Every band has to have that one song that has no other meaning than pure love. “Beautiful” by The Smashing Pumpkins is as simple as its title: It’s about just love. Love, in a grungy, introspective, pessimistic way, but nevertheless love.
I first heard this song on a rainy afternoon, the kind of day where you just want to be alone with your thoughts and let the music wash over you. I remember stumbling upon this song at a friend’s house, and from the first few chords, I was captivated. The hauntingly beautiful melody and poetic lyrics spoke to me in a way that few songs ever have.
The song opens with the lines “Beautiful, you’re beautiful, as beautiful as the sun. Wonderful, you’re wonderful, as wonderful as they come.” It’s a simple and direct expression of admiration and adoration for someone. The Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan’s vocals are filled with raw emotion, conveying the depth of his feelings.
As the song progresses, we hear lines like “I can’t help but feel attached, to the feelings I can’t even match, with my face pressed up to the glass, wantin’ you.” These lyrics speak to the longing and desire that can consume us when we’re in love. The intensity of the emotions is palpable, and it’s a feeling that anyone who has ever been in love can relate to.
The chorus of the song repeats the lines “And I’m sure you know me well, as I’m sure you don’t. But you just can’t tell, who you’ll love and who you won’t.” It’s a reminder that love is unpredictable and can often leave us feeling confused and uncertain. No matter how well we think we know someone, we can never truly know their heart and who they will choose to love.
The bridge of the song offers a glimmer of hope amidst the melancholic tones. Corgan sings, “And I love you, as you love me, na na na na na na, na na na, na na na na na na, na na na.” It’s a beautiful moment of connection and unity, a reminder that love has the power to bring people together.
Listening to “Beautiful” feels like taking a journey through the ups and downs of love. It’s a song that beautifully captures the complexities and contradictions of romantic relationships. The Smashing Pumpkins’ signature sound, with its mix of grunge and alternative rock, adds an extra layer of depth and emotion to the lyrics.
Released in 1995 as part of their iconic album “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness,” “Beautiful” remains a beloved track for fans of The Smashing Pumpkins. Its timeless message of love and its ability to evoke strong emotions make it a song that continues to resonate with listeners even today.
Credits
Produced By: Alan Moulder, Billy Corgan & Flood
Written By: Billy Corgan
Background Vocals: D’arcy Wretzky
Drums: Jimmy Chamberlin
Bass: D’arcy Wretzky
Guitarists: James Iha & Billy Corgan
Vocals: Billy Corgan
Arranged By: Billy Corgan
Recording Assisted By: Dave Kresl & Claudine Pontier
Recorded By: Billy Corgan, James Iha, Chris Shepard, Alan Moulder, Flood & Barry Goldberg
Mastered By: Howie Weinberg
Mixing Assisted By: Barry Goldberg
Mixing: Alan Moulder, Billy Corgan & Flood
Release Date: October 23, 1995
Cover Version: “Beautiful” by 周國賢 (Endy Chow)
Tags
Rock
Listening to “Beautiful” by The Smashing Pumpkins is like immersing yourself in a bittersweet journey of love. It’s a song that speaks to the depth of our emotions and reminds us of the complexity of human relationships. So, the next time you need a song that captures the essence of love, give “Beautiful” a listen and let it transport you to a place where emotions run deep and music speaks to your soul.
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