. Is she a savior, or a distraction from the harsh truths we avoid?

Conclusion: Embrace the Ambiguity

Ultimately, the song is about embracing uncertainty. The repetition, the buildup, the eventual fade—it all mirrors life’s complexities. In her arrival, we are forced to confront our emotions. It’s not just about her; it’s about us, about how we relate to the forces that shape our existence.