Analysis of Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit. The melody in the verses is very similar to what you might find in classical music, which is why it has been covered by some classical music artists. Very melodic and melancholy. Kurt claimed to not know any music theory, but I'd be willing to bet that somebody turned him on to some classical music from which he borrowed the chord progression and melody. One does not come up with something like that out of thin air.
And then in the choruses, Kurt starts screaming about feeling stupid and contagious.