General meaning
Many people believe the track is about exploitation, materialism, money and the commodification of music and art. The lyrics suggest a narrator who is disenchanted with the superficial and commercial aspects of society and feels trapped by the expectations and demands placed on him. The song's repetitive chorus, "Sliver of silver in the sand, pick it up, pick it up," could represent a desire to retrieve something of value but ultimately finding only emptiness.
Biblical references
Some people think that the song contains religious symbolism, particularly from the perspective of Judas. The opening lyric "I got this feeling," could refer to the story of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Judas arrives with a mob of soldiers to arrest Jesus. The "silver" mentioned could refer to the thirty silver coins Judas received for betraying Jesus.
Personal experiences
Kurt Cobain, the band's lead singer and songwriter, often drew inspiration from his own life and personal struggles in his music. "Heart-Shaped Box" may also reflect Cobain's own experiences with drug addiction and depression, as well as the pressure he felt from the music industry and media attention.
Interpretation depends on the listener
The beauty of art and music is that the interpretation of it is individual and subjective. The ultimate message of "Heart Shaped Box" is open to interpretation and can vary depending on the individual listener's perspective and experiences.