Meaning: This quote by Krist Novoselic, a musician best known as the bassist and co-founder of the rock band Nirvana, offers insight into the creative process of songwriting and the spontaneity that often accompanies live performances. Novoselic's recollection sheds light on the collaborative and improvisational nature of creating music, as well as the ability of songwriters to draw inspiration from their immediate surroundings and experiences.

When Novoselic mentions, "I don't know about the time those songs were written," he is likely referring to the fact that he was not personally present during the specific songwriting sessions he is discussing. This remark highlights the sometimes mysterious and private nature of a songwriter's creative process. Songwriters often work independently or with specific collaborators, and the details of how and when a song comes into being may not always be widely known or easily accessible to others.

The mention of the songwriter "jamming with someone in Colorado or San Francisco" offers a glimpse into the informal and communal aspect of musical creation. Jamming, or informal musical improvisation, is a common practice among musicians, often serving as a catalyst for the development of new songs or musical ideas. The geographical references to Colorado and San Francisco also suggest that the songwriter was drawing inspiration from the specific energy and atmosphere of these locations, further underscoring the influence of environment on the creative process.

Novoselic's statement that the songwriter was likely "working on the lyrics right up to the show" speaks to the dynamic and evolving nature of songwriting. It highlights the dedication and commitment of the songwriter to refining and perfecting their work, even up to the moment of performance. This insight into the last-minute adjustments and fine-tuning of lyrics underscores the ongoing creative process that can continue right up until the point of sharing the music with an audience.

The phrase "they were really relevant for the situation" emphasizes the responsiveness of the songwriter to the immediate context in which the music was being created and performed. This responsiveness suggests that the songwriter was attuned to the social, political, or cultural climate of the time and sought to capture and reflect those themes in their lyrics. This ability to create music that resonates with the current moment speaks to the power of songwriting as a form of expression and commentary on the world around us.

In conclusion, Krist Novoselic's quote provides valuable insights into the collaborative, improvisational, and responsive nature of songwriting. It offers a behind-the-scenes peek into the creative process, highlighting the ways in which songwriters draw inspiration from their surroundings, collaborate with others, and continually refine their work up to the point of performance. This quote serves as a reminder of the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of music creation and the ability of songwriters to craft lyrics that are deeply relevant to the world in which they are created.