The song debuted during the Gish tour and was written not long after that record was released. The first take of the song was recorded at Waterfront Studios, which belongs to Lenny Kravitz, who was also signed to Virgin Records.
The song was also released on the band's official greatest hits compilation Rotten Apples in 2001, though the length of the song was reduced from 8:17 to 4:30, cutting off the extended feedback and E-Bow solo at the end. "Drown" was considered for Pisces Iscariot, but Corgan decided against it.
The song became a moderate radio hit in mid-1992 and gave the band significant exposure just before work commenced on "Siamese Dream".
"Drown" was to be released as a commercial single, but, as Billy Corgan explained:
"We wanted it to be a single, we were pushing for it. I was even willing to make it a video. Radio stations were playing it. And when it came time for the third single, they said, 'Screaming Trees.' And I was like, 'Screaming Trees??' But what label is Alice in Chains on and what label are the Screaming Trees on? Epic, which is the label that put out the soundtrack. And that's what killed the song."
Nonetheless, the song was given a promotional single, and became their highest-charting single at the time, peaking at number 24 on the U.S. Alternative Songs chart.
The song has also been released publicly as an early demo through SPRC, which is 8:58 in length.
The complete version of "Drown" was included with an alternate guitar solo on the bonus CD in the 2011 reissue of" Gish".
Drown
Smashing Pumpkins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can still hear you when you drown
You've traveled very far
Just to see if I'll come around
When I'm down
All of those yesterdays
Coming down
No matter where you are
I can still hear you when you dream
You traveled very far
You traveled far, like a star
And you are
All of those yesterdays
Coming down
Is it something someone said?
Was it something someone said?
Yesterday the sky was you
And I still feel the same
Nothing left for me to do
And I still feel the same
I wish, I wish I could fly
I wish, I wish I could lie
I will, I will try
I will, I will
Goodbye
The lyrics to the Smashing Pumpkins' song "Drown" depict a deep sense of longing and unrequited love. The first verse speaks of the singer's ability to hear their loved one even when they are drowning - a metaphor for feeling overwhelmed or defeated. The second verse describes the loved one traveling far, like a star, and the singer still being able to hear them when they dream. The chorus repeats the phrase "all of those yesterdays coming down", perhaps referring to memories or regrets that weigh on the mind. The bridge poses a question - "Is it something someone said?" - as though the singer is searching for an answer to why the relationship didn't work out. The final lines of the song, "I wish I could fly, I wish I could lie, I will try, I will goodbye", suggest a sense of resignation and a desire to escape from the pain of the situation.
Line by Line Meaning
No matter where you are
I can still hear your troubles and pain, no matter how distant
I can still hear you when you drown
Even if you're sinking in despair, I'm always with you
You've traveled very far
You've journeyed through highs and lows to find me
Just to see if I'll come around
To check if I'll still be here when you need me the most
When I'm down
In my difficult times, you're my anchor and support
All of those yesterdays
Memories of the past that still linger in my mind
Coming down
Raining down like a storm and overwhelming my emotions
I can still hear you when you dream
In your hopes and aspirations, I'm always listening
You traveled very far
You went beyond the boundaries of reality to chase your dreams
You traveled far, like a star
You shone bright like a celestial body in the dark sky of life
And you are
You are the light that illuminates my path when all is lost
Is it something someone said?
Is it the words of others that haunt you and make you feel small?
Was it something someone said?
Did someone question your worth and make you doubt yourself?
Yesterday the sky was you
You were the embodiment of hope and freedom that brightened my world
And I still feel the same
Even after all that has happened, my love for you remains unchanged
Nothing left for me to do
I'm helpless and lost without you by my side
I wish, I wish I could fly
I long to escape from this mundane existence and soar freely
I wish, I wish I could lie
I desire to conceal my pain and sorrow behind a facade of happiness
I will, I will try
I'm willing to overcome any obstacle to be with you
I will, I will
I'll keep fighting for our love until the very end
Goodbye
The time has come to bid farewell and hope for a better tomorrow
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: William Patrick Corgan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@greenxxghostie
No matter where you are
I can still hear you when you drown
You've traveled very far
Just to see you I'll come around
When I'm down
All of those yesterdays
Coming around
No matter where you are
I can still hear you when you dream
You traveled very far
You traveled far, like a star
And you are
All of those yesterdays
Coming around
Is it something someone said?
Was it something someone said?
Yesterday the sky was you
And I still feel the same
Nothing left for me to do
And I still feel the same
I wish, I wish I could fly
I wish, I wish I could lie
I will, I will try
I will, I will
Goodbye
@skylerjohnson5632
Used to work in a jail. One of the frequent inmates was a guy named Brian who loved 90s music and this song. He couldn't believe I had never heard it. Loved it ever since. Hope you stopped stealing cars, Brian.
@julietv3863
Lol 😂
@donaldnickman4119
Good luck out there Brian!
@jb8280
Ok, that was funny AF. No more auto theft, BRIAN.
@weilanddavis5256
No matter what mood I'm in. Once that guitar riff hits I feel better.
@alphonsushurley4883
Weiland Davis me too
@jimsotis9883
Preach.
@4ever242
yeah, absolutely
@DiamondPlatedJim
Absolutely.. perhaps their best tune. By far their most underrated.
@paulalindner7553
best song ever made by them