Alice in Chains

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Nutshell album cover

Nutshell

Alice in Chains

Lyrics

[Instrumental Intro 00:00-01:00]

[Verse 1]
We chase misprinted lies
We face the path of time
And yet I fight, and yet I fight
This battle all alone
No one to cry to
No place to call home

[Refrain]
Ooh
Ooh-ooh
Ooh
Ooh-ooh

[Verse 2]
My gift of self is raped
My privacy is raked
And yet I find, and yet I find
Repeating in my head
If I can't be my own
I'd feel better dead

[Refrain]
Ooh
Ooh-ooh
Ooh
Ooh-ooh
[Instrumental Outro]
[Guitar Solo]

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With its hauntingly beautiful sounds, "Nutshell" by Alice in Chains is a song that has stood the test of time. First released on their 1994 EP, Jar of Flies, the song is a masterpiece of emotions and musical instrumentation. "Nutshell" is a perfect example of the kind of music this band was known for: melancholic, yet poetic.

About Nutshell

"Nutshell" is a song that showcases the skills and artistry of the members of Alice in Chains. The band wrote the song while they were in a somber mood, and the lyrics reflect that. The song is a bittersweet reflection of life, death, and the struggles that people face every day. The music, slow and brooding, perfectly complements the lyrics. Beginning with a gentle guitar riff, the song soon builds up to a powerful crescendo during the guitar solo, only to fall back to the calmness of the opening riffs.

"Nutshell" is a song that resonates with different people for different reasons. Some listeners relate to the somber lyrics that describe loneliness, pain, and despair. For others, the song represents a moment of deep introspection, a chance to reflect on the choices and decisions that have brought them to where they are today. There are those who appreciate the song for its musicality, recognizing the bands' ability to weave together a variety of tones, moods, and emotions into a cohesive whole.

One of the most striking things about the song is its emotional potency. With lines like "If I can't be my own, I'd feel better dead" and "We chase misprinted lies," the lyrics capture the sense of futility that many people experience in life. Despite its heavy subject matter, "Nutshell" is a song that inspires hope. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, we can find the strength to persevere.

The song's popularity has endured for years, despite never being released as a single. In fact, "Nutshell" is widely regarded as one of the most influential songs of the 1990s alternative rock scene. The band's unique sound and style, which they developed over the course of several albums, can be heard in countless bands today.

"Nutshell" has also been covered by several other artists, including Staind, Shinedown, and Seether. These covers have helped to introduce the song to new generations of listeners and have given it a fresh perspective. Each cover version brings something new to the song, highlighting its adaptability and timelessness.

At its core, "Nutshell" is a song that speaks to the human experience. It captures the fragility of life, the complexity of emotions, and the beauty of musical expression. Whether you're a longtime fan of Alice in Chains or a newcomer to their music, "Nutshell" is a song that's worth taking the time to listen to and appreciate.