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Remember those days when you blasted your favorite 90s hits on repeat, scribbling lyrics in notebooks and singing into hairbrushes? The 90s were a golden era of music, filled with unforgettable anthems that still give us chills today. But how well do you really know them? Let’s test your memory with these iconic lyrics—can you guess the songs before the answers reveal themselves?
“I swear that I don’t have a gun”
This haunting line comes from Nirvana’s *”Come As You Are”*, a track that perfectly captures Kurt Cobain’s raw emotion. The song was an open invitation to misfits and outsiders, making it a grunge anthem. Many fans interpret the lyrics as a reflection of Cobain’s own struggles. The slow, hypnotic riff and eerie delivery make it unforgettable. Did you know Cobain was inspired by a Killing Joke song for the riff? It’s one of those tracks that still gives goosebumps decades later.
“Today is gonna be the day that they’re gonna throw it back to you”
If you guessed Oasis’s *”Wonderwall”*, you’re absolutely right! This song became the ultimate singalong anthem, played at parties and campfires worldwide. Noel Gallagher famously wrote it in under an hour, proving genius can strike fast. Despite Liam Gallagher claiming he hates it now, fans still adore it. Fun fact: The term “wonderwall” has no real meaning—Noel just liked how it sounded. It’s a song that somehow feels personal to everyone who hears it.
“If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends”
No 90s quiz would be complete without the Spice Girls’ *”Wannabe”*! This was the ultimate girl-power anthem, launching the Spice Girls into superstardom. The song’s playful, rebellious energy made it an instant hit. Fun fact: Mel B ad-libbed the iconic “zig-a-zig-ah” line during recording. It topped charts in 37 countries, proving its global appeal. Even today, it’s impossible not to dance when this comes on.
“Closing time, every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end”
Semisonic’s *”Closing Time”* is often mistaken for a simple bar-closing song, but it’s actually about fatherhood. Dan Wilson wrote it while waiting for his daughter to be born, giving it a deeper meaning. The lyric is a poetic take on life’s transitions—something we all relate to. Fun fact: Many bars still play this at closing time, keeping the tradition alive. It’s one of those songs that hits harder the older you get.
“I like big butts and I cannot lie”
Sir Mix-a-Lot’s *”Baby Got Back”* was a cultural earthquake when it dropped. MTV initially banned it for being too racy, but that only made it more popular. The song challenged beauty standards in a fun, unapologetic way. Fun fact: The iconic intro was sampled from a funk track by The Winstons. Decades later, it’s still a go-to party jam.
“I’m a creep, I’m a weirdo, what the hell am I doing here?”
Radiohead’s *”Creep”* almost didn’t see the light of day—the band thought it was too depressing. Ironically, it became their biggest hit. The song’s vulnerability resonated with anyone who ever felt like an outsider. Thom Yorke’s raw vocals make it painfully relatable. Fun fact: The loud guitar screeches were inspired by The Hollies’ *”The Air That I Breathe”*.
“Cause you know I’d walk a thousand miles if I could just see you tonight”
Trick question! This one’s from Vanessa Carlton’s *”A Thousand Miles”*, which came out in 2002. Sneaky, right? The song’s piano melody is instantly recognizable, making it an early 2000s classic. Many still think it’s a 90s track because of its nostalgic feel.
“And I don’t want the world to see me, ’cause I don’t think that they’d understand”
The Goo Goo Dolls’ *”Iris”* is a masterpiece of emotional rock. Written for the *City of Angels* soundtrack, it became their signature song. The lyrics speak to feeling misunderstood, something everyone relates to at some point. Fun fact: It spent nearly a year on the Billboard charts.
“You gotta keep ’em separated”
The Offspring’s *”Come Out and Play”* was a punk-rock explosion. Its aggressive energy and catchy chorus made it a 90s staple. The song’s theme of gang violence was bold for its time. Fun fact: The whispering intro was inspired by a horror movie.
“It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine”
R.E.M.’s *”It’s the End of the World…”* was technically an 80s song but became a 90s anthem, especially during Y2K panic. The rapid-fire lyrics make it a challenge to sing—but so much fun to try. Fun fact: Michael Stipe wrote it during a fever dream.
So, how many did you get right? Whether you aced it or need a 90s refresher, one thing’s clear—these songs are timeless. Ready for another round?
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
