Nutshell

Song meaning of Nutshell by Alice In Chains

Bassist Mike Inez, guitarist/singer Jerry Cantrell, and drummer Sean Kinney wrote the music, while vocalist Layne Staley wrote the lyrics.

Following the release of the Jar Of Flies album, Staley went into treatment for his well-known heroin addiction. The first line of the song lets us know that he was really into that battle when it was being recorded.

But the song is about more than just heroin difficulties. Additionally, Staley discusses his struggles with celebrity ("we chase misprinted lies") and his overall struggle with contemporary existence.

Nutshell lyrics by Alice In Chains

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

Oooh...Oooh...

Oooh...Oooh...

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

Oooh...Oooh...

Oooh...Oooh...