I Am One
The Smashing Pumpkins / Gish Lyrics


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I am one as you are three
Try to find messiah in your trinity
Your city to burn
Your city to burn
Try to look for something
In your city to burn, you'll burn
Am I as I seem?
I'm down
Down, so down

Time is right for a guiding light
Try to turn to reasons in your bitter life
Your city to burn
Your city to burn
Try to look for something
In your city to burn, you'll burn

See you, don't you just want to
See you, I am one
See you, don't you just want to
See you

See you, don't you just want to
See you, I am one




See you, don't you just want to
See you, I am one

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "I Am One" by The Smashing Pumpkins explore themes of individuality and rebellion against conformity. The opening line, "I am one as you are three," suggests that the singer sees himself as an outsider, someone who does not fit into the group mentality of society. He challenges the notion of a trinity, a symbol of religion and unity, which further reinforces his independence and non-conformity.


The lyrics also touch on the idea of destruction and the desire to burn down the city, a metaphor for the singer's frustration with society's norms and expectations. He admits to feeling down and lost, but suggests that the time is right for a guiding light, the hope for something better.


Towards the end of the song, the singer repeatedly sings, "See you, don't you just want to/See you, I am one," which can be interpreted as a call to arms for others who also feel like outsiders. He believes that in their uniqueness and individuality, they can find a sense of community.


Overall, "I Am One" is a powerful statement against conformity and an anthem for those who feel like outsiders, encouraging them to embrace their individuality and rebel against societal expectations.


Line by Line Meaning

I am one as you are three
I am an individual, separate from your group of three


Try to find messiah in your trinity
You may be searching for a savior, but you won't find it in your group


Your city to burn
A metaphor that means your actions have consequences, you are setting yourself up for destruction


Your city to burn
A repetition of the previous line, emphasizing the metaphorical warning


Try to look for something / In your city to burn, you'll burn
You should search for purpose, otherwise you'll self-destruct


Am I as I seem?
I am questioning whether or not I am who I appear to be


I'm down / Down, so down
I am feeling depressed and hopeless


Time is right for a guiding light
It is the appropriate moment to seek guidance


Try to turn to reasons in your bitter life
Look for optimistic explanations for what has happened to you


Your city to burn
A repetition of the previous metaphorical warning


Your city to burn
Continued repetition for emphasis


Try to look for something / In your city to burn, you'll burn
You'll face consequences if you don't find meaning in your life


See you, don't you just want to / See you, I am one
A desire for connection, while pointing out that we are still individuals


See you, don't you just want to / See you, I am one
Repetition of the previous line for emphasis




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: WILLIAM PATRICK CORGAN, JAMES YOSHINOBU IHA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@BeSimpleTV

Lyrics :
I am one as you are three
Try to find messiah in your trinity
Your city to burn
Your city to burn
Try to look for something
In your city to burn, you'll burn
Am I as I seem?
I'm down
Down, so down

Time is right for a guiding light
Try to turn to reasons in your bitter life
Your city to burn
Your city to burn
Try to look for something
In your city to burn, you'll burn

See you, don't you just want to
See you, I am one
See you, don't you just want to
See you

See you, don't you just want to
See you, I am one
See you, don't you just want to
See you, I am one



All comments from YouTube:

@baronvonorlock7039

Billy Corgan is one of the nicest guys in Rock n Roll. During the Gish tour in '91 they were playing a gig at the I-beam club in San Franciso. Me and my band at the time really wanted to go but were all broke and couldnt afford tickets. It just so happned that Billy Corgan went into the store my drummer worked at and bought a pair of Doc Martins off of him. When Billy found out we were a broke struggling band and all wanted to go to the show he put my entire band on his personal guest list. It was a kick ass show! Thanks again Billy! Pure class. 

@offsrx

Wow! What an honor, and what a phenomenal event! Lucky you! :)

@RamesesBolton

Baron Von Orlock Then he fucked Kurt Cobains wife. naughty Billy.

@ThomasPrattEsq

lol I've actually been given the bird by him. Spotted him at Walt Disney World and snapped a few photos. Last one, he was looking right at me, giving me the finger. Later found out it was his birthday that day! I'll never forget it. I don't think he was being mean at all, because he never even made a face, just gave me the finger.

@brinshut2140

in all fairness you were taking pictures of him

@uzumaki6759

You're like paparazzi or focurse he would giving finger to you

36 More Replies...

@bryanhargrove5452

What I love about Billy's solos is that he sounds like he is squeezing the life out of his guitar with his emotions.

@manco828

The guy is a genius and utterly driven to perfection. Alas, not the rest of his band mates.

@porcelinaofthevastoceans3903

I love this❤

@danb1572

Ever heard of Jimmy Chamberlain and James Iha?@@manco828

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