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.
Isolation
The Smashing Pumpkins Lyrics
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Smashing Pumpkins - Isolation
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Be clear every day, every evening
It calls here aloud from above
Carefully watched for a reason
Mistaking devotion and love
From others who care for themselves
But life as it touches perfection
Appears just like anything else
Isolation
Mother, I tried, please believe me
I'm doing the best that I can
I'm ashamed of the things
I've been put through
I'm ashamed of the person I am
Isolation
But if you could just see the beauty
These things I could never describe
Pleasures and wayward distraction
Is this my wonderful prize?
Isolation
The Smashing Pumpkins' song "Isolation" expresses a sense of loneliness and detachment from the world. The lyrics describe being watched and judged by others, trying to be understood and accepted for who you are, but ultimately failing. The repeated use of the word "isolation" suggests that the singer feels trapped in their own thoughts and feelings and can't escape from it. They express sorrow over the mistakes they have made and the person they have become, but simultaneously, they are trying their best to improve themselves.
The song seems to be about the struggle of being human and the often unattainable goal of perfection. The line "life as it touches perfection appears just like anything else" suggests that even when we strive for perfection, it can still feel commonplace and unfulfilling. The vocal performance in the song is hauntingly beautiful and adds to the overall feeling of isolation conveyed in the lyrics. The music is understated and melancholic, creating a somber mood that perfectly captures the emotion of the lyrics.
Overall, "Isolation" is a poignant and introspective song about the human experience. It explores themes of loneliness and imperfection, and offers a sense of hope that beauty can be found even in the midst of isolation.
Line by Line Meaning
Be clear every day, every evening
Every day and night, make sure to have clarity in your thoughts and actions
It calls here aloud from above
A voice calls out from above, possibly representing a higher power or one's conscience
Carefully watched for a reason
One's actions are being closely monitored with a particular purpose in mind
Mistaking devotion and love
Confusing feelings of devotion with true love
Surrendered to self-preservation
Giving in to the instinct of self-preservation at the cost of others
From others who care for themselves
Others prioritize their own well-being over anyone else's
But life as it touches perfection
Life can approach perfection at times
Appears just like anything else
These moments of perfection are not always noticeable or distinguishable from ordinary moments
Isolation
Feeling alone and cut off from others
Mother, I tried, please believe me
Asking for a mother's understanding and trust after making a difficult effort
I'm doing the best that I can
Trying one's hardest to succeed despite challenges
I'm ashamed of the things
Feeling guilty or remorseful for past actions
I've been put through
Experiencing difficult or trying situations
I'm ashamed of the person I am
Feeling a sense of disgust or disappointment in oneself
But if you could just see the beauty
If only one could perceive the beauty that exists
These things I could never describe
There are experiences that cannot be fully captured in words
Pleasures and wayward distraction
Indulging in pleasures and allowing oneself to be distracted from responsibilities
Is this my wonderful prize?
Questioning whether the temporary pleasure and distraction is worth the cost
Isolation
Feeling alone and disconnected from others
Contributed by Lincoln S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.