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.
Bullet Train To Osaka
The Smashing Pumpkins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(In English: "Osaka-bound bullet train now departing")
The opening line of "Bullet Train to Osaka" by The Smashing Pumpkins sets the tone for the entire song. The band's fascination with Japanese culture is on full display, as the lyrics describe a high-speed train hurtling toward Osaka. The verse is sung in Japanese, adding a layer of exoticism to the song. The word "bullet" is also significant, as it connotes speed and danger.
But the song is not just about a train ride. It's a metaphor for something much darker. The chorus repeats the phrase "Bullet train to Osaka," but this time it's paired with the line, "knife in my hand." It's clear that the journey to Osaka is not just a physical one; it's a psychological one as well. The singer has taken up a weapon, perhaps with the intention of doing harm. The imagery is visceral and disturbing, and it speaks to the band's willingness to explore taboo themes in their music.
Overall, "Bullet Train to Osaka" is a haunting song that showcases The Smashing Pumpkins' unique style. Through the use of Japanese language and imagery, the band creates a sense of otherness that adds to the song's unsettling atmosphere. The lyrics suggest violence and danger, but they also hint at deeper psychological themes that are left open to interpretation.
Line by Line Meaning
Oosaka iki shinkansen hassha itashimasu
The bullet train heading towards Osaka is now departing from the station.
Contributed by Sebastian T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Sam Caudwell
When I first heard this song around 10 years ago, I said I'd make it out to Japan and now I sit here on the bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka listening to it. Made it! Now for a long day of work ahead...
jason berreto
Smashing Pumpkins should release a box set with all the outtakes and b-sides from 1989-1998... ALL OF Them!!
Brandon Gore
Never heard them like this before. Not to doubt them at all, but I never considered they were capable of this style.
NinjaMatt2201
This was on an album called earphoria. Companion to a video release called viewphoria that has their music videos and some live performances. It's out of print.
Jeffrey R.
@Andrew Werdna It takes humility to take ownership, and I salute you for that. I think we're all clear now! :) Thanks and a big cheers your way brother.
Jeffrey R.
@Andrew Werdna I wish you a better day, friend.
Murray Henman
@Andrew Werdna Great way to make friends.
Vladislav The Poker
We have the same thought lol this is so not sp
Jude C
I’m here because Spotify doesn’t let me listen to it
Dingus Glurt
I wish they would have kept a lo-fi sound like this.