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.
C'mon
The Smashing Pumpkins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
yeah, yeah, c'mon
peel away the day
wondering what to say
when you're feelin' real slow
and you're reelin' from the show
then you're seein' you at the door
I can't find a day
wondering who I'll be
when you're feelin' real slow
and you're reelin' from the show
ain't lookin' for trouble, ain't lookin' to see
just want motherfuckers like you and me
c'mon
yeah
The Smashing Pumpkins song "C'mon" is a raw and emotional track that speaks to the feeling of loneliness and the search for connection. The opening lyrics, "peel away the day, wondering what to say" convey a sense of introspection and anxiety. The singer is left pondering their own purpose and looking for something to hold onto. The repetition of "yeah, yeah, c'mon" acts like a plea for companionship, a call for someone to understand them and share their journey.
As the song continues, the lyrics become more impassioned, and the singer seems to be frustrated with the world around them. "When you're feeling real slow and you're reeling from the show" speaks to the exhaustion that comes with trying to navigate life, and the "show" could be interpreted as the expectations and pressures society places on individuals. The line "ain't looking for trouble, ain't looking to see, just want motherfuckers like you and me" suggests that the singer is tired of trying to change themselves to conform and wants to connect with those who are authentic and genuine.
Overall, "C'mon" is a powerful representation of the struggle to find meaning and connection in a world that can be overwhelming and isolating.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, yeah, c'mon
An energetic opening statement to invite people to join in on the song or any activity.
Yeah, yeah, c'mon
Repetition of the opening statement to further urge people to join in.
Peel away the day
Trying to forget about or remove the stress of the day.
Wondering what to say
Uncertainty in communication, unsure how to express oneself.
When you're feelin' real slow
Struggling with feelings of lethargy or low mood.
And you're reelin' from the show
Still experiencing the after-effects of a wild night or event.
When you're reachin' from the floor
Feeling helpless or defeated, perhaps metaphorically on the ground.
Then you're seein' you at the door
Realizing that it might be time to leave or move on from a situation.
I can't find a day
Feeling lost or without direction.
Wondering who I'll be
Uncertainty about one's future self or identity.
Ain't lookin' for trouble, ain't lookin' to see
Not seeking conflicts or drama, just wants to be around people who can relate.
Just want motherfuckers like you and me
Desiring the company of like-minded individuals who can empathize with shared experiences.
C'mon
Final call to action, inviting people to join in and support each other.
Yeah
Exclamation of enthusiasm and unity.
Contributed by John F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
afrodita borracha
this sounds so sabbath-like , ITS AWSOME
KazPranks
Whoa...demos shouldn't be allowed to be this good. Why wasn't this on an album?
Joshua
This was never on an album! It's so freaking good I love it. Smashing Pumpkins Demos are better than most bands greatest hits.
Dave Elswick
They surprise me everyday.
carrla10
Amazing song! Thank you SO much for uploading this!
JoTrev
What a gem 💎
Dragon Born
Man, I was listening to Royal Blood's "Figure It Out" and it reminded me of this, especially that double time section at the end. The Pumpkins were way ahead of their time, even on these early songs. Lots of standard rock vocabulary and tropes, but presented in such a fresh, unique way. I can't put my finger on it, but it's amazing.
Jonny Ed
One of my favourite Pumpkins songs (of which there are many)
slapping bumcheeks
better than anything sp have done in 10 years even in demo form
Chris H
It is a sick riff, but I'm sure it was excluded, due to the fact that it likely sounded very dated to the band at the time.