Today

Smashing Pumpkins

About Today

"Today" is a song by American alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins, written by lead vocalist and guitarist Billy Corgan. The song, though seemingly upbeat, contains dark lyrics. Corgan wrote the song about a day in which he was having suicidal thoughts, exemplified by the reference to self-mutilation in the bridge. The contrast between the grim subject matter of the song and the soft instrumental part during the verses, coupled with use of irony in the lyrics, left many listeners unaware of the song's tale of depression and desperation. The song alternates between quiet, dreamy verses and loud choruses with layered, distorted guitar. "Today" was released in September 1993 as the second single from the band's second album and major label debut, Siamese Dream. Although Corgan opted for "Cherub Rock", the lead single from the album, to be the opening track, "Today" and its follow-up "Disarm" are credited in AllMusic for popularizing the band and "sen[ding] [Siamese Dream] into the stratosphere". "Today" has been generally well received by critics; a Blender article described it as having "achieved a remarkable status as one of the defining songs of its generation, perfectly mirroring the fractured alienation of American youth in the 1990s". 


Year:
1993
3:22
152 

 Struggling with Today? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!

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

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Smashing Pumpkins

The Smashing Pumpkins are an American alternative rock band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 1988. Formed by frontman Billy Corgan (lead vocals, lead guitar) and James Iha (rhythm guitar), the band has included Jimmy Chamberlin (drums), D'arcy Wretzky (bass guitar), Melissa Auf der Maur (bass guitar), and currently includes Mike Byrne (drums), Nicole Fiorentino (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Jeff Schroeder (rhythm guitar) among its membership. more »

5 fans

Written by: William Patrick Corgan

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Today" was written by Smashing Pumpkins' lead vocalist and guitarist Billy Corgan. It is one of the most popular songs by the alternative rock band.
Album Facts
The track is off their second studio album, "Siamese Dream", which was released in 1993. The album is often considered one of the most influential albums in alternative rock history.
Music Video Direction
The music video for "Today" was directed by Stéphane Sednaoui, a French photographer and director known for his work with Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2, and more.
Chart Performance
"Today" is one of the band's highest-charting songs. In the United States, it peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
Song's Theme
The song has a rather dark theme; it was written when Billy Corgan was going through a major depressive phase in his life. The lyrics discuss themes of self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
Contrasting Music & Lyrics
Despite its dark lyrics, "Today" is noted for its upbeat and catchy music - a move that Corgan made intentionally to contrast the two elements.
Live Performance
A landmark moment of "Today" in Smashing Pumpkins' history was when they performed it live in front of 250,000 people during the 1993 MTV Video Music Awards.
Song Influence
Despite the song's dark origins, "Today" has had a great influence over the decades. It's been covered by many artists and has appeared in movies, commercials and video games.
Sonic Experiment
"Today" uses a mix of heavily layered sounds and lighter, dreamlike riffs. This song encapsulates the "wall of sound" approach used by the band in this time period.
Mental Health Impact
While the song portrays dark themes, it has become a beacon of hope for many fans who are struggling with mental health issues.

Discuss the Today Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Today Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/736779/Smashing+Pumpkins/Today>.

    Missing lyrics by Smashing Pumpkins?

    Know any other songs by Smashing Pumpkins? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Today

    44.5M
    255.7K     7,583

    more tracks from the album

    Today

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    REM: “I thought that I heard you laughing. I thought that I heard you sing. I think I thought I saw you ____”.
    A try
    B lie
    C fly
    D cry

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Smashing Pumpkins tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!