Lucky 13
The Smashing Pumpkins Lyrics
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I suppose
Breaking jars
I'm no good
As the prodigal son
And I know that you're mesmerized
You had a vision, made these laws
I miss him so
You are so fucked
It has begun
Revolution crawls
All over you
I was listening
You light up the sky
And scrape out your skull
Your lovely face
Will never be claimed thrice
And we're so unlikely to
Upon my wrists I bear the cross
My losses mount as I climb across the home
Of my own soul
I'll claim my prize
I don't exist
I am divine
A ghost with eyes
The lyrics of The Smashing Pumpkins's Lucky 13 is a mixture of obscure and esoteric images, symbols, and ambiguous meanings that make it difficult to interpret. It's possible to interpret it as a song that deals with the themes of blood, family, spirituality, and revolution. The opening line, "It's in blood, I suppose," could mean that the singer's behavior, attitude, and troubles are inherent or passed down from his/her family. "Breaking jars, I'm no good, as the prodigal son" can be interpreted as a reference to the biblical story of the prodigal son who wasted his inheritance and returned home to be forgiven by his father. The line "Breaking jars" could signify the singer's destructive and self-sabotaging behavior, which makes him/her feel unworthy of forgiveness or redemption.
The chorus ("You light up the sky, And scrape out your skull, Your lovely face, Will never be claimed thrice") creates a surreal and visceral image of a person lighting up the sky and then scraping out his/her skull. It could represent an act of self-mutilation or a metaphorical representation of a person's mental state. The line "Your lovely face, will never be claimed thrice," could be a reference to the Christian belief in the Holy Trinity of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the idea that a person's soul (or face) cannot be claimed by the Devil (or any other entities) three times.
The verse "And we're so unlikely to, upon my wrists I bear the cross, my losses mount as I climb across the home of my own soul," could represent the singer's struggle with his/her inner demons and the obstacles he/she faces in achieving redemption or salvation. The mention of "the cross" could signify the Christian belief in self-sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption. The line "my losses mount as I climb across the home of my own soul" could be a metaphor for the singer's journey of self-discovery and his/her realization that his/her past mistakes and losses are the foundation of his/her present and future.
Line by Line Meaning
It's in blood
This characteristic or behavior runs in my family.
I suppose
I'm not entirely sure, but I believe this to be true.
Breaking jars
Destroying things, often for no particular reason.
I'm no good
I'm not a good person, or I don't have any special talents.
As the prodigal son
Like the biblical character who left home and returned after wasting his inheritance.
And I know that you're mesmerized
I understand that you're captivated or spellbound by something or someone.
You had a vision, made these laws
You had an idea or plan, and made rules to support it.
And sanitized, are we above desires
And now that we've made things more acceptable and orderly, are we free from wanting things?
I miss him so
I feel deep sadness or longing for someone who is no longer around.
You are so fucked
You are in deep trouble or have made a terrible mistake.
It has begun
Something new and significant has started.
Revolution crawls
Big changes are happening slowly, but surely.
All over you
These changes will affect you deeply and completely.
I was listening
I was paying attention and trying to understand.
You light up the sky
You have a huge impact or influence on the world around you.
And scrape out your skull
You dig deep within yourself to find inspiration or creativity.
Your lovely face
Your appearance or reputation may be attractive or appealing.
Will never be claimed thrice
You will never have the same level of success or recognition three times in a row.
And we're so unlikely to
It's highly improbable that we will ever achieve this or experience this.
Upon my wrists I bear the cross
I carry a heavy burden or responsibility that is difficult to escape.
My losses mount as I climb across the home
As I strive to achieve something, I endure losses or setbacks along the way.
Of my own soul
Within my own self or consciousness.
I'll claim my prize
I'll achieve my goal or get what I want.
I don't exist
I don't have a real or tangible existence.
I am divine
I have qualities or characteristics that are god-like or spiritual.
A ghost with eyes
Someone who appears present but feels disconnected or detached from reality.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: WILLIAM PATRICK CORGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nate Mekis
It's in blood
I suppose
Breaking jars
I'm no good
As the prodigal son
And I know that you're mesmerized
You had a vision, made these laws
And sanitized, are we above desires
I miss him so
You are so fucked
It has begun
Revolution crawls
All over you
I was listening
You light up the sky
And scrape out your skull
Your lovely face
Will never be claimed thrice
And we're so unlikely to
Upon my wrists I bear the cross
My losses mount as I climb across the home
Of my own soul
I'll claim my prize
I don't exist
I am divine
A ghost with eyes
Sam Crooker
Still waiting on the day The Pumpkins officially release this masterpiece album... It’s sad how overlooked Machina II is, considering A LOT of it is some of the best material they ever wrote....
Renating&tang
@jetally They were practically the first to release an albun non-profit like that, were they not? A lot of controversy, and at that time the industry was fighting the fans need to share music. Not yet able to vision moneymaking on platforms like Spotify. I loved that al um for everything it was, and I don't mind the hidden gem that fans still can bring forth to new listeners.
jetally
Nothing can compare to how it was originally released tho - the rare vinyls and fanbase project to bootleg and spread it far and wide for free
Roger Vincoletto
@StarZod many thanks, thats some great news!
StarZod
@Roger Vincoletto actually happening, in fact i believe the tracks are either in the mastering stage or are complete. i think it could come out sometime this year
Roger Vincoletto
@StarZod really? wishful thinking or actually happenning?
jetally
Jimmy Chamberlain is the best drummer of our generation and this song is a perfect union of two musical soulmates
SuperStarJack
I love this song!
Christopher Bingham
At the end of this, it sounds like Jimmy is saying "I'm juggle-drummed out, man" So that's why this song ends so awkwardly. It's a shame that they never recorded a proper ending to this song. This would be one of the top 4 best songs they ever did. It rocks so hard. In Jimmy's defense I don't blame him... he was playing his ass off the whole time and if you keep playing like that for long enough at one time, you will get tired.
datapusher
jungle drummed out**