Disavowing the punk rock roots of many of their alt-rock contemporaries, they have a diverse, densely layered, and guitar-heavy sound, containing elements of gothic rock, heavy metal, dream pop, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, shoegazing, and, in later recordings, electronica. Corgan is the group's primary songwriter; his musical ambitions and cathartic lyrics have shaped the band's albums and songs, which have been described as "anguished, bruised reports from Billy Corgan's nightmare-land".
The Smashing Pumpkins broke into the musical mainstream with their second album, 1993's Siamese Dream. The group built its audience with extensive touring and their 1995 follow-up, the double album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 album chart. 1998's Adore would just barely miss out, peaking at number two. With 30 million albums sold worldwide, the Smashing Pumpkins were one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed bands of the 1990s. However, internal fighting, drug use, and diminishing record sales led to a 2000 break-up.
In 2006, Corgan and Chamberlin reconvened to record a new Smashing Pumpkins album, Zeitgeist. After touring throughout 2007 and 2008 with a lineup including new guitarist Jeff Schroeder, Chamberlin left the band in early 2009. Later that year, Corgan began a new recording series with a rotating lineup of musicians entitled Teargarden by Kaleidyscope, which encompassed the release of stand-alone singles, compilation EP releases, and two full albums that also fell under the project's scope—Oceania in 2012 and Monuments to an Elegy in 2014. Chamberlin and Iha officially rejoined the band in February 2018. The reunited lineup has released three albums so far—Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun. in November 2018, Cyr in November 2020, and ATUM in 2023.
Apathys Last Kiss
The Smashing Pumpkins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You'll feel better if you lie
With the stars in your eyes
Honey, Honey where's my baby
She know better than to cry
With the stars in her eyes
I should know the lame
And the droll have needs
To let their feelings show
What's the matter what's the difference
What's the question you'll feel better
If you lie with the stars in your eyes
There is no safe place to go
I should know the lame
And the droll have needs
To let their feelings show
Bury your heart in a hole
Bury your heart in a bury your heart in a
Bury your heart in a hole
The lyrics to "Apathys Last Kiss" by The Smashing Pumpkins speak to the struggles of emotional detachment and the desire to escape from reality by burying oneself in falsehoods. The opening lines suggest that it doesn't matter what the truth is or what the differences may be, as long as one can find temporary solace by lying to oneself. The mention of "stars in your eyes" implies a dream-like state or a delusion that provides temporary relief from facing reality.
The second verse shifts the focus to someone else, possibly the singer's partner. The use of "Honey, Honey" suggests intimacy and affection, but there is a recognition that this person also knows the power of deception. The line "She knows better than to cry with the stars in her eyes" reinforces the idea that they, too, are seeking escape from their own emotions.
The refrain repeats the sentiment that there is no safe place to go and that the singer should know because even those who appear indifferent or unfeeling ("the lame and the droll") have their own needs and desires to express their emotions. This highlights the universality of the struggle with apathy and emotional detachment.
The closing lines, "Bury your heart in a hole," echo the previous notions of avoidance and escapism. The repetition emphasizes the need to bury one's emotions deeply, perhaps even to the point of oblivion. It suggests a desperate attempt to shield oneself from pain or vulnerability.
Overall, "Apathys Last Kiss" explores the themes of emotional avoidance, disillusionment, and the need for human connection in a world that often encourages detachment.
Line by Line Meaning
What's the matter what's the difference
What is the significance of the situation, what is the distinction or importance
You'll feel better if you lie
You will experience an improvement in your emotional state if you deceive or hide the truth
With the stars in your eyes
Having a dreamy, idealized perspective or being captivated by something
Honey, Honey where's my baby
Darling, darling where is my loved one
She know better than to cry
She is wise enough not to shed tears
There is no safe place to go
There is nowhere that provides complete security or refuge
I should know the lame
I have personal experience with those who are uninspiring or unimpressive
And the droll have needs
Even those who are amusing or humorous have desires or requirements
To let their feelings show
To express or reveal their emotions
Bury your heart in a hole
Conceal or hide your emotions, protect yourself emotionally
Bury your heart in a bury your heart in a
Completely bury or suppress your emotions
Bury your heart in a hole
Conceal or hide your emotions, protect yourself emotionally
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: WILLIAM PATRICK CORGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind