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About

Genius Annotation

“Territorial Pissings” was inspired by Kurt Cobain’s observations of the mistreatment of both Native Americans and of women. He explained the song title as:

In the animal kingdom, the male will often piss in certain areas to claim his territory, and I see macho men reacting towards sex and power in the same way. I’d like to see these lost souls strung up by their balls with pages of SCUM Manifesto stapled to their bodies.”

When Nirvana appeared on the British TV show Tonight With Jonathan Ross and were told to play “Lithium”, instead they played this song before smashing their equipment and leaving the stage. Boss.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

What did Nirvana say about "Territorial Pissings"?
Genius Answer

Kurt Cobain explained:

On one hand “Territorial Pissings” references Native Americans – people smashed by raging attacks. And at the same time it’s about appreciating woman.. I hate the violence they suffer, the daily injustices for belonging to a different sex

Credits
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Mastered at
Recorded At
Sound City Studios, Van Nuys, CA
Release Date
September 24, 1991
Songs That Sample Territorial Pissings
Territorial Pissings Interpolations
View Territorial Pissings samples
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