Kurt Cobain, (February 20, 1967 – April 5, 1994) was musically influenced by the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Aerosmith, Queen, KISS and the Pixies. Each of his songs was inspired by an experience, a person, a book, a band or another song. In honor of his birthday today (Feb. 20), below are ten songs written by Kurt Cobain, each with one of their influences.

Lithium – Nevermind

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This song came out of Cobain’s experience living with the born-again Christian family of his friend, Jesse Reed. When Kurt was a rebellious teen, his father placed him in the care of family and friends. For a time with a the Reeds, he became a devout Christian. But he later renounced Christianity and engaged in “anti-God” rants.

[metrolyrics artist="Nirvana" song="Lithium"]

Something in the Way – Nevermind

When Cobain left high school two weeks prior to graduation because he realized he didn’t have enough credits to graduate, his mother told him get a job or leave. She banished him after one week, and he remained homeless for a while, sometimes staying with friends, and sometimes hanging out under a bridge over the Wishkah River. That experience inspired this song.

[metrolyrics artist="Nirvana" song="Something in the Way"]