The Smashing Pumpkins - Today
The Smashing Pumpkins' song "Today," released in 1993 as part of their seminal album Siamese Dream, is widely recognized for its seemingly upbeat melody contrasting sharply with its dark lyrical content. Written by frontman Billy Corgan, the song emerged from a period of profound depression and suicidal ideation he experienced following the band's initial success with their debut album Gish. Corgan has often described "Today" as a sarcastic take on his feelings, a defiant declaration that despite his internal struggles, he would choose to live through another day.
The creation of Siamese Dream, including "Today," was a challenging process for the band, marked by internal tensions and Corgan's perfectionism. The album was produced by Butch Vig, known for his work on Nirvana's Nevermind, and recorded on analog tape, a meticulous process that contributed to the album's rich, layered sound. "Today" quickly became one of the band's most iconic tracks, propelling them into mainstream recognition. Its music video, featuring Corgan driving an ice cream truck through various surreal and desolate landscapes, further cemented its place in 90s alternative rock culture. The video's narrative, inspired by a memory Corgan had of an ice cream truck driver giving away his stock upon quitting, visually echoed the song's themes of despair and a yearning for escape. While the song achieved significant commercial success, particularly on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, its enduring legacy lies in its candid exploration of mental health struggles wrapped in an accessible, anthemic package.
The Smashing Pumpkins - Today Lyrics
Today is the greatest
Day I've ever known
Can't live for tomorrow
Tomorrow's much too long
I'll burn my eyes out
Before I get out
I wanted more
Than life could ever grant me
Bored by the chore
Of saving face
Today is the greatest
Day I've ever known
Can't wait for tomorrow
I might not have that long
I'll tear my heart out
Before I get out
Pink ribbon scars
That never forget
I tried so hard
To cleanse these regrets
My angel wings
Were bruised and restrained
My belly stings
Today is
Today is
Today is
The greatest day
I want to turn you on
I want to turn you on
I want to turn you on
I want to turn you
Today is the greatest
Today is the greatest day
Today is the greatest day
That I have ever really known